The first weekend in June Uncle Bobby came to visit from Florida. He got to see the chaos of the class birthday party Friday night. Saturday Grandma joined us and cheered for St. Cletus at the Pet Parade. That afternoon Josh came up and the neighbors came over to celebrate Zach's 7th birthday. It was a wonderful weekend! 
We had a wonderful holiday. Christmas Eve the kids did some sledding with their cousins in Indy and then celebrated with the McLean clan. Christmas day was in Lafayette with Grandma Chris and Uncle Bobby who flew in from Florida. Santa was very generous this year ;)
Thursday night we did a fire on the beach at Point Betsie, thus checking off an item that had been on Chris' to do list for many years. We watched the sunset, made rock art and toasted marshmallows for s'mores with the lighthouse for a backdrop, it was very beautiful.
Thursday morning we got up bright and early to take the cousins kayaking on Crystal River. We took a longer trip this year. It was 2 1/2 hours. The kids did great on the river and we enjoyed a relaxing journey through nature.
Tuesday the kids did the Dune Climb, then we all cooled off at Esch Road Beach.
Early Saturday morning we left the flooded lands of Brookfield and headed north. We met the Spanglers, Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Julie at Arcadia Daze on the way up. That night Uncle Todd, Aunt Debbie and Cousin Tanner joined us for dinner and took the kids kneeboarding.
The Sunday of Memorial Day we headed down to Indianapolis to visit Connor Prairie with the Spangle Cousins. After some delicious Subway sandwiches we headed into the time machine and found ourselves in 1800 Indiana. Some of the adventures we took on the trip was helping out a young farm boy groom find his best man and get married, played hoop and stick, explored barns and farmhouses, and brushed some farm animals.
Saturday Meg made her First Communion at St. Cletus Church. Many friends and family members joined us to celebrate. Meg considers it her lucky day as she also chose the winning horse in the Kentucky Derby.
Elizabeth's brother Bobby graduated from Purdue this afternoon. Relatives and friends from St. Louis, Indianapolis and Lafayette joined us at the open house after graduation. Way to go Bobby, we know you're ready for the warm Florida ready after this snowy weekend.
It was great seeing everyone for Thanksgiving. The meal was wonderful, as always, at Grandma Chris' house. Meg had a fever so she was quarantined upstairs, but she didn't seem to mind as she got to watch movies and play her DS all day.
On Sunday we headed down to Indy for the annual McLean pumpkin carving. Meg had a great time playing with the Spanglers. Great Grandma McLean was visiting and enjoyed watching the kids carve pumpkins and attack a pinnata.
Due to Zach being sick this was a dad & daughter and mom & son bonding weekend.
We had a great vacation with lots of fun new experiences.
It rained all day on Saturday so we took the kids to Monkey Joe's to run them around and use up some of their energy. They had a great time on all of the inflatables. When we got back to Grandma's we were joined by Mary Ann, Kendra, her Mom, and Josh. We had a nice dinner and enjoyed talking with everyone. Saturday night we caught the Purdue fireworks from the top of a parking garage. The rain stopped just in time for the show.
Sunday morning the kids woke up bright and early to give Chris the gifts they had made for him. We had breakfast at Blueberry Hill and then did a Geocache at a park in Hinsdale. Zach finally got a hair cut and then we went swimming. After swimming we stopped by Geppetto's Toy Box in Oak Park so Zach could use some of his birthday money to pick out a present. He chose a spy gear watch. For dinner we picked up a Lou Malnati's Pizza and watched Return on the Jedi.
Saturday we went to a wedding in St. Louis. Pictured here is my Great Aunt Sis with her grandson Charlie and his new wife Juli. It was a long drive, but the kids did great and we had lot of fun seeing everyone at the wedding and reception.
| Zach's Eggs | Meg's Eggs | Mom's Eggs | Dad's Eggs |
This weekend the fam went to the open gym at Flying high and got our tumble on. Everyone joined in so enjoy the video of Meg proudly showing off her back bends cross overs, Zach showing off how much of a little brother he is, Elizabeth just showing off, and Chris showing off his one trick.
Saturday morning we packed up and said goodbye to Great-Grandma and the cottage. On the way home we stopped at the Ludington State Park and Lighthouse, Reenders Blueberry Farm, and the South Haven Lighthouse.
Wednesday morning Chris and the kids joined Grandma Judy and Aunt Julie on their trip to Pointe Betsie.
