two more pictures from our trip to chicago...........we saw the most beautiful peacock at the animal farm-by far my favorite animal to view. When I asked Rowan which he liked best, he said the llamas-"they spit". Lovely. I think Holland liked the lamby-gosh, I can't imagine why! Oh, and doesn't the face on Holland in this slide completely capture my girl?

Chicago

Last week was a big week for Rowan & Holland. We spent the week in Chicago with Nanni and Papa (or sometimes Nana and Poppy). We had a really wonderful time in the much cooler weather. Thankfully the cicadas weren't too bad there-so many of you asked about that! We visited and played at several parks, took a trip to Nanni's hospital to eat lunch, ate yummy ice cream, viewed many animals at Cosley Animal Farm, played LOTS of catch with Papa, got a Cubs baseball cap for Rowan- so everyone will know where his roots are :), watched Curious George the movies & Bob the Builder, taught Rowan how to play "go fish", and various other made-up games. I know the children had a wonderful time and having two other sets of hands was a real treat for me. I am looking forward to taking them up there again for Christmas this year!

For me, it was great to see my bestest friend in the world, Shannon, and to catch up on her life. She and her husband Florencio are expecting twins at the beginning of 2008. I couldn't be happier for them-except the day they got married. God has truly blessed them. And I can't wait to be an auntie!

It's SUMMER!!!

Summer around here means quite a few things: hot weather, running through the garden hose, playing in the pool, popsicles, trips to the zoo, blowing bubbles, Vacation Bible School, trips, and and all around good time. We thought we had put a good amount of space between our big activities, but we are amazed by how quickly our schedule has filled up. The one thing I am loving, though, is that we do not have to rush out the door in the mornings. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh-for those of you who know me well, I'm not a go-getter in the a.m. I have been starting my days earlier as I run before the children wake up (and the only time I can tolerate the humidity and temps). We are so so so so so so much enjoying our summer and have a LOT more to look forward to. We'll see you next week mom and dad!!!