He's moving...quickly!

When we got Eric a bike for his birthday, Tim and I figured we'd have all summer to teach him how to ride. So much for that! As of this week, Eric has completely mastered the bike and is riding circles around us. Literally. Yesterday he rode over to the park and back. Enter a new era at the Schoening household! (turn the music off at the bottom of the screen to hear better)

Race for the Cure

This year, Tim was unable to do the Race for the Cure so my mom agreed at the last minute to come up and walk with Eric and I. It is always such a moving event. This year over 50,000 participated! Eric loved it and so did we. And as always, we primarily walked for Marge and to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Audrey's Birthday and Zoo visit

We had a busy May, one that included 2 birthday parties and the opening of the Polar Bears at the Zoo. It's hard to believe how fast our kids have grown up! Unfortunately we didn't get any shots of Jake at his 2nd birthday, but here is Audrey at her 3rd!

The polar bears were very fun to see but VERY crowded - hopefully we can get a better look when the crowds die down a little

Eric, Audrey and Jenna at the Zoo

Trucks!

May brought the opportunity to see some trucks up close and personal - a lot of them! We attended Touch A Truck in Powell and also had a fire truck (complete with firemen!) visit storytime at the bookstore. As you can see, we had a LOT of fun doing these - Eric will tell you that the fire truck is his favorite then quickly correct himself that the Zamboni was the best...it played music!

Eric and Audrey take a photo op at the police cars

The ice cream truck was a huge hit!

Ahoy, Captain Eric! Hmmmm....let's think about how I can get this fire truck home...

I'm sure I could drive this thing!
At the bookstore - this was a huge highlight - the fireman picked me up!!

This was so interesting. One of the firemen dressed in full gear so the kids could see what it would be like if they had to come into their house to rescue them. (This is still Fireman Jim, he's just dressed differently) Eric was not a fan, but it was a great learning experience and we like to look at the pictures now to remember what they look like.

What happened to April?

It's May already and we find ourselves asking, "What happened to April?!!" We had a lot of fun welcoming Spring in April, but most importantly, Eric turned 3! Because of my dad's surgery we had a small party in Charleston and then the one here at home. They were both enormously fun!! And once again, we also find ourselves saying, "where has the past year gone?" Life is certainly more measurable once you have children....where does time go? Here are some of the highlights from the past few weeks:

At the end of March we converted Eric's toddler bed to a full bed and he is doing very well! He loves having a big bed (and so do we!)
He also got some special gifts in March, made for the best of what Spring brings - rain!! Wearing his new Thomas rain coat and bug boots, we really enjoy playing in the rain!

Perhaps a highlight of the month...year...3 years? We got to go see a Playhouse Disney Live show! Eric was thrilled to say the least - ask him about the show and he can tell you every detail of the cast members songs and story! Featuring his favorite shows (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, My Friends Tigger and Pooh and Little Einsteins, as well as Handy Manny!), it was definitely a day to remember!

Part of the excitement was going to a nice theater for the first time - he loved looking around at all the lights, mirrors and paintings.
You can see the intensity - clapping and "saying the magic words" were very important!
The full cast comes out at the end!
At his get-together in Charleston, Mama Jean and Eric have a laugh together

Eric and Ashton had a LOT of fun playing together!

Nana and Papa Boo pose for a picture with Eric
Eric's first present from Mommy and Daddy was a new bike! Pedaling is still a little of a challenge but there's no doubt he'll get it soon! Besides, we have all summer to practice!
Meeska Mooska Eric Mouse!

As you can see, we had a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme!


The playgroup - cheers! We've got ears!
Eric blew out his first candle with ease but the other two took a few puffs! The kids crowd around the new presents

One of the cutest gifts that Eric got was an apron for making crafts and helping in the kitchen. However, Eric quickly discovered how to turn it around and make it a cape! He is frequently seen running around the house just like this...mostly in a blur...
After the party, we went to Montgomery Inn for some ribs with the Schoenings!

And to round out the month, Eric and Audrey got to go to the Franklin Park Conservatory to see the butterflies!

Whew! What a month! :)