A Whole Crapload of Beach Pictures

Last Sunday we went to the beach. This seems to be our new last day of summer thing. We must have gotten there around 11:30. Clara promptly planted herself under the umbrella.

 The water was actually off-limits, due to high bacteria, but we had so much fun anyway. Henry went straight to constructing creek paths over by the sprinkler.

 Mom's been a saving grace for us these last few weeks as I've had to be at work strange or extra hours. We've had things going on at night too- like Henry's open house tonight.

 But....back to the beach!

 I couldn't stop taking pictures of the kids by the water.

 We stayed for several hours. It was very relaxing.

 I even got a chance to beat Mom at Scrabble.

 Ahhhhhhhhhhh.....Summer.....

Another Year

Guess who's a first grader. 

 And this one is back to pre-school.

 They both had a great day. The chocolate chip pancakes may have helped.

More Anniversary

Our last few days of summer have been so jam-packed with Summer that I have several things to post. These are just a few more pictures of the nice time Pete and I had downtown. We bummed around Millennium Park, enjoying the weather.

 We walked up to the terrace of the Art Institute. Free Art!

 We played fun photographic games at the Bean.
 
Just in case you can't zoom in on your own...
  
After a spontaneous stop for a drink on an outside patio we walked up to find Marilyn. It was fun to celebrate our 8th anniversary at the 7-Year Itch sculpture. 



Pete liked this view.

 Later, after a bit of a rest and a shower, we went up to The Purple Pig. It was delicious. This little dinosaur had stowed away in my overnight bag, so he ended up in several of our pictures.

Dessert was a grilled Nutella, banana and Fluff sandwich. It was awesome.

 Pete is also awesome.

 The next morning we took the Architectural Boat Tour.

 Later we bummed around the West Loop and visited this amazing antique shop where Pete had bought me a gift several years ago. I'd always wanted to go with him. Here he is checking out a bunch of doorknobs.

 There was also this guy.

 

Wall

Our wall is fixed! Not stained yet, and the floor isn't done, but so much better!!!

Anniversary #8

We are downtown celebrating our anniversary. The weather is gorgeous. We upgraded our room so we have this lovely view and we've wandered around Millennium Park. Now we're enjoying a drink and then we'll resume our search for the giant Marilyn statue.

Ravinia

It looked like the weather was going to be crummy all day, but it turned out to be a lovely evening for Rufus Wainwright.

More from Chicago

Field museum.
Unplanned stop at a "pop up" art gallery.
Chasing pigeons.

Spontaneous Trip to the City

Skydeck. Yikes. (Pete didn't dare.)
Henry points to our next stop (Sue!)
Lincoln hats in the gift shop.

Nanoblocks

Henry is putting together his teeny tiny drumset made out of teeny tiny legos. Pete brought it for him from Tokyo.

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.

We've been having fun at Northbrook Days, but got a little waylayed by the rain. Currently caught under the Bingo tent.

Spiders

I'm (hopelessly) trying to get my house a little bit in order before Pete arrives home today. He's been in Tokyo and Hong Kong for a week. The clutter is a moot point since tearing out the cabinets and moving Clara's bed...it's just going to take a long time before getting that under control. But I thought I'd at least do the carpets and bathrooms, dishes and laundry. So while working in the kitchen, Clara comes out of the bathroom and says "Mama! There are lots of spiders in here." I said "okay, well, I'll get them when I start vacuuming up". To which she emphatically replied "No!!! I am SINGING to them!!"
So. That's my girl!
(Here she is at the splash pad in Iowa City) 

*Just now, as I was adding this photo, Henry walked by with a little tooth-shaped plastic container....it's what they send them home with when they lose a tooth at school. He matter-of-factly said "There's a spider in here. I'm going to let him outside."

Arlington Park

Northbrook Days!!

Penny!!!

Henry and Clara and I were so excited to be in town when our new little niece and cousin was born!! (Poor Uncle Pete wasn't there for the event, but he's been kept in the loop with lots and lots of pictures and has sent virtual kisses.)

 Eleanor opened the door the morning after Penny was born and greeted us with "Come meet the new person in our house!" She is a sweet and doting big sister already!

 Congratulations to Rob, Carrie and Eleanor and welcome to the world, sweet little Penelope Clover!