Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Wednesday Fieldtrip


Tourists
Originally uploaded by tracyg00
We decided to be tourists in our own city today. We took the Metra into Union Station, walked around a bit and then found the Chicago Water Taxi. We were hoping to go to Chinatown, but they informed us that they only go to Chinatown on the weekends. Bummer - we had already purchased tickets! Here's Megan as the taxi is arriving:

Here Comes the Water Taxi

We took the water taxi around a bit and ended up near Michigan Ave. where we decided to have "cheezborgers" at Billy Goat. The old guy gave the kids some hats. For some reason, Jake decided to act shy when it was time to have his picture taken. Weird.

Billy Goat

After a bit more exploring around town, we got back on the water taxi (with seats at the very front this time):

Riding on the Chicago River

And back to Union Station:

Union Station

When I went to the ticket window at Union Station, the guy said, "Is it just you and the two little ones?" I said, "yep". And he said, "Are you nuts?!" And, I think I might be. We started the process of getting off the train about 1 stop before our own, because the kids insisted upon sitting on the upper deck and of course I had to drag our stroller up and down the tiny staircase. But, we made it. Now, I'm tired and we still have swim lessons this evening. Fun, fun!

Monday, July 20, 2009

More July Activity


Jake Kids Race 1
Originally uploaded by tracyg00
On July 9th, Jake ran in his first kids' race. He was excited. He got a late start off of the line, but they gave him a medal and a fireman's hat and he said, "I was the winner!" Megan's an old pro at this one, I think this was her 3rd year. Here's her post-race photo:


Megan Kids Race 2

On Sunday, the 12th, we spent the afternoon at the Lincolnwood Fest. Megan absolutely loves carnival rides and Jake is finally warming up to them too:

Carnival Fun

Last Wednesday, Megan finished the masterpiece that she had been working on. Darin hung it that same night for her. The format of this blog will probably cut off the end of the photo, but you'll get the general idea!

The latest masterpiece

And, finally, this past weekend was spent at the cottage in Wisconsin again. Lots of fishing, boating, swimming (although it was a bit chilly, so I was the only one to actually swim). Here's my new favorite photo:

Fishing Pleasant Lake

Jake caught the first fish of the day.....so cute:

First fish of the day

And, here's a gratuitous Megan photo -- flashing a smile after returning from breakfast (they love to go out to breakfast!):

Wisconsin Fun

Whew.

4th of July Weekend


July 019
Originally uploaded by tracyg00
We spent the weekend of the 4th in Wisconsin and found the best place for fireworks. The Grand Geneva Resort has a great set-up that is open to the public with food, a ski show and a decent fireworks display. This was Jake's first fireworks experience and as he said while waiting, "It's exciting!




"

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Mimi and Papa joined us too:

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You can see from this photo that once the fireworks started, Jake loved it!

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The next day, Darin and I went golfing while the kids went to Old Wisconsin with their grandparents. We followed it up with a boat ride in the afternoon.

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We had a campfire with smores and Jake gave Harry some lovin.....

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.......before hitting the hay and heading home the next morning.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Playing Catch Up Again


Montrose Beach
Originally uploaded by tracyg00
We've been busy this summer and I can't believe it's already the middle of July. We had our first beach outing earlier this month on a hot 90 degree day. Unfortunately, after being there for about two hours and playing in the water and sand, they closed the beach because of poor water quality. Great. I wasn't so worried about my kids. We had gone there with a neighbor and her 3 girls.....

Beach Fun

.....at one point I had stopped her 2-year old from drinking Lake Michigan water from a bucket! Turns out no one got sick. Next time, we'll check the beach report before heading over.

We've made our own water fun in the backyard as well.

Pool slide

We save the crazy sprinkler for the front yard. And when we're not cooling off outside, we're finding stuff to do inside. Darin got the kids a huge box of Lincoln Logs. Here is Jake's first project:

Lincoln Logs

More to come.....