The Baxa’s

We saw a couple of bands perform last weekend. That is April and I and our six kids did. Yep, the boys were off at a bachelor party for Mark. So, we were on our own. I would say it went well. The kids all got along, and behaved fairly well. If it weren’t for April having to chase Eli around constantly, she could have actually sat down and relaxed! But, I think everyone had a good time.

We saw The Smithereens and Soul Asylum (which Josh kept pronouncing ass-lum, cracking us up). The Smithereens were signing autographs after they played, so we bought a t-shirt and Josh got it signed by all the band members. It made his night. He wore it for three days straight.

Our two little girls sat most of the night with their heads together, talking quietly, like they were teenagers. They were all buddy-buddy and it was nice. A glimpse of what’s to come for those girls when they get older.

There were two older couples sitting next to us, and the guy was on his way to feeling no pain. But, he was nice, and funny. He kept talking to Josh. Asking him for a glow stick necklace, trying to get the kids to dance with him. When we left, we had two sleeping kids, and one of the women said “Looks like you have your hands full” – and I looked at who I assume is her husband and say “Looks like YOU have  your hands full!”. We laughed.

So, a good time was had by all. April, hope you enjoyed your night, thank you for coming with us.

On my birthday last weekend, we went to visit Cantigny, the estate of the late Robert R. McCormick. He built the Tribune Company, started WGN, and was a Colonel in World War I. I had never even heard of this place, but Jeff said his family used to visit when he was younger. There are tons of fabulous gardens, but the mansion was the best part for me. We did a tour (I’ve never done a house tour before) and it was truly fascinating. To see the house as it was, with antiques, and pictures, and everything. Quinn said he wanted that house. Yeah, me too. We didn’t get to see the First Division Museum, we got rained out. But, I think we will definitely go back. It was a really fun day!

And the first pool day of summer. The water was cold, but the kids had a great time anyways. Looking forward to many more fun pool days!

As usual, the Nelson boys’ birthday party was a blast. For everyone. Good food, good company, and good fun. I think the Slip n’ Slide was the highlight for the kids. I wasn’t sure if my pictures would turn out, but I did end up getting some good pictures.

They were definitely slippin’ and slidin’. The look on their faces as they came down was priceless.