A Day at the Beach

Summer started out slowly here in Chicagoland. It seemed like it was the end of June before we got a nice day to visit the beach. A new beach opened up in Crystal Lake this year. It is super nice, complete with a sand area, grass area, a splash park, a Culvers, and clean bathrooms! What's not to love about that? We enjoyed going here a few times this summer with friends and family. The boys really enjoyed the sand and tested their bravery in the lake. Landon discovered his love for going under the water this year, so we had to look out closely for him! Hudson also looked adorable in his tiny beachwear. He spent most of the summer in his carseat. Poor kid. I know he'll enjoy the beach a whole lot more next year!

Lincoln Park Zoo

We took advantage of one of the sunnier days this summer (come on, what is up with this weather??) and headed to the city to Lincoln Park Zoo. Highlights of the day:

- watching the monkeys eat their poo. Not a highlight for me, but the boys STILL talk about this.

- seeing a mommy zebra nurse her new baby. Aww, so cute. Then, once she was done nursing, she kicked him with her hind legs. Not so cute. They also still talk about this.

- watching the lions napping.

- walking through the penguin exhibit very quickly, as the boys couldn't stand the "stinky birds".

- snakes, crocodiles, spiders and all of the creepy crawlies. Again, not a highlight for me, but the boys really enjoyed them.

- seeing the polar bear swim around and taking a picture in front of it for Julia!!

- watching Gavin gleefully splash around in the fountains. In his diaper. The other boys splashed too, but Gavin enjoyed it the most!

- taking a picture of all four boys, who were all color coordinated. On accident? Maybe. But probably on purpose. :)

- having the front of our van fall off while driving and having to lay on the ground and tape it up with masking tape so we could make it back home from the city. Oh wait. Not a highlight.

All in all, a great day with the boys and Aunt Kaycie. Hopefully we'll go back soon!

-

Summer =

Summer = grins and giggles,

sliding superheroes,

napping newborns,

curious cuties,

and slippery siblings!

Brotherly Love

Playing together in the crib

Playing trucks together

Admiring big brother

Gavin thought Hudson was hilarious because he kept trying to eat his shoulder

See? :)

Both of my 'babies' relaxing on my lap

Whenever people see me, they usually ask how I am adjusting to having another baby around. Then, the next question is almost always "How is Gavin doing with the new baby?" Most people who know our little Gavy know that he is very attached to Mom, so we weren't sure how he would do with a new little one to share Mom's attention with.

Well, it has been so heartwarming to see how much all of my boys adore Hudson, including Gavin. All three of the older boys care so deeply for their new baby brother. They spend so much time hugging, kissing, snuggling, and sharing with baby Hudson. I snapped these pictures of Gavin loving on little "Hudsie" (what Gavin calls the baby). What a great big brother Gavin is!