Evan's Visit from the Paci Fairy

After a visit to the dentist, who scared me with predictions of braces for the boys (possibly due to pacifier usage), I was motivated to begin the process of helping Evan to kick the pacifier habit. A few weeks ago, we began reading The Paci Fairy, a book about a fairy who trades pacies for toys. The idea is that pacies are needed for new babies and bigger children don't need them anymore. The book gave us language and a story to discuss with Evan as we prepped him for a visit from the Paci Fairy. 

Well, the Paci Fairy stopped by our house Monday night and traded his pacies for this cool trampoline. There has been a lot of bouncing in the last 24 hours and very little mention of missing his pacie. He's adjusting surprisingly well. Just a bit more stalling before sleeping times (I need a drink, I want Dada, one more song, fold my blanket, and my personal favorite - I need medicine). I guess he was ready to kick the habit. Nice job, Evan!! 

Next Evan Project: Potty Trainig!!

(Do a search in blogger for "Paci Fairy" to see Ryan's and Evan's Paci Fairy stories right in a row!)

Under the Bed

They have discovered the fun that can be had hiding and playing under beds. 

Cute faces!

Millennium Park - Chicago

Last week we took a trip to Chicago. Christine asked me to come to her wedding dress fitting so I could learn how to her dress bustle works. The dress fitting was later in the afternoon, so Burke and I took the boys to Millennium Park in the morning. There are a lot of fun things to see at Millennium Park, and thankfully, it was a lovely day. 

First stop was the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus were rehearsing, so we got to sit and listen to some excellent classical music for a few minutes. 

Next stop, a sculpture called Cloud Gate - commonly known as "The Bean". It's a large, kidney bean-shaped sculpture made of mirrors. Here Ryan's checking out his reflection on the underside of the bean, as Evan looks on. 

A bean reflection picture of me with the boys. 

Last stop, Crown Fountain where the boys splashed around a bit. 

Evan soaking up the scene.

Ryan's in the center of the picture here. 

After the dress fitting, a swim (for the boys) in Christine & Joey's pool and dinner. We got them in their pjs to head home - but not before a quick walking-down-the-aisle run through with the ring bearer pillow. 

Pile Up

Reading & Writing

Reading!

And now Ryan can write too!

Last week, Ryan wrote his (and his brother's) entire name with intention and focus. This was a first. He was able to form the letters fairly easily. I think he'd be working the whole thing out in his head for a while, and finally just took a stab at it. Just in time to start preschool in 2 weeks.

Painting Ryan's Room

Now that Evan's room is painted, it was time to move on to Ryan's room. A couple weeks ago, we started the project. 

The walls were a dark green with a lot of holes, which Burke patched up. 

2 coats of primer and 2+ coats of "Roman Column" later...

Burke meticulously taped a stripe around the room. 

 Painting green and blue stripes. 

Ryan slept in Evan's room for 3 nights while his room was under construction. 

Removing the tape to reveal the stripes. 

Project complete!

Next project: the deck - time to power wash and stain!

Rocking Horse

1977

Becky's First Birthday

Riding a rocking horse: a birthday gift from my Grandpa Ponka

2012

My children riding that same rocking horse, 35 years later.

Christine's Shower

On August 4, my mom hosted a bridal shower for Christine. (By the way, it must be noted that August 4 was also my parents 39th wedding anniversary!) The guests were mostly Ponka friends and family, so we played a fun "get to know Christine" game. Lots of laughs! We had a nice lunch and then toward the end of the shower, all the Ponka / Lokey men arrived to visit with guests, help with gifts and enjoy the cake. 

The delicious cake!

Joey & Christine open gifts with the help of Ryan & Evan.

The gifts soon became drums. Of course!

The guests!

I think a good time was had by all. Now we eagerly await the wedding. We are all looking forward to a fun celebration! What an exciting time! Congrats to Joey & Christine!

Go Tigers!

On August 3, the boys went to their first Detroit Tiger baseball game. We all went to dinner in Greek Town and then headed over to the stadium. 

The free shuttle that picked us up in Greek Town - The Opa Bus! 

Ryan & Evan in the bottom of the picture.

Spectators!

Evan, Burke, Ryan, Christine, Joey & Steve

We watched 3 innings and then had to roam the stadium with the boys. 

We just had to take a ride on the Tiger Carousel.

After the carousel, we enjoyed some helmet ice cream. 

We returned to our seats and then headed home after the seventh inning. 

City view from our seats at dusk. 

We were happy for a Tiger win. 

Ryan & Evan's first Tiger game was a success. 

Thank you, Grandma & Grandpa, for the tickets. 

Ice Cream Truck

For whatever reasons, we do not have ice cream trucks where we live. Luckily, my parents have an ice cream truck that makes the round through their neighborhood. When we were visiting them last weekend, Ryan & Evan finally had their first ice cream truck encounter! 

Making their selections.

Yummy!

Thanks to Dada for shouting loud enough to get the driver's attention. 

And thanks to Grandpa for springing for the ice cream!

Ravinia

At the end of July, we took the boys to see a Laurie Berkner concert. The show was at Ravinia, outside Chicago. That is where the Chicago Symphony and other artists do outdoor summer concerts. I discovered Laurie Berkner shortly before Evan was born and she has become a family favorite. It was a real pleasure for the boys to see and hear her live (although, I may have enjoyed it more). 

We met Josh, Jen and Calvin at the concert. (Josh is a friend of Burke's from his high school days.) We had lawn seats and were able to enjoy a picnic during the concert. 

Laurie Berkner

Since we had tickets for the lawn, we were not allowed into the pavilion. 

This was a close as we could get. 

Evan craning his neck to get a glimpse. 

A special moment for me was when she started singing "Moon, Moon, Moon." It's one of Evan's favorite songs. I was holding him and he quietly began to sing along. It was so sweet. 

After the concert, we headed back to Josh & Jen's for naps and then BBQ. It was extra fun because Joey & Christine were able to drive over and join us for dinner. 

Burke & Josh with their boys. 

Calvin has a fun, happy energy and Ryan & Evan really enjoyed playing with him (and his toys). 

It was a really enjoyable adventure!