Catching up on June

I figured I should do a little catch up before we go on our big adventure. 

Last weekend was fun, with Amber's family in town for a wedding. They didn't stay with us, but we did get to see them a few times. We had hot dogs in the back yard and played some games on Friday night. Then on Saturday I had the pleasure of hanging out with little Louisa while everyone else attended a wedding reception. She wasn't very happy about going to bed for me, but Amber gave me the green light to put her in the car if needed, and that did the trick immediately. 

This past week has been busy. It feels like someone in the family has had a medical/pre-natal/dental appointment every day this summer. Monday was Pete's turn for a fun procedure at the hospital to try to figure out some of his gut issues. He rallied that night, though, and we met up with his parents and Liz and Vivian for a night at Ravinia. I didn't take too many photos, but this one captures the coolness of the evening. We were there for Esperanza Spalding. It was a great show, but both kids cashed out. 

 Tuesday night was Henry's last baseball game of the season. He got some good hits and did some fine fielding. I was most proud of him when he got out at second base and handled it well. Pete and I could see him taking some deep breaths- but there were no tears!

Vivian came to watch the game for a bit too. She was pretty okay with Pete...until she wasn't. 

 

Clara did lots of loving on her cousin. Hugging babies and toddlers is her specialty.

 Mostly Vivian was just go-go-go!

Last night was great fun as Kevin and Beth were in town from Belize. We only get to see them about once a year now. Unfortunately, with our packing and craziness we were just able to spend an afternoon with them, but we tried to make the most of it. It was hot, so while we waited for Pete to come home the kids played in the pool and then we dragged the little one over so adults could cool their feet while chatting. The kids wanted in on that action too...and Henry shared his Garfield books. 

Once Pete got home we all went out for sushi. It was delicious. 

Even though we had plenty to eat at dinner, I felt like the night called for ice cream....so we ended the evening with a stop at Baskin Robbins and a little playing at the Village Green. That should tide us over until we get to see them again next year! 

And now, stay tuned for short mobile posts from the road!

Cincinnati

We had a very nice weekend in Cincinnati to visit Liz and Van in their new home. The house is lovely, but I seem to not have any photos of it. I have lots of pictures of cute kids, though! Here are Henry and Clara having their first Cracker Barrel experience on the way to Ohio.

 We got to spend a little time with Vivian Friday night when we first got in, and then she was ready to play the next morning when we all got up.

 Vivian was very interested in what these big kids were doing in her house.

 On Saturday, after breakfast, we went to a fun little pumpkin patch/amusement place. There was a corny (excuse the pun) puppet show. (Carrie- you can kind of see the ex-Showbiz puppets in the corner here!)

There were also some rides, the kids and Liz and I tried out this monkey one. Clara thought it was creepy and hilarious that we were inside the monkey. 

 We tried to get some pictures of the cousins together. It was a challenge to get them all looking in the same direction at the same time, but this one is pretty cute.

And here's a nice picture of our charming hosts.

After some disappointing football we went out for a fun dinner at Joe's Crab Shack.

 

It was a late night and we all tried to sleep in a little the next morning. Liz made sure I saw this sweet little sleeper before she awoke, though. It was a struggle not to pick her up and just snuggle her.

Sunday morning we had another first for Henry and Clara- their first breakfast at Big Boy!! I don't know if I've been to a Big Boy since I was a kid in California.

  
After breakfast we went to the Cincinnati zoo, which was really nice. 

 I'm not actually reaching out to rub this man's belly. I was petting the snake.

 We didn't get a picture of the naked mole rats, which were our favorite moment at the zoo, but these manatees were a close second. They were monching on some lettuce. It was mesmerizing.

 After a long afternoon at the zoo (and a long weekend of hosting her cousins!) Vivian was getting pretty worn out, so we said goodbye to them and then we made a couple more stops that Liz guided us to. We loved this guy in the night hunters house. The insect building was very cool too.

 

It just didn't feel right to leave Cincinnati without going to Graeter's, so we went a bit out of our way and stopped for some ice cream before we finally got on the road to head home. It was a long, late drive, but the ice cream helped.

Thanks to Liz, Van and Vivian for a fun weekend!

Field Trip

Before we were rained out at Northbrook Days last night little Vivian got to enjoy some of the fun. She makes this hilarious face. It doesn't look as cute on me.

 

When it started clouding over (the first time) we ran for home and enjoyed a little play time while we sat out the rain. 

 

 Clara really enjoys playing with her little cousin.

 And Vivi seemed to enjoy meeting Franklin as well.

 This morning we were supposed to have a visit from the carpenter to start fixing our family room wall. There was apparently a miscommunication, which left the kids and I with a full day free. I mean, we could have done some work around the house, but it seemed a field trip was in order. I gave them the option of driving about an hour to check out a small zoo, or hopping on the train, riding to the end of the line, and seeing what we could find in Fox Lake. They opted for the zoo.

 It was a tiny little place, but an accredited zoo, so it was very nicely kept.

 Most of the animals were local, but I really liked this little burro.

 This guy was cracking me up. He kept kicking out one leg to dig a little spot for himself in the dirt. A lady near me wondered aloud if he must be sitting on eggs. I didn't go into a definition of the term "cock" but I did mention that I was pretty sure he was a he.

 I also loved the foxes.

 We almost missed the coyote, but went back to find him. He was very sweet. The kids really seemed to enjoy seeing him.

 Maybe tomorrow we'll hop the train.

Catch Up

I've spent a lot of time away from home recently, and there doesn't seem to be much of an end in sight. We're so glad to have the minivan!

Last weekend we went to Cincinnati to visit sweet little Vivian.
On Saturday Van and Liz treated us to a trip to the Aquarium. While we waited for our entrance time we were entertained by this juggler. I can't believe I let Henry volunteer to participate after I had seen this guy drop a few things, but he was excited. And Clara was fascinated.
Here's Clara with her patented sideways smile getting ready to see some fish....
...and frogs.
Sunday was Vivian's baptism. Everyone was dolled up in their Sunday best, especially Vivian Opal!
I love this photo so much. I wish it were in better focus, because I feel like it totally illustrates what is likely to be the lifelong relationship between Vivi and her adoring uncle.
We were very proud to stand with Vivian on her big day!