Chicago

I FINALLY have my internet back. A lot has happened. I went to Chicago w/Brian for my belated bday present, the verdict is in on my dad's sentencing for the abuse on Jaden, we celebrated the 4th of July, and the boys and I had a day at the beach. I don't have the 4th of July nor the day at the beach pics downloaded yet, so I'll just share the Chicago trip. I had a BLAST! It was the first time I'd been to Chicago for anything other than taking the boys to the aquarium. We did a lot of walking and saw a lot of cool things. We went to the Cheesecake Factory a couple times, and I learned that I actually do like cheesecake. We went to Navy Pier a few times. We went up the John Hancock Observatory. Mostly we just walked and walked. By the end of the weekend, I was exhausted but SO glad I got away. Here are some of the pictures I took. Hope you enjoy.
let's go

the view from our first room in which the a/c didn't work very well

the view from our 2nd room where we finally had working a/c

just walking around










from the John Hancock Observatory














the start of day 2

the park






Navy Pier






us

Carnival Fun

So I was on my way to Outback Saturday night w/Brian, and I saw that they were having a carnival there at the Catholic church. Which, of course, led me to think of the boys and how much fun they'd have. Then I was driving home from church and I saw another one on Gull Rd. So, I called Shaun up to see what his plans were for the day w/the boys. He'd seen it too and was curious how the boys would do but didn't want to take them by themselves. So, I went and picked them up and off to the carnival we went. Jaden had a blast! He could have stayed all day probably but it started to rain so we had to leave. Asher on the other hand needed a nap DESPERATELY. So, while he enjoyed the couple rides he decided to go on, he threw tempers for the rest of the experience and ended up sitting in the van w/me while as punishment while brother finished having fun. I ended up getting a wristband to ride the rides so that I could go w/Asher bc he was just under the height for almost everything, but w/his attitude, I ended up riding more w/Jaden. I had fun as well but realized w/the last ride J and I went on, which is more adultish than for kids, that my body does not respond to rides like it used to. Man, I must be getting old :)

random

Sometimes the boys say stuff that just make me go, where did that come from?

J: Have a good work mommy. Don't get fired.

Asher: Sooner or later we'll have to do that mom.

J:(referring to a baby deer confused on the side of the road) He must have lost his mommy. I think his dad is probably at work.

Asher uses adjectives and phrases, correctly I might add, that make you just wonder how smart he must really be! And J, the way he sees things sometimes just makes me fall in love all over again. I have two amazing little fellows!