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.

Now I am really motivated to keep this place up and current.

Need to find my groove again.

From last night, completing the Photo Challenge assigned to Theo in his pre-school art camp.  Picture of fruit.  He took this picture.  I just held the phone.

I think a tonsillectomy is part of a childhood.  Some have the surgery, some dont.  Max needed it as he had strep on five different occasions during the school year.  Both the pediatrician and the ENT said they need to come out.  Drag my feet later, I agreed.

This was Max's second surgery in life.  First was ear tubes when he was 18 months old.  The only thing I took away from that experience was the post-op, and the horrible state a child is in.  Yes, that was relived with this surgery.

Thankfully, the whole experience is behind us.  He's on the mend and almost back to himself.  I've missed my active, happy boy.

FOUR!

I cant believe it.  Theo is four.  Its been the best four years of my life, with Theo, with my two boys, my heart is full.

Carrying on the birthday tradition of crown wearing, favorite food item for breakfast, and presents before school and dinner, more cake and more presents with family after school.

For Theo its all about garbage trucks, and the color green.  And that is what he got, a garbage truck message on the chalkboard and a green cake with loads of green frosting.  I think by the smile on his face, he was pleased.

I love making my boys days special.  Happy Birthday Theo!  My favorite little indian.