Adventuring

Whenever I get the chance I like to spend a day with just one of my grandchildren. That way we can hang out and really get to know each other. Sully and I did just that the other day. Since we had a lot of adventuring to do we started out the day with a hearty breakfast of pancakes , bacon, eggs, and apple juice. With a good meal under our belts we set off on our adventure at Morton Arboretum where we spent the day watching frogs, getting soaking wet, building dams, climbing on ropes, and investigating tree houses. Sully and I had a blast having all kinds of outdoor fun and and discussing whatever came to mind. Pizza for lunch rounded out the day. Both of us were reluctant to end the day, and we can't wait for our next adventure.

Drowning Worms

There are very few experiences in life more satisfying than fishing with your grandchildren. This weekend I had a chance to go fishing with Sully and the day was everything we hoped for. Sully is quite skilled at casting and reeling in the fish. They practically jumped onto his hook. He caught the first fish and the biggest fish of the day (notice the rod bending in the last picture). Sully's take... six beautiful sunfish all caught and released to live and fight another day.

Tall Ships

This summer has been filled with activities with the grandkids, but Jane and I decided to take a day for ourselves and go see the Tall Ships at Navy Pier. We had regretted that we missed them the last time they were in Chicago and didn't want to miss them again. We waited in line a half hour to see several of the ships and an hour and a half to see the Bounty, but it was worth it. Jane and I loved spending the time together exploring the ships and people watching. I think we enjoyed both equally.

The day got me thinking about when Jane and I used to fantasize about taking off and sailing around the world by ourselves without a care in the world (we would miss our children and grandchildren). We both love spending time together so much that we know being together 24/7 on a small ship in a big ocean would be no problem. Even though we'll never actually do it the day at Navy Pier proved once again that we still have as much fun after all these years as we did when we were dating. Jane, I love you!!!

A Day With Thomas

Jane and I decided to take Sully and Charlie to see Thomas at the Railway Museum in Union, IL. Unfortunately it was the hottest day of the summer (it really was!). Fortunately we had a blast. The boys loved seeing all the trains, especially Thomas. There's lots of stuff to see and do and the boys loved running from one thing to the next. Everyone at the museum was super nice (most of them are volunteer railroad buffs who love to see the next generation of kids develop a love of trains). We all kept well hydrated ( thank goodness for bottled water and snowcones) and everyone had a great time. Bet we'll go back next year!

Charlie Loves Flowers

He certainly does, doesn't he!

Water Fun

Spent some time with the boys in the park. Couldn't ask for more fun than adding a bit of water to the mix... or a better photo op. Enjoy!

Fun at the park

Charlie Bear doing what he does best... having fun with reckless abandon!

Coloring

Just caught this shot of Sully and Gramma coloring before breakfast and thought it was too precious not to share. You can see why the grandkids love their Gramma so much... she's still just a kid at heart.

Biking with Olivia

I had a chance earlier this summer to go biking with Olivia and her dad. I was looking forward to the excursion because I have been enjoying biking myself so much lately and was looking forward to adding Olivia and Matt to the experience. I thought it was the bike ride that was going to be fun, but just getting to see Olivia and Matt having so much fun together turned out to be the best part. It was priceless, actually. I can see they are going to be BFF. Thanks for letting me share these precious moments!