When I Grow Up

I was able to get Rhea alone for a day and took her to the Arboretum. I love the taking pictures of her when she is just doing her own thing. She loves the water and isn't afraid of getting dirty as long as there is a dry set of clothes when she is finished.

Lake Michigan

We had a trip planned to the Lincoln Park Zoo and across the way to the Lake, but almost cancelled due to the temps. So, middle of the summer, be packed our sweatshirts and extra clothes since it would be too cold to have swim suits on. As you can see, the cold waters didn't stop us (or at least Stephen). The water wasn't really that bad once you were in it for AWHILE.





Since Lake Michigan was pretty much the same size as an Ocean in the chidren's eyes, we talked about sea animals this month. Below is a sample of Stephen's Ocean Notebook.

A Warm Day

Ah, a warm day at last. I took Rhea to Phillips Park today and enjoyed all of the flowers followed by a trip to the mini-zoo and the playground. I love this garden because it's different every year. I lucked out on the dress choice. It went great with the flowers!

Summer Trip to St. Louis

We had an opportunity to visit the Transportation Museum over the summer while seeing Grandparents, cousins and aunts in St. Louis. Stephen LOVED seeing all of the many trains and had a great time with his cousin Ryan!



While Stephen's favorite part of the weekend was the Transportation Museum, Rhea really enjoyed the Magic House. I don't think we missed ANYTHING. This was one of the first things that we saw. It was a huge wheel with tonal bars attached to it so that once you turned it, you would hold a mallet next to the bars to make music. I didn't blow up the wheel that she is turning. It was really that big!

Summer Fun in the Backyard

Stephen Camping and Fishing

June Fun has finally set in as it FINALLY got warmer. Well, mostly warmer. We had a few really hot days, but it has otherwise been our usual enjoyable summer.

Stephen's reward for his sticker chart in May was to earn a backyard camping trip with Daddy in hopes to earn another trip in June to the "wild." His behavior was all of a sudden amazing and we have had two months of super-kid on a mission. Hey, whatever works! The trial camping trip in the backyard went quite well except for Daddy's sore back in the morning. We managed to involve Rhea that night in a good ol' marshmallow roast followed by girl time with Mom while the boys settled in for the night.

Stephen and Tom then tried their luck in the "wild" forest preserve where they would let you out if the "wild" didn't agree with your kiddo. It was great that we didn't need to take them up on their middle of the night exit offers. Stephen had a GREAT time and caught a ton of fish, including a 12" bass. Daddy caught a few fish too including one with teeth that he discovered after it was too late. Ouch!

4th of July