Today was...

A boat ride in a box...

A family dance party with our little rock star...

Some scooting around on the floor...

A run through the sprinkler...

And a snack on the deck...

Finished off with a bonfire and s'mores with the neighbors.

In other words, a wonderfully ordinary day. Hope you're having a great weekend, too!

He said something funny, and I remembered it long enough to write it down!

credits:

Say No To Piracy by Pretty in Green, MandyMade, and Wyld Web Designs

"I'm a pirate cooker!" you loudly proclaimed, pulling a chair up to the stove to help me stir the morning oatmeal. I love your imagination, Aaron!

Two Beautiful Faces

I had a photo session here at the house this week, so of course had to have my two favorite faces test out my backdrop and lights to be sure everything was just right. I love these beautiful little people!

A Day at Navy Pier

Office life can get a little stressful, so Mike decided to take last Friday off and get some R&R. We had a long wish-list of all the family outings we wanted to cram into a few short days - days lounging at the pool or a trip to the beach at Lake Geneva - but when we woke up on Friday morning, it was overcast and slightly chilly. Definitely NOT swimming weather. Instead, we headed downtown to Navy Pier, to meet up with a few of Mike's family members in from out-of-town. When we told Aaron we were going to ride on a big ferris wheel, his immediate reply was "I'm probably going to be scared!" But he wasn't at all! In fact, Mama was the only one who's slight fear of heights was triggered (don't ask me about the sleepless night I had, thanks to nightmares about falling from high places). But all in all, it was a spectacular day of family togetherness. Hooray for taking the day off, Daddy!

credits:

P365 Cluster Frames and Capture Words by Scrapmuss Designs

Boys of Summer by Britt-ish Designs

date tab by Katie Pertiet

journaling:

A day at Navy Pier! It had been years (decades!) since either Mike or I had visited this Chicago landmark, so when Mike’s Aunt Stephanie, cousin Nick, and Grandma Maz said they were headed to the lakefront, we jumped at the chance to join them.The highlight of our day was riding the gigantic ferris wheel and taking in the gorgeous views of downtown. A walk to the end of the pier and dinner at the Billy Goat Tavern (where Aaron had a great view of the tall ship coming in and out of the dock) rounded out this fun-filled day.

It's been one of those days...

Apparently there's sassy juice in our town's water supply. Everyone's acting up around here! My dear friend, Rose, posted this on her blog today, and it's an appropriate sentiment:

Thank goodness Daddy is putting our little monster to bed. Here's hoping tomorrow is a better day!

[overheard] no. 4

I must start writing things down more. I know there have been three or four moments this week when I collapsed in giggles at what came out of Aaron's mouth, but darned if I can remember most of it now that I'm sitting at my computer to get it recorded. Here's a little taste of his hilarity.

Before lunch, the prayer went like this:
Aaron:"Dear God, 
Thank you for food,
and our bodies,
and Rosie,and Anderson,and James and Eli
and all our blessings.
Amen."
Mom: "Is James a blessing in your life?"
Aaron: "Yes, he's a gentleman!"

A new favorite expression: Holy Moly Cow!!!

And from the pool this afternoon: "Susannah is getting baptized again!"

Happy Birthday, America!

Our town's July 4th parade is becoming an annual tradition for our family, and it's fun to look back at photos of years gone by and see how small the kids were. Look at these pics of Aaron and Jacob on their very first Fourth...

It's so unbelievable that Susannah is now this age, celebrating her first Fourth. Time is flying!!

This year we joined a few other families from our church and hiked to the parade route together. We found a great (shady!) spot, and the kiddos collected tons of candy. I'll probably post a few photos later on, but will share this one with you today:

Our weekend is full of cookouts and fireworks and celebrations with friends. Hope yours is, too. Happy Independence Day!