Summer

Its been a crazy Summer. We have vacationed to Chicagoland area. We visited the pool. We have made new friends. I started an online Bible study (Hello Mornings) and then a friend asked me to do a book study with her, by my favorite author Linda Dillow! Honestly, I'm incredibly blessed. And I sit in awe of those blessings and the faithfulness of my Savior as the Summer is quickly nearing an end and its BACK TO SCHOOL!

Chicago was FUN! The kids earned FREE tickets to Six Flags through their reading program, and the weather was perfect! I typically highly dislike July in IL, if you like to breathe, you just can't! Its hot and humid and sticky...my Pastor says, "the air is like soup." And if anyone has ever been to Six Flags on a 90+ degree day...you know what I mean, BUT our day was not like that!  We had PERFECT weather and the kids had a wonderful time.  All the kiddos went on a roller coaster (without loops) for their first ride. Everyone was a big fan except Silas. Then Eli and I went on one WITH loops, we both said no to a second ride. Nuff said. Daddy and Eli went on a coaster too, and they both enjoyed it. I loved that Six Flags had lots of kiddie sections throughout the park. We all got super hero capes before we left!
We visited Lake Michigan, it was freezing, but fun. When we first arrived in Chicago we went to American Girl first. I wanted to see the store and experience the hype of it all. Z noticed we were going into the city and NOT towards Aunt Ashley's house and she declared, "Who is this American Girl anyways? I just want to go to Safina's!" Brett and I both giggled.  But once she stepped into the store, it clicked and she was in "heaven."  I was in shock.  She bought her doll a pair of glasses and some fake food, it was a pleasant experience.  Eli and the boys along with Daddy really enjoyed the Lego store next door, everyone got a little something and then we headed to Aunt Ashley's.  I will say...Chicagoland area has the BEST public parks EVER!  Our little town of Charleston, needs to step up their game.  We could have spent a whole day traveling to different parks...fun, fun, fun!

I love this picture, the lighting, the flowers, the people.

 My grandbaby Kenzley on the slide w/ Safina and Kenenisa

Lake Michigan!

 Super Heroes!

 Chicagoland area park!  Seriously fun!

 American Girl doll store!

 Before we entered Six Flags!

 My boys LOVED all the characters!

 Another city park. Brett is hanging and going around in circles!

 Lego Clone Tropper

K & Bugs!

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."