Gotta Love Summer

We haven't had a whole lot going on these days, although we seem to busy most nights. I've never been a big summer person, but I have to say that with kids this is turning into one of my favorite seasons. It's been so much fun to get out and enjoy being outside. I seriously am dreading winter. I don't know how I stayed sane this past winter while being home with the kiddos. Now if we get bored we just go outside and play, head to a park, pack a picnic, or hit the zoo. I'm actually tan (at least in Jamie world I am) and I'm not sure the last time that happened. Sad isn't it.

As for our happenings. I took Natalie to see Charlotte's web at the outdoor theater at Miller Park last weekend with her friend Nolan and his mom. They had a blast. I think Natalie enjoyed the intermission the best because she could be loud and run around acting silly. Then we went up to Aaron's parents to celebrate Jerry's birthday. It was fun, the kids always enjoy going there because there are new toys and things to do and they get spoiled. Natalie spent the night with them and they brought her home on Sunday. Therefore, Aaron and I were able to rent a few movies that didn't come in cartoon form and watch those after Justin went to bed. It was a nice weekend all the way around. Here's a picture of the birthday boy with the kiddos:

So this week was nice because it was a short work week. Mom and dad were in town so they took Natalie for the day on Thursday. She was so excited, they came and picked her up and while I was trying to talk to them she was constantly saying "let's go". She really enjoyed having some one on one time with them. After Vince headed home that day we took Justin over to the condo and they watched both the kids while Aaron and I had a lovely meal at the Pub II. I know...how romantic...but it was nice to go somewhere we could just sit back and have a beer without spending our time picking up everything off the floor that Justin could get his hands on, cutting up food in little itty bitty pieces, coloring whatever kids placemat was put in front of us, and keeping Natalie from talking (aka bugging) anyone that was in our immediate vicintiy that was trying to have a nice dinner. So...it was a great start to a holiday weekend.

On the 4th we headed over to my parents for a cookout. We planned it perfectly. We got there, let the kids play a bit, and then they went down for naps so we could actually have a complete conversation without interruption. When the kids got up we had dinner, played outside quite a bit and just enjoyed the nice weather. Here's a picture:

We headed home around Justin's bedtime and I stayed home with him while Aaron took Natalie out to watch fireworks. Aaron had a vision of this grand bonding moment with Natalie. He planned everyting very well. Found a great parking spot, packed snacks, got their chairs out and was ready for Natalie to be completely awestruck by the fireworks....however, much to his disappointment, Natalie didn't really enjoy them as much as we thought she would. She didn't like how loud the fireworks were and spent most of the time in the van with the doors closed playing her computer. Aaron, however, had a great view of the fireworks and enjoyed watching them. She was very captivated by the lightning bugs which is kind of fun because I can remember running around and catching them when I was a kid. Here's a picture that captures the experience well:

Today we got up fairly late and got ready and went out for breakfast. Then we headed over to the zoo which Aaron hadn't been to before. Natalie showed him all of her favorite animals and then we went to the park right by it and had a picnic lunch and played. It was a nice day that we rounded out with a trip out for ice cream. Again...you have to love summer!