Flashback: Summer: Chicago Children's Museum

Flashback to July, 7th when Beth and I went on an adventure. We packed up the boys and headed into Chicago. Destination- the Chicago Children's Museum. Thomas, Jack, and Brett had a great time exploring, using their imaginations, and role playing. Beth and I had a great time watching them in all their wonder and chatting along the way.

Chief Thomas. This is one of my new favorite pictures.

Thomas and Jack had a great time playing in the fire department/safety area.

Little builders. Thomas loves these boards, bolts, and nuts. I've searched the 'net high and low and can't find anything remotely close. Maybe a handy grandpa would like to make him a set...

Wow, 3 feet 10 inches tall in July. He's growing like a weed!

Beth and I grabbed some Starbucks on the way out and enjoyed a peaceful ride home. I'm so glad we got to share such a wonderful day with such good friends!

a little project :)

For the month of September, I will do a blog post every day. I will give this little project my best effort. I've had a couple of requests for more frequent posts, so hopefully this will point me in the right direction.

Stay tuned, there's a lot to come!

Blessings

Blessings are out there, you just have to recognize them when they look you in the eye. We were blessed, almost 5 years ago, with a sweet, rambunctious, eager little boy. Thomas changed our lives in ways we never would have expected.

Carol Rouse came into our lives a short 3 years ago. I met Carol in a few different arenas before she became our daycare provider. I remembered her as being full of energy, loving her family, and speaking highly of the services she provided and the families she provided them for. A couple of months later, during a time of despair and frustration with our then current daycare - I made the call. It's a call I will never regret.

I will be eternally grateful for the love and support she provided for our family. She has helped us to shape Thomas into the little man he is becoming. Carol has been such a blessing to us.

Today we parted ways, sharing a deep bear hug and many tears. Tears of happiness for the school year to come, tears of gratitude for the wonderful job she has done, and tears of sadness for the upcoming absence of our twice daily talks.


Thomas on his last day. He loved spending time with Carol's grandkids (and summer daycare helpers), Madissen and Aiden.

Just another day...

.... in paradise. It is such a blessing to live a short 5 mile drive from Lake Michigan. Thomas and I have been going to the beach 1-2 times a week all summer. I love to be in the water. On a hot, humid day there is no place I would rather be. Thomas follows in my footsteps. We pack toys and snacks and stay for a few hours. It's these carefree, quality moments with him that I am cherishing this summer. So glad we still have 7 weeks of summer vacation to enjoy in paradise.

Wordless Wednesday

Fishy Business

Thomas and I were lucky to have Alan home with us last weekend. A weekend off is just what he needed. Prior to his weekend off, he had worked 20 out of the previous 21 days.

Alan thought fishing sounded like a good Sunday activity. He caught a nice little pan fish.

Thomas caught a "grass bass."
We'll get to enjoy Alan's next days of in another 10 days....

Field Trip

Thomas and I had a super fun afternoon. We joined some of our friends on a fire truck field trip extravaganza. We started at our local fire station - South Haven Area Emergency Services. Fireman Jim took the kids around, showed them the trucks, explained what different devices did, and let them touch lots of stuff. (Take note of the Spencer Manufacturing emblem next to T's left shoulder.)Thomas loves his firetrucks. He didn't miss out on this chance to "drive."

Thomas and I :)
Sadly, our trip was cut short by a serious accident on the freeway. The kids watched in awe as the firemen rushed around, geared up, hopped in trucks, and sped off with lights on and sirens blaring. Thomas explained to all his friends that this was called "running hot." He has learned a lot about firetrucks and emergencies from his favorite fireman - Uncle Mike.

After leaving the firestation, we headed to Spencer Manufacturing. Spencer is a South Haven company that manufactures firetrucks.

Mrs. Spencer took the kids around and showed them numerous trucks in various stages of construction. Spencer is a small company but has manufactured fire trucks for many Michigan and Indiana firestations. In addition, they are working on a couple for the City of Pittsburg and just shipped 2 off to Seward, Alaska. If you are in the market for a fire truck - check them out!

Thanks for setting it all up, Laura! It was fun!