Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy 38th birthday to my wonderful husband!

We took our first trip to Clear Lake this summer and everyone had a ball!
We went with Kevin's parents, and his sister's family.

We went on boat rides to watch Kevin waterski.

Caroline and Clayton practiced swimming with their life jackets.

There were raft rides and trips to the ice cream parlor.

The kids loved playing with their cousins.

and Austin loved seeing the construction trucks.

And, of course, everyone loves playing at the beach!

And a trip to the lake wouldn't be complete without a trip to Carusos for pizza.

...and there is always the vacuum...

Botanic Gardens

We went to the Botanic Gardens with a friend and her triplets. The kids had fun looking at the model train exhibit and playing in the water fountains. Then we got to picnic on the lawn and hear a kid's band play.

Austin at 15 months

"This is how I feel about taking a bath these days."
"As you can see, I hate it and scream bloody murder the whole time, all while trying to climb out of the dreaded tub."

"Playing playdough with my brother and sister is MUCH more fun. Mama let me try it for the first time and it was great!"

I love playing with cars, trucks, and balls. I love pushing the little baby doll stroller around the yard. And my new favorite "random" item is a wooden spoon. I love to fetch them fromt he drawer and carry them all over. And watch out, I will scream if you try to take it away from me.

Children's Fair

Last Friday, we went to the Winnetka Children's Fair. My sister, brother, and I used to go when we were little, so it's really cool to now take my children. Austin was too young for any of the action, but Caroline and Clayton had a blast!

Train ride

"Next Year, Mama! I'll be ready!"

Face Painting...I didn't even try to see if they would draw a vacuum on his cheek...

"Is your tongue blue from the lollipop too?"

Horsey Rides

Austin passed out in the heat.

Saturday night, we held a dinner party; the first one in YEARS. And as luck would have it, Kevin got sick with the stomach flu the morning of and couldn't even attend! :( It was a hit though! Creamy shrimp crostinis, caprese salad, orzo with roasted vegetables, beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce, and a bavarian apple torte for dessert. yum! People stayed until 1:15 am!

Then on Tuesday, Caroline started camp and gymnastics. More to come on that...hopefully I can get a video or two of her in gymnastics.

THis was from a few weeks ago, but once a prairie girl, always a prairie girl. I made Caroline a petticoat to wear under some of her dresses that are getting a little too short, but are too cute to pack away.

Come on now, are any of you really surprised?