Visitors from Cali

Last week we had crazy weather. It rained every day. Thursday we had winds up to 70 mph and too much rain. Our backyard was actually flooded. We had a little seepage into the basement, but at least we didn't lose power in the thunderstorms (lots of people did).

This weekend Aunt Margaret and Allison came to visit and check out colleges. Saturday we took them to the Niki in the Garden exhibit at the Garfield Conservatory. Sunday we toured Northwestern University and then went to see Blue Man Group. Meg came along and loved it.

Today was Meg's open house at school. Tuesday will be her first day of school.

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A Fun Filled Weekend

Friday we went to a "end of summer camp" party at Kolosh's.

Saturday we went to Summerpalooza at Oak Brook and then did dinner with the Nash's. They had pony rides, face painting, an obstacle course, ice cream, and the pool was free for the day. We had a great time!

Sunday Mom cantored Mass, then we parted ways. Zach had a birthday party to attend while Mom and Meg went to see High School Musical with the Mitchell's. Right next to the theater they were filming the new Angelina Jolie film so we stopped to check that out as well.

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Fun Getting Wet

Amazingly, we had a weekend with nothing planned. After a week of taking care of a sick Zach, that was quite a relief. He had croup and felt pretty lousy.

Saturday, Dad and the kids did some geocaching then we did some cleaning inside to avoid the heat.

Sunday, spur of the moment, we decided to head downtown. We caught the train in Brookfield, then rode the free trolley up to the Mag Mile. We had lunch at the Rainforest Cafe and then walked down to Millenium Park for some fun in the fountain. We had a great time!

Finally, a special congratulations goes out to our friend Maryann on her retirement!

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Geocaching, Bikes, Zoo and more

Monday Meg got her cast off. Unfortunately, she still has to wear a wrist brace to give it a little more time to heal.

Saturday Team McLean found 4 geocaches. We also spent some time in downtown Downers Grove where we had an ice cream reward for finding so many treasures. In the afternoon the kids practiced riding bikes. Then we went to Mass (where Elizabeth cantored) and had a Pizza/Movie night.

Sunday morning we went to the Zoo. We rode the MotorSafari for a change. After lunch the day turned really hot and humid. The kids enjoyed getting in the baby pool and playing in the sprinkler. I have to say that we had a great dinner. Chicken Cacciatore and Sangria. We also made a non-alcoholic sangria for the kids. It was a fun night.

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Sunset on Loon Lake

Very tired. We did a lot over our vacation. Geocaching, swimming, dune climbing, s'mores, rock skipping, lots of ice cream, canoing, staying up late, driving, relaxing and more.

For more pictures check out our Flickr set here

Meg's Pink Cast

Sunday morning we went to the playground. The monkey bars at the were too high for Meg to reach standing on the platform, so she climbed up to get higher and then jumped off trying to catch the monkeybar in mid-air. She missed, obviously, and fell to the ground pretty hard, fracturing her wrist. Meg will be in a cast for 3 weeks. She gets it off July 30th.

Saturday we traveled to Lafayette for CC's 50th Celebration. It was a nice event with a cookout, presentation and Mass. The kids enjoyed the inflatables they had outside. That night we hung out with Josh and Shanon and played a little Wii.

Sunday we drove home and went to a BBQ at one of Meg's friends houses, then we were joined by Rick and Marianne from Texas with their new baby, Aerik.

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Happy Fourth!

We had a pretty fun week! Monday, Grandma stayed with Meg while Zach went to school. They all met us downtown for dinner where we heard a Broadway in Chicago selection at the Taste of Chicago. Tuesday we said goodbye to Grandma and then went to a party at one of Meg's Kindergarten friends houses. Wednesday we went to the Brookfield Parade and then to the Nash's house. Thursday, I stayed home and took Meg swimming. Friday Meg got to come to my work. We brought everyone bagels in the morning and then went to the Taste of Chicago for lunch. Meg liked the ribs, but we've got to work on her adventurous spirit! Saturday we did another geocache in a gorgeous forest preserve in Oak Brook before their last swim lesson. After swim lessons they hung out in the splash park for a little while. It was a very hot Saturday. Sunday we are going to a small pool party which should be fun.

UPDATE: Meg fractured her wrist Sunday morning, she'll be in a cast for 4-6 weeks.

Welcome to Chicago

As hundreds of thousands of people make their way to Chicago for the Taste of Chicago, we've had some guests of our own. Last Thursday Josh came to visit. This weekend we were joined by Kendra, Uncle Bobby and Grandma.

Saturday after swim lessons we took Kendra and Uncle Bobby on a geocache adventure in Fullerton Woods by Graue Mill. It was a beautiful area to look for treasure. Saturday night Grandma met us for dinner at Flat Top Grill and then saw the newest Second City Show.

Sunday morning after Mass we headed over to the Morton Arboretum. The kids had a great time in the Children's Garden. Then we said goodbye to Bobby and Kendra. Grandma will be joining us for some fun this week.

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