The Sand Dunes

We traveled to Sawyer, Michigan to attend my brother Corey's wedding. It was an amazing wedding-- it deserves its own post. We got to spend a few days at the sand dunes while there in Michigan. Besides being one of the hottest weeks of the summer (the thermometer in the van read 128 degrees one afternoon. No joke.), it was a great time. Brayden and I conquered the sand dunes, but I didn't bring my camera to the beach that day. Go figure. What I did bring my camera for, though, was a giant inflatable slide on the beach. It was HUGE! And it was fun! Brayden and Landon even went down headfirst. It was a great time, and I'm so glad we got some time on the beach this year.

4th of July

We did the "usual" for 4th of July this year. We spent the day at the 4th of July parade in Arlington Heights with the Follett cousins, and then went over the the Bienert side in Crystal Lake to watch the fireworks over Crystal Lake. It was a fun day. Hot, of course, just like every other year. Hudson slept through the entire parade, and most of the fireworks too. We even got a chance to visit Julia at the Freeze and get some yummy ice cream!

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!

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