Life and Science Museum

Blake and I had the ultimate Mommy and Son Date this week.... we went to the Life and Science Museum! It had everything a boy could want...and maybe a little more than a mommy could handle. Haha..

Train Rides...
The oldie but goodie train ride was awesome. We got to basically see the whole park this way! Plus, you can never go wrong with a train ride when it comes to Blake.

Giant Tree House....

While on the train ride we saw a giant tree house playground. This thing was insane! It had ropes bridges, several rooms, slides, everything! Blake took off and was ready to conquer that thing. Mommy, on the other hand, probably should have stretched first. Haha. 

Dinosaurs..

The best part of the whole day was going on the Dinosaur walk! Blake wasn't really sure what to expect and I think he was so surprised when he saw life size dinosaur models! I don't think he was fully convinced that they were fake. In his mind, he thought they were going to start moving any second. He wasn't really keen on having his back to any of them. He didn't trust them! Haha. I loved it because it reminded me of when I went there as a kid. So awesome! 

 

 Creek...
The Life and Science Museum and a beautiful pebble creek beside the tree house. It was a great place to cool off some.

Overwhelming Mommy Moment #1...
I forgot to mention that I was somewhat sick during this date. I had a really bad sinus cold. Oh yeah, and it was 96 degrees outside with awful humidity. After chasing Blake all over this massive tree house, it is obvious to say that I was overheated and maybe even running a fever. Regardless, I needed a break so I told Blake we were going to the little cafe to get lunch. Once we stood in line forever (with SO many people around), I got that really cold chill that often comes when you are gonna pass out. I immediately felt light headed. Great, I was by myself with Blake at a massive place...passing out was not an option and it was not on our schedule! Quick thinking kicked in and I grabbed a cup and got some ice at the drink machine. Blake loved eating the ice, but more importantly, I put the ice on the base of my neck and on my wrist. It cooled me off pretty quickly and I drank a ton of water. I started to calm down and feel a little better. Whew... Close call!

Butterfly Park and extras...
We went to the butterfly park last, then saw the inside of the museum, and even went to the gift shop. Blake got binoculars and a dinosaur egg that will hatch in the water. I guess I didn't take many pictures at that point because I was too focused on staying cool and not passing out again!

Overwhelming Mommy Moment #2:
When all was said and done we left and went to the car to head home.... almost... Once we got to the car I realized I didn't have my phone. Instant Panic Attack (for obvious reasons!!!). We quickly ran back inside and I checked the gift shop, which is the last place we went to. It wasn't in there. I tried to calm myself and thought maybe it was in the car and I just didn't see it because I was too worried. We went back tot he car and I looked very carefully for it. Nope. Not there! Instant panic attack AGAIN. We went back inside one more time and I went to the front desk. Thankfully my phone was there!!! I apparently left it in the bathroom and a nice person turned it in. Oh. My. Goodness. I was so grateful to the amazing person who turned my phone in!!! We went back to the car for a third and final time... ready to call it a day!

Even with my little mommy freak out moments, we had an amazing time! In fact, I think Blake was a typical boy and I am not sure he even noticed my panic moments. HAHA! We had a great time bonding over some of his favorite things. He also learned so much and grew in his fascination of dinosaurs. Surprisingly, this ended up being one of our favorite things this summer!

Life is good....

Aquaman

Recently Blake has shown some interest in fish! He was able to feed a friends fish and really enjoyed it. Since then, he has pointed out anytime a fish has been on tv or in real life.

I started to think that maybe a little fish would be a good age appropriate pet to have... and also maybe teach responsibility! Blake has been awesome recently, so I decided today would be a good day for a reward and a surprise!

We went to the pet store and Blake first picked out his Betta fish - he, of course, picked the blue one! I have to agree - they are the prettiest. He then picked a small 1 gallon fish aquarium for the fish. Blake liked the one with an LED light that changes colors. Then we picked the blue and green pebbles for the bottom of the tank. Finally, Blake got to pick out some little "toys" for the aquarium. He picked a submarine and a little crab. The submarine is actually really cool because the fish can swim into it and relax.

After getting home, we cleaned everything out and started putting together the fish's home! While doing that we named the fish. I tossed out a few cute fish names, like Bubbles. That was quickly shot down for Aquaman. Ok, Boy mom... got it! Super-fish!

Finally...Aquaman had an awesome home in Blake's room and Blake already fed him for the day! We are excited to have him as part of the family!

Best Friend Reunion

Blake's bestest friend ever is Hunter! These two met at Preschool last August and have been inseparable ever since. Unfortunately,  Hunter won't be back at preschool until January this year because his mommy is having a baby! Hunter will be staying at home until then to spend time with his family and get adjusted to their new addition.
(Mommy Side Note-  I might miss Hunter at preschool more than Blake. Hunter was always there before us in the morning, so Blake was always so excited to go! Now Blake might not be so chipper in the mornings about going to preschool. Fingers crossed we will be able to transition well in August!)

Thankfully Hunter is still close by! His family lives right in Rolesville and we try to get the boys together when possible. This past week we took them to Defy Gravity. They had a blast bouncing on all of the trampolines and obstacles.

We are so grateful that these boys have already learned the power of true friendships!

Pool Days & My Fish

At this point in the Summer I think it is safe to say that.... WE ARE ADDICTED TO THE POOL! I think Great Wolf Lodge sparked Blake's inner fish!

Last year Blake would not even want to get near a body of water. He would cling to me and scream. Not enjoyable at all! This year he is totally different!

This little fishy of mine has gotten pretty daring. He loves toddler pools because they are only like 1-2 feet. He will sit, splash, run, jump, and do all kinds of things in there! He will get it right up to his neck! He loves playing with toys in the toddler pool and still has quiet the imagination, even in the water! I like the toddler pool too, because I can just sit right in it and stay cool! HAHA!

Blake is also starting to feel more comfortable in the big pool. He still doesn't like to swim alone (with his swim gear on) and he HATES to have his face wet! With that said, he likes when he can stand in the shallow parts of the big pool. We practice kicking our feet and moving our arms (beginner swim lesson stuff). We also play little games in the big pool. His favorite is pretending he is the fish and I am the shark... basically I chase him everywhere. Kinda seems like real life instead of a game to me. HAHA! He also has gotten brave with jumping into the pool...again, as long as he doesn't go under or his face get wet!

We still have a good month of Summer left, so maybe he will make even more progress by then! I also think we will start the real swim lessons in the Spring of next year!

Hillridge Farms

We literally go to Hillridge Farms about 3 times a year and it amazes me how much fun we can have each time! You would think we would be bored of that place, but they keep adding new and awesome things! Plus, Blake still loves the train and the hayride - the classics!

This time, more than anything, I was just amazed at how my little baby has turned into such a little boy! He has become so independent and grown up. He loves to do things on his own and always says, "I can do this!" For some reason today just reminded me how much time flies. And can I just say, I have one handsome little boy?!?!!?

But no matter how much he grows and no matter how old he is... he will always be my baby boy!

July 4th

I know I have said it a million times... but Blake is really at the most fun age! This year was one of the exciting ages for the 4th of July. This is the age in which he can actually enjoy the fireworks and festivities!

July 4th this year had some unpredictable weather. It started out pretty rainy, so we crafted for a while. Glitter was literally everywhere, but we had fun making our fireworks!

We also had some fun at home with the Sparklers!!! Blake loved them... maybe a little too much! Haha. It made me nervous!

Finally we got to see the REAL fireworks in Rolesville! Thankfully we are close enough so that we can just drive right up and see them. My dad took his truck and we sat in the back and ate popcorn and candy! Blake loved it!

Watching him watch the fireworks really reminded me how magical they can be. :) Happy 4th!

June Resolutions

Summer is already flying by...almost too quickly. I really had to take some time this week to relax, I think we started Summer off with a bang and I had to get more energy to keep up! HAHA! Even though I may have been a tad exhausted, I did maintain my resolutions!

Books that I have read this month... (you can tell its summer...lots of books in the works right now!)

• Turning the Tables by Teresa Guidice
• The Single Woman: Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass by Mandy Hale 

Our Mommy/Son Dates this month have been Epic! I love Summer bc we get to experience extra time together and doing extra fun!...

• Great Wolf Lodge!!!
• Ice Cream Dates
• Library and Playground 
• Pullen Park
• Jumpin Beans (several times)