Summer Fun

When we first came home from the hospital it felt like all we did was prepare to feed Kinley, feed Kinley, then clean up from feeding which usually also meant cleaning up throw-up and replacing an NG tube. That was our life for a few months. Then it was cold and flu season and we were told to keep Kinley away from other kids and crowds to try and prevent her from getting sick. Now the weather is nice and Kinley is only eating four times a day at regular intervals. It is so nice to finally be able to take Kinley out and about and have her play with other kids!! In fact, we are actually being encouraged to get her out and experience new things in hopes that it might stimulate her to talk more. What a total 180. So, here are some of the fun things we have been up to lately.

We took Kinley to Barnes and Noble to play with other kids back in the children's section, but unfortunately we must have gone at the wrong time because Kinley was the only kid there. Oh well, she did get a couple of new books out of the deal.

Last Friday we went to the Lenexa BBQ and Kinley had a great time playing with her friend Chase even though the weather was a little warm when we got there. Chase had a nice blanket laid out on the grass for him and Kinley to play on (with a fan blowing their direction and everything), but Kinley had other plans. She was crawling all over the place and for some reason she didn't seem to mind crawling on grass or dirt like she normally does. She was a handful, but she was having such a good time it was fun to just watch her play.

On Monday night Kinley went to her second Royal's baseball game to see them play the Minnesota Twins. This time we went with Grandma and Grandpa Seep and Aunt Mary. Kinley got to ride the merry-go-round before the game and had a fun time cheering on the Royals from her seat. Well, at least I think she was cheering for the Royals. She had on a blue shirt for the Royals, but wore her hat from Outing, Minnesota. I think she was trying to be diplomatic since she has a lot of relatives up in Minnesota that were probably watching the game. And yes, I did say Kinley was cheering earlier. Every once in a while she would just let out a little yell. It was pretty cute and we are happy with any noise from Kinley at this point.

Kinley on her merry-go-round ride

Kinley cheering on the Royals (or Twins)

Wednesday was date night for Kevin and I, so Kinley got to play with Grandma Melcher. She always enjoys her time with Grandma.

Thursday Kinley had a play date at the pool with a couple friends. Kinley still enjoys the pool, but I think she had the most fun crawling around the pool. Ouch! The concrete didn't seem to bother her though. I am starting to think her high tolerance for pain might be getting her in trouble soon.

Friday night Kinley attended her friend Chase's First Birthday Party. Chase and Kinley played together for a little bit, but Chase was busy entertaining and Kinley was busy exploring, so I was not able to get any pics of the two together. It was a fun night out though and Chase got a lot of really cool toys!

Saturday we had some friends over who were in town from Texas. Kinley awoke from her nap to find 2 new people in the house. Kinley has been doing pretty well being around new people and was showing off by walking all around the house (with a little help). When Kinley awoke from her second nap of the day our friends had left and Grandma and Grandpa Seep had arrived. We hung around the house and Kinley played with Grandma and Grandpa. After that Kevin and I took her to the arboretum for some fresh air and exercise. It was beautiful and not too hot out by the time we went. Unfortunately for Kinley she was pooped and fell asleep before fireworks started, so she missed out this year. Maybe next year.

Sunday evening we had a family get together at Kevin's Aunt's house. It was really nice to be together as a family and we got to see some relatives that we haven't seen for a while. Kevin's Aunt also has goats and there were a couple baby goats born 2 days ago. Kinley has become quite fearless lately trying to get into everything...

Here she is trying to pet the baby goat.

As you can see, we have been doing our part to stay active and expose Kinley to new things as much as possible. I think she is having a great time! (It has to be better than just hanging out with mommy and daddy at home like we used to do.)