So, after we finished at the museum, we went to a place called Sports Center (also in Topeka), that has mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages, a driving range, and arcade-type stuff. We did the first three, and also had a pizza picnic in the breezy sunshine (did I mention the weather was perfect?)

I don’t know if Ervin is going through a growth spurt and can’t get enough to eat, or is working on getting his first tooth, or didn’t get enough sleep, or what, but the kid was FUSSY. We only had the double stroller, out of which Ervin’s car seat (containing Ervin) may have fallen out of the stroller and on to the museum parking lot (you can contact me at gretafunk@notenoughpatience.com for info on where to send the Parents of the Year Award), and the baby carrier, inside which he was STILL crying even as I bounced, swayed, and shushed, so at this point in the day, I was getting a touch cranky.

And no, he was not hurt when the car seat fell out. He didn’t even cry. But some lady walking by laughed and I wanted to punch her in the face.

ANYWAY.

Did you know that one of the cutest things ever is a two year old playing mini golf?

After about a million holes, it was pizza time and go-kart time.

You can see a little bit of Ivy’s head next to T. here. If you could see her face,  you’d see the huge smile.

Uncle Ethan and Henry, holding on for dear life.

E. Belle, the spectator

And finally, the batting cages. This was the only part I really got to participate in, because I handed off the crying boy for a while. My butt is still a little sore (don’t ask me how), but I don’t think I did too badly. Henry and Essie cheered for me, at least. And no, there aren’t pictures of me batting. Just Henry.

Ring Around the Rosy action

Good effort, son. For somebody who has never been coached  on how to play baseball before, you were only a slight danger to yourself (and Uncle Ethan and Grandpa, who tried to help you)

The not-crying-at-the-moment boy with his Daddy

I can’t wait to find out what we’ll do next year for Labor Day. This year was a lot of fun for everybody (most of the time…Ervin…). Thanks, Mom and Dad!