Perfect Summer Rain

This morning we had a perfect summer rain.  Not too heavy, but just enough to play out in and really enjoy.  It was cool enough for me to have the back door open and sit under the awning, coffee in hand and watch Jonathan and Katherine play (Emily preferred reading inside).  They just earned pales & shovels from the library summer reading program.  They used them to catch the rain and then pour it out in various places.  It didn't take long before they were pouring it on each others' heads.  Then Jon asked for fresh water so I let him use the hose to fill up his bucket.  Which...of course...progressed to them dumping LOTS of water on each other.  They loved every moment of it as you can see below.  I loved the cooler temp, the patter of raindrops on my freshly painted toes, enjoying my coffee outside, and watching my kids enjoy their sibling's company.  What a great thing to be able to watch them make childhood memories like this.  I hope this memory is one that sticks & they can pull out later in life to smile about when they are grown & no longer living in the same house.  And then they can be inwardly grateful for the privilege of having grown up with someone as great as the other is and for having the chance to play in the rain together one summer morning back when they were little.

 

Chicago!

Joel and I got to go to Chicago recently.  My best friend from middle & high school, Jasleen, has lived up there since college.  I made it up there once to visit while she was still in college, but haven't been back up since.  I've been wanting to go back with Joel and we finally were able to make it happen this past June.  It was a great visit made even more awesome because we had fantastic trip planners in Jasleen & her husband, Geoff.  We just got to enjoy the sights and food.  And the weather was beyond amazing.  It was a welcome break from the Texas heat we gladly left behind for a few days.

Joel brought his awesome camera & captured tons of truly great photos.  So many that I can't include them all.  Here are a selected few from our long weekend in the windy city.

The beautiufl city skyline from Lincoln Park.

 Inside the Art Institute.  Such an amazing museum.  If I lived there I would have to become a member.

 Me & Jazzy.

 In front of the iconic Bean.

 Inside the Shedd Aquarium.  I think seahorses are one of God's coolest creature creations.

 In the Field Museum of Natural History by Sue the most complete T Rex ever found.

 On the 103rd floor of the Sears tower.  In a glass box portruding from the side of the building.  Very cool.

 And our last few hours in the city.  Glad I got to be in the sand for a few minutes.  Always makes me happy.

Summer Lemonade Stand

The kids have been asking to have a lemonade stand for several weeks now.  We had no plans this afternoon so we gave it a go.  I drew the block letters & they colored and decorated the signs.  They helped mix up the lemonade and we sat out for a few hours in the shade of our tree. 

I prepped them that if they just got 1 or 2 customers that would be a pretty good day.  They ended up selling to 13 customers & made $9.  We only asked 25 cents a glass, but most people gave them a dollar or more.  The moral of the story: being a cute kid is a big help when trying to sell stuff. 

Childhood memories being made while the kids were entertained for a few hours and I got to sit still...a good afternoon in my book!  And it was pretty precious seeing them light up with excitement every time a car would stop to buy a glass or 2. 

 

Cow Appreication Day

Friday was the annual Cow Appreciation Day at Chick Fil A.  Basically you dress like a cow & get free food.  My kind of deal!  So we got "mootivated" and dressed up for some yummy chicken.  The kids even got to have their picture made with the Eat Mor Chikin Cow.  Good stuff.

Fantastically Fun Forth

We were invited to a laid back, lake side celebration for the 4th this year.  It was really, really fun.  We all had a great time, but Jonathan especially did.  I think it will probably be one of those memories from his childhood that will live on in infamy for the rest of his life.  There was swimming, sparklers, fireworks, popsicles, glow sticks, fishing, friends and food.  Thank you again, Monica & Andrew, for the invitation and your warm hospitality.  You made our holiday very memorable.

Jonathan told me earlier in the week that dad was definitely going to take his camera & take lots of pictures.  I told him I thought maybe he might just go & relax.  Then I quickly changed my prediction realizing it was the 4th and that snapping great photo ops is uber relaxing for him.  I'm glad he did too because he got these great shots.

 CapriSuns were served - a must for a successful kid time  ;-)

 Father & son taking in the view of the lake.

 

Jonathan getting to hold the fishing rod.

 Checking out the catch.

 Sparklers!

 Popsicles!

The sunset was beautiful.

 Roman candles (aka boy heaven)

 Em got in on the action too.

 Fireworks!  It was extra nice seeing their reflection on the water.

 And wrapping up the night with glowstick necklaces & more sparklers in the dark.  Nice.