Date Nights in Kansas City

The Kansas City area had so many fun options when it came to date nights. And lucky for us, we had grandparents as our go-to babysitters so Alex and I definitely tried to go on lots of dates this summer. We only got a couple of pictures (and apparently this striped shirt was my go-to date night article of clothing) but here's what we did:

• getting half-priced Sonic milkshakes after 8pm and driving around listening to music
• Going to a Royal game

• Going to the Plaza - walking around, getting last minute seats at Buca Di Beppo, and meandering through Barnes and Noble afterwards
• Getting Sheridan's custard waaaay too many times
• Walking around Westport - eating at Thai Place and getting ice cream at Murray's ice cream
• Ben Folds concert with the Kansas City symphony at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

• Seeing 'The Fault in Our Stars' and a really fun Bollywood Indian film called 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania'
• Seeing 'The Sound of Music' performed at Starlight (an outdoor theater)

Deanna Rose Farmstead

When Alex was back in Michigan for interviews, Ya-Ya, Addie and I went to Deanna Rose Farmstead in Overland Park. This was such a cute little place! We loved looking at the animals, visiting the little stores, and playing on the playground. This will definitely be a place I will take Addie again when we go back to visit.

The baby goats

Seeing a cow getting milked

Fingers are yummy

The Blacksmith

Looking at the geese

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

We went to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art a couple of times this summer. The grounds are absolutely amazing, and we spent most of our time outside looking at the different sculptures and installations. We even walked through a glass maze which was incredibly cool and disorienting at the same time.

“Ferment” stainless steel tree sculpture by artist Roxy Paine (or in our house we call it "the lightning tree")

 

 

My favorite sculpture on the Plaza close by

4th of July Fun

Our 4th was much different than last year - it's amazing what you can do when you don't have a baby that is just a couple of days old! :) The day started off early and I ran my first 5k. I was able to run the entire time, which was my goal from the beginning, and I even had enough energy to sprint at the end! My training ended up paying off too as the last mile had a slow climbing hill so I was very grateful that I had practiced on all the tall ones around the neighborhood. It was also very fun to run with such a huge group of people. Alex, Addie, and Tom were waiting at the finish line to cheer me on when I was done. It was a great experience overall, and I will definitely be running another! Below are my results and my playlist that I listened to during the race.

Playlist

Best of Me - The Starting Line

Brave -  Sara Barielles

Mean - Taylor Swift

Jet Lag - Simple Plan

The Middle - Jimmy Eat World

All the Small Things - blink-182

Hey Ya - OutKast

Always Be - Jimmy Eat World

Merry Happy - Kate Nash

Fire - Ingrid Michaelson

Finish line photo (not my best look...) with my cheering gang seen behind me!

I did it!!

After the race we came home, had breakfast, and then put Addie down for her morning nap. Alex left to go to the parade and when Addie woke up we followed suit. Alex had to be there earlier however as he was playing in the Shawnee Mission West High School alumni band in the parade. It is a mix of current and former students, and in years past there have been alumni in it with greying hair. This year however Alex was the oldest there, but he still had fun playing his trombone and marching along.

Watching all the Corvettes go by

SMWHS Louie Louie Band from Aggen Family on Vimeo.

We spent the rest of the day napping, going for a drive, playing, and getting Minsky's Philadelphia Cheese Steak pizza (so good!) While we didn't make it to the fireworks this year, we still had a busy and exciting Independence Day. 

1st Birthday Celebrations! (Part 1)

Addie's birthday was a fun filled day! Here's a recap of what we did to celebrate -

The day before I made vanilla cupcakes with homemade strawberry buttercream frosting which we shared with friends at a dinner that night

On Sunday (via Skype with Nani and Grampie) and then on the morning of her birthday, Addie opened presents from family!

We had blueberry pancakes for breakfast

We met up with Daddy for lunch at Panera. Addie ate bread and macaroni and cheese!

When Addie awoke from her afternoon nap we went to Splash Cove where we met up with Alex. Adelaide had a blast sitting in the zero-entry wave pool and playing in the water sprays (but mostly trying to drink the water...)

When we got home we had dinner, sang, ate birthday cake, and then Addie opened her presents from us - a turtle car and a Disney princess Belle toy. 

And here are videos!

Singing Happy Birthday from Aggen Family on Vimeo.

Eating Her Cupcake from Aggen Family on Vimeo.

1st Birthday Celebrations! (Part 2)

Since Yia-Yia was away on Addie's actual birthday, a few days later we had another party complete with 'Happy Birthday' headbands, more singing, and party horns! Addie LOVED getting to eat cake again, and she got the concept of opening presents even more (although she still prefers to climb in the boxes that the presents came in).

Videos of our birthday party fun!!

Birthday Party from Aggen Family on Vimeo.

Silly Mom! from Aggen Family on Vimeo.