It is still early summer and I have been up a bit too early today... since 1 in the morning to be exact. At least it gives me time to get some blogging done (in addition to the laundry started, furniture re-arranged, FB updates read and closet decluttering).
We had quite a full week last week - our 2nd week of summer break. It was kicked off with some Father's Day celebrating at Pike Lake. Michael surprised me with going on the Solar System Hike (something that I read about as being one of Wisconsin's must-do's in the summer).
Abera LOVED being in the hiking back-pack. Lots of giggles and happy baby sounds/smiles.
Mehandis loved seeing which planet each sign represented. It was a good educational stroll for all of us. Now if I can only remember the sentence again for listing all the planets in order?
Anyhow... later in the week I headed back to school to actually attend a continuing ed class (mainly consisting of building with legos). A big thanks to Michael and my parents who took turns spending a day with the boys while I "played".
We all enjoyed attending a modified version of "Jazz in the Park" hosted by the M's. It was nice to have some new faces there as well with neighbors joining in. The kids had a blast playing in the sand, grazing on snacks and running around. I most enjoyed simply sitting down and chatting with friends - with a sampling of treats at arms reach!
Stefan was a gracious host - sharing ice cream treats with kids and adults alike.
Great job playing together in tight quarters... I think the sand is now fully out of little Bear's hair ;)
A quick cookie capped off the night before the rain arrived... typical Jazz.
Not sure if that is a frisbee or empty plate in Handi's hand?
The weekend entailed a new take on a "stay-cation". We vacationed in the Chicago suburbs and stayed at Michael's parents house in Glen Ellyn - where he grew up.
This is how we kicked off Saturday morning... donut picnic at the lake park.
Not a bad way to start a day!
Michael and I even got to sip our coffee and chat for a bit while Mehandis pushed Abera in the swing.
I had to get my turn in though with the giggling swinger.
Lunchtime took us to Toot Toot Cafe. These trains cargo include-
Cheeseburgers, french fries and chicken nuggets delivered to your table spot, while Thomas the Tank videos play in tvs surrounding you. Crazy. We now know what it takes to keep a talkative/"expressive" 14 month old completely quiet during a restaurant meal!
Couldn't pass up a pony ride in a place like this.
From lunch we traveled to Cantigny, where you can see (and climb) tanks from various time periods.
What you don't see are the walk-in fountains that we found, just as we were on our way out of the park. Mehandis showed all his enthusiasm for water. At the car we literally had to wring water out of all of his clothes.
But all of this energy expended resulted in Mehandis, Abera AND Michael taking over 2 hour naps.
At 4:12 all was still quiet in the house!
After waking and freshening up the troops, we had a simple barbecue in the back yard.
Bring on week 3 :)
