The Baxa’s

The 4th of July was a really, really good day. It was sunny and beautiful out. The pool was clear and warm, and full of people! The whole family was there, along with some friends. The kids all got along. There was no crabbing and whining. We swam, we hung out, we ate, we drank, the boys played bags, we celebrated a birthday, and we watched fireworks.

It was perfect.

Loving the summer life!

We recently had the pleasure of enjoying a day with the two of them. The kids love the undivided attention they get when Grandpa Baxa and Grandma Barbie come over. Unfortunately, they were here to say good-bye, before they head back down to sunny Florida. We sure do miss you guys when you are away!

But on this sunny day, the boys threw around the football. Madeleine and Quinn had fun playing legos and house with Grandma Barbie. Then they headed outside and pretended they were on a boat!

I managed to snap a few good pictures.

Grandpa Baxa and Grandma Barbie, have a safe trip!

In our never-ending quest to find new, fun and interesting things to do, we recently took a trip to the Morton Arboretum. They have a beautiful Children’s Garden, with tons of fun stuff for the kids to do.

They had a special exhibit called Steel Roots. Sculptures. They were cool. But kinda freaked me out. They reminded me of those alien things that came out of the ground in the movie War of the Worlds.

We’ll see what’s next.

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.

Just hangin’ in our ‘hood. Sipping on a slushie.

The day is partly cloudy. But it’s warm out.

Oh, and we have some Bleeding Hearts that are blooming!

With a little warm up in the temperature, we have many signs of life around the Baxa house!

Our first flowers have bloomed

And there are more ready to pop out

We also have lots of kids playing outside. Even though Quinn has a bike, and a big wheel, and a scooter, his favorite by far is still the good old Cozy Coupe.

He found his keys the other day, and couldn’t wait to get out there and drive the car!

The other two, are having fun just hanging around the backyard! Quinn enjoys that too – but not nearly as much as making car noises in the driveway.

Today it is quite chilly, and very windy. Seems a little bit more like fall than spring. But, I have faith our warmer temps will be back soon!