Summer Roundup Part 1

We've had quite the busy summer, and there's no way I can keep up with the blog if I don't just do an overall synopsis of everything. So forgive the massive amounts of pictures, but I figure that most of you would rather see pictures of the kids than read about my musings! :) Here is part 1!

A week after school ended, the kids and I headed off to the zoo. It was a beautiful day, but it was a little crowded. We were able to see the usual attractions, minus the dolphins. It was our first of three zoo trips this summer.

J on the carousel.

Riley on the carousel.

The kids by the underwater seal exhibit.

In the middle of June, both kids enjoyed a week-long session of Bible school at our church. This was Riley's second year doing Bible school at our church (she did two other sessions at a church with a friend of hers), and this was Jeremy's first time. It was nice to have three hours to myself, and the fact that the kids had a blast didn't hurt. Riley asked one of her best friends to join her, and Jeremy was with the two girls. I think next year I'll let him hang out with boys of his own. :)

Singing some songs.

Toward the end of June, we celebrated Papa and Nana's 39th wedding anniversary. We so enjoy spending time with them, and the kids just can't get enough of Nana's energy and Papa's ability to joke around and do puzzles with them.

The kids with Papa.

Nana and the kids.

For the 4th of July, we made our annual trek to Palatine to spend the holiday with some of Phil's best friends. It was a somber occasion because the local pool was set to be demolished later that summer. The pool holds a special place in Phil's heart because it was the pool that he was a lifeguard at for 15+ years. The kids had fun playing with Jeeves the dog, and we had a great time catching up with everyone. I took the kids home while Phil stayed for the fireworks. The kids are still a little hesitant on the fireworks--they don't do well with loud noises.

Aunt Clare and the kids.

Aunt Maggie and the kids.

Our big summer outing was a trip up to Green Bay to visit with Phil's family. We met up with Phil's brother's family at his uncle's house, where the kids hung out with their cousins and went riding on a four-wheeler. The following day we went to Bay Beach, which is a local amusement park. Riley rode the swings by herself, and both kids experienced the Ferris wheel for the first time. We capped off the day with a trip on the kiddie train.

Cousins.

Cousins on the 4-wheeler with Autumn.

Riley on the swings at Bay Beach.

Family pic in front of Lake Michigan.

J with me on the Ferris wheel.

Riley and Phil were right behind us.

Daddy's girl.

The two of them on the Scrambler.

Riley and Grandma (with Phil in the back).

Phil decided that Riley deserved a trip to mighty Lambeau Field. Because let's face it, I want nothing to do with football (seriously, I never thought I would hate a sport as much as I hate football thanks to the dear husband!), and Jeremy wants to do anything for me (just as Riley would do anything for Phil), so Phil took Riley, and J and I stayed behind. She loved it, but the Pro Shop (gift shop) was rather crowded. We got on the road about dinnertime, and some of us enjoyed a nice nap on the way home.

Riley with Vince Lombardi.

Typical cheesehead.

Exhausted!

Both kids participated in swimming lessons, and I'm happy to say that Jeremy did MUCH better than last year. Riley was in the third level, and did such a great job that she moved up another level. She jumped off the diving board numerous times, and certainly is Phil's little fishy. Jeremy enjoyed picking up the rings from the bottom of the pool and was happy to hear that he "graduated."

J's class.

Riley on her last day. I couldn't make it since J had hockey.

More to come! I'll try to be timely. :)