Phillips Park Zoo

Wednesday we went to the Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora for the first time. Hannah, Josh, Ryan, and I met Shannon Madden there with Henry, Ella, and Caroline. It was kind of confusing to get to, but we eventually all made it there! It's a very small free zoo, but it was nice. It had alligators, cayman, a cougar, river otters, wolves, fox, peacocks, and turkeys. There was also a really pretty sunken garden with a fountain in the center. I think the kids all really liked it. Josh and Ryan were just happy to walk around with the big kids when I got them out of their stroller. They liked holding hands too. All the kids liked to see the cougar, and I would guess the reptile house was a favorite too. It had a Burmese Python, and housed the alligators and cayman and turtles. We had a picnic lunch too, then went home for afternoon naps.

Hannah's First Dance Class

Hannah had her first dance class today at the Park District. It's called Tutu Toddlers and she gets to be a dancing little princess for a half hour a week! There are five other girls in her class and her teacher's name is Miss Katie. She had such a good time and is looking forward to going next Tuesday already.

Pics from Wisconsin Dells

Some Summer Memories

Since I haven't been posting as much as I should, I'm a bit behind...so here are a couple of different occasions of pics. Pat and I got a much needed afternoon out and went to see the Chicago Cubs take on (and beat) the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field. The weekend before that we met mom and dad in St. Joe at the cottage for a day of beach fun! Here are some pics...

Fun at the Dells!

We just got back from Wisconsin Dells for a quick visit. We spent 2 nights at the Wilderness Territory's Glacier Canyon Lodge. It was a massive indoor/outdoor waterpark playtime!! The kids all had a blast! Pat and I enjoyed taking them on the lazy river as they were all contained and loved kicking back. Hannah and Ryan weren't big on the wave pool, but daddy was! Josh loved everything you stuck his feet in as he is my true water boy. They all played inside and out for a couple of days and enjoyed every minute I think! I'll post pics soon...

Fence Time

It's done, we broke down and got a fence. We are loving it so far. It allows the kids to run wild and lets us relax a little rather than chasing them every second begging them to stay in their own yard. The whole yard smells of cedar too! We've been out playing in it ever since. It only took 3 total days from start to finish. I think I'm going to enjoy the rest of the summer a bit more now, and I know Hannah, Josh, and Ryan will.

Fourth of July!

For the first time we decided to go to Aurora's downtown Fourth of July parade. Our neighbor had said he was taking his family there to try it too and that gave us the idea. It was very nice, easy to park, and easy to get out when we were ready to leave. The kids had a fun time watching bands, jugglers, clowns, and firetrucks. They got flags, freeze pops, and waters too! That's all they need to keep them busy! The weather was beautiful again and Hannah, Ryan, and Josh were dressed in their red, white, and blue.

Later, we let Hannah stay up to watch the fireworks in our neighborhood. She really only like the idea of them, not the noise! She sat in her little chair outside covering her ears! That's our Han!