Days Gone By

Today marked the anniversary of the day Kevin and I met down at college, twelve years ago. 

Today was Jackson's very first day of preschool, and KJ's very first day of homeschool. 

Late last night the kids and I arrived home from a great road trip to our friends' lake house up in Wisconsin.  (I took a six year old, three year old and an eleven month old on a three day, seven hundred mile road trip by myself without even a dvd player in the car.  I'm going to tattoo that information to my bicep and wear it proudly.  It was really enjoyable, too!) 

The night before, Kevin flew home from a business trip to Texas. 

Just before that, he too was in Wisconsin.  In another part, just before the kids and I were there, visiting a different friend.

The week?  Busy!

The last month?  Has gotten away from me, in part. 

There are some recent pieces that I don't want to skip over, without at least a mention.  It has been a really, really wonderful summer.

There was Baby Day, v. 2.0

My beautiful godson Nathan. 

(I'm sorry Nathan.  You are my handsome godson.)

(But seriously, a beautiful baby, still.)

A summer afternoon spent at Chicago's Point (with Auntie Jenny) is always a summer afternoon well spent.

We were lucky enough to steal Kevin's Granny for a day and a night while she was up visiting from Florida recently (and would you believe this is the only picture I thought to snap?  Geh.)

And while we weren't the technical hosts, we did get to do lots of bonding with Leslie's mom when she came to stay for a week.  Sant & Leslie hosted their first party at their new home (and obviously we split the tables between boys and girls, ha!)

There have been many days spent on swings, and on the beach.  Some of them at the same time.

And I've made good on my promise (to myself) to spend many a day and many an evening at the water, with Kevin, with the kids, with whoever happened to be trapped in my car as I suddenly decided it the perfect random moment to head north.

We visited the Baha'i Temple in Evanston, IL,

and Sue the dinosaur at the Field Museum.

And also, sat on the moon while we were at it.

My three year old son fell in love with Weeping Willow trees this summer, setting us off on a journey to learn the name of every common tree in our area.

And my baby daughter has loved playing in every form of water.  Here, a splash pad.

We visited our beloved zoo once or twice (or twelve times)

and we rested in the soft, green grass at the park, after long summer afternoon walks.

We swam with Kevin's family on that one hot day,

and we played (loudly!) (happily!) (tirelessly!) with our friends near and far.

We jumped!

And watched the sun set some more.

My baby's beautiful blonde hair has grown and thickened.

And more teeth are joining the party!

Jackson, school today.  A little happy, a little sad.  A little thankful that it's only a few hours per week.

And a little going to hell for Homeschooler's Best T-Shirt.

What a time we've had.

Comments

[debi]

I feel in a way that I was with you on your many journeys. Every picture tells a story.( do you hear Rod Stewart?) Anyone who can drive that far with little kids and no DVD player is made of stern stuff. When I read and see how you spent your summer I feel sad to see it come to an end. Then I remember that we don't live near water and I don't like summers here in the Southwest.I am very fond of fall and cannot wait to feel those first stirrings of it's arrival. Thanks for sharing with us. As always the kids are beautiful.

[Cindy]

Thanks for a fun few (sleepless) days! Kids are already talking when can we see you again! I just wished we lived so much closer.

Love the pics!

[Jen L.]

BEAUTIFUL post! You are a super mom. I so admire the way you take the bull by the horns and just go for things! Thanks for sharing your summer with all of us. I cannot wait to hear about Jack's preschool experience!

[Erica]

What a great post! Looks like you had an awesome summer. Jack looks so grown up, and I can't wait to hear about your adventures this fall.

[crookedeyebrow]

What an amazing summer you all had.
Here's to an even better fall!

[Michelle Z]

Love the pics - LOVE the t-shirt. Hahaha!

Little sad we didn't see you while you were in WI.

[C @ Kid Things]

Looks like it's been a great summer!

[Frema]

That sitting-on-the-moon picture of the boys? Good Lord, they look old enough to start college. And holy crap with Marin's hair and teeth. Where did the time go?

So glad I get to see you guys next week!

[Frema]

P.S. I forgot to say how much I loved seeing Kara and Marin playing together and the black-and-white shot of (beautiful, always beautiful) Nathan.

P.P.S. If the title of your post had been "Days Go By," you would have nailed the theme song from "Family Matters." A missed opportunity, is all I'm saying.

[SJ]

You guys always have SO MUCH FUN! I love it. Love the photos too...

Your summer was busy indeed. And I totally feel like I went on the trip with you with all your lovely photos.

PS: My KJ has that same '2 cool for school' tee and I LOVE IT.

[BetteJo]

Oh, is summer over already? Did we have a summer here in the midwest? Not a normal summer for us, anyway.
Love the pics - looks like you've had a wonderful and busy summer!

[Allison]

Amazing Post.

Amazing Pictures.

Amazing T-Shirt.

:-)