We obviously love the outdoors, and adventuring, or hiking, or walking man-made trails in the area.  Its a good distraction from electronics, gets us out of the house and we usually get to pack the cooler and bring our favorites as a treat.

This particular Friday couldnt decide if it was going to rain or be sunny or both or heck, I wouldnt have been surprised if it snowed.  Just a weird weather day.  And I was trying to go off the forecast to determine what we were going to do.  I finally said the heck with it, lets just go.  Worst thing ... we get there and we get poured on and our trip is cut short.

And that is exactly what happened.  We got there, we walked, we found the water, we played and boom, rain.  But.  The big trees provided a nice cover for us.  We didnt feel the rain that much.  Then it started to rain harder.  Still not feeling it too bad.  Thunder.  But it was off in the distance.  I figured we had about 5-10 minutes left.  Boom!  That was quick.  'Out of the water! Let's Go!' I yelled to the boys.  We ran to the car, soaked and were laughing and smiling and happy.  I love these boys.

Our summer adventures continued ...

... with a visit to the Adler Planetarium.  Max is so fascinated by the solar system and the planets.  We have painted a solar system and hung in their bedroom from the ceiling.  He now has a poster of the solar system above his bed, where he sleeps facing it.  So a trip the planetarium was definitely in the plans.

When I visit public places like the planetarium, or museums, I prefer to be there when it opens to avoid the major crowds.  By the time we are done with the place, most people are just getting there.  Not only does this help with my *thing* with crowds, it also allows us to enjoy whatever we are visiting in peace, and not feel rushed or pushed or all of the above.

And that is exactly what happened with our visit.  We were able to get in and visit and see what we wanted before any of the local camps, school groups, etc. arrived.  Max was able to revisit his favorite exhibit without a wait.  It was an awesome visit.

Ive been tagging pictures I've taken on Sundays this summer, Summer Sundays.  Just as a documentation of what we've done this summer.  Here's a look so far.

 May 15th.

May 22nd.





June 26th.


July 10th.

When I was pregnant with Max, and about to find out what I was having - boy or girl - I can honestly say I didnt care either way, because it was my first, and I had waited so long and worked so hard for them.  So when the ultrasound tech said it was a boy, clear as day, I didnt know what to do with that information.  I smiled of course.  And was more than happy, because so far everything was perfect.

Little did I know what God was giving me.  A challenge this is not.  Life altering, maybe.  Especially when the ultrasound tech told me my second pregnancy was also a boy.

And so as our story unfolds as a family of boys, I learn each and every day the stark contrasts these two creatures are from girls, and from each other (so one parenting technique does not apply to all, bummer).  I also learn how similar they are and how much they are truly my children.

For example, my love for butter.  Theo.
My love for reading, Max.
My love for arts and creativity, Theo.
My love for nature and science, Max.

For those who arent familiar with life with boys, take a look.

The monsters, climb.

They ride bikes without helmets and shoes.


They set up dinner in the garage.


They talk Minecraft with cousins.


They wander off at IKEA, only to be found here, like this.

They squirt water at each other.

They are found suspiciously hanging out by the mailbox.

And they know exactly when to not pose for Mom.


When not monsters, they are sweet sweet boys.  For now, the monsters are around for a while.  And honestly, I wouldnt have it any other way.

I was meant to be a mom to boys.

Fourth of July weekend, the boys, Grandma and Ginga and I hit the road to Kenosha, Wisconsin.  Why Kenosha?  Why not.

It all started with an ad in one of those free parenting magazines at the library and daycares, that promoted the Dinosaur Discovery Museum in Kenosha.  A few google searches later, and the plan was made.

Saturday morning we packed it up, hit the road and went to the museum, stopped for lunch at Mike's Donuts + Chicken, took a streetcar ride and then lastly visited the Jelly Belly factory.

My favorite?  I was highly impressed with the museum.  Wasnt much to it, but it was big enough and not popular/crowded and had a decent amount of dinosaurs to look at and it had a childrens activity center in the basement.  Also, it was free ($2 suggested donation).  Cant get better than that.

And the donuts.  Shark week and sprinkle long johns.  Yes.  We were happy adventurers.

I recall when I was a teenager and I was excited about making my clothes and peer pressure made me conform. I look back now and want to tell the 15yo, be yourself. Stay true to your handmade.

So now here at middle age, or almost, I am making it a priority again.


Thrifted mug, which I love.  I think it was a quarter or so.  Handmade shirt.  I am itching to get back at it.  I have the stack of material in the closet that is asking me everyday to make something of it.  Soon, I promise, soon.

I have a list of things in my head of what I want to do this summer.  I had hopes of doing it together with someone else and family, but it didnt work out.  We were a little sad, but we didnt let that stop us.

One weekend, after Max's tonsillectomy, we headed to explore our own city, Chicago.  It might have been too soon after the surgery, but I think it was needed.

Boys and I took the train from downtown Naperville to Union Station and then boarded a water taxi.  Took the taxi to Michigan Avenue.  It was a great little ride.  The boys got to see and absorb city life, the river and all the buildings.  Both of them were rather quiet during the ride as they were just taking it all in.

We found our way to Stan's Donuts.  Good choice.  A couple of frosted sprinkled old fashioneds and a lemon pistachio.  We were happy.

We headed back home making the return trip on the boat and train as Max was done.

SO glad we went.  It was exactly what we needed.