Apple Orchard and Betty's Birthday

Late September is always a fun time of of year for us. Betty's birthday is on the 22nd and we make our annual trip to the apple orchard during this time.  Jack and I also made a trip to the Hancock building to go on the "Tilt". This thing is legit.  I was scared.  Lastly, we went to the annual Hawthorne Family Fun Fest. 

Playing in the alley.

Getting ready to do the "TILT"

Hanging out at the top of the Hancock

Teacher dunk tank.  Jack hit the bulls eye but it didn't work so he go to push it. 

Ella missed...

Ella made her own jump rope. 

Annual trip to the apple orchard. 

Ella picked the biggest pumpkin in the lot. 

The kids made Simon a huge cat house. 

It had two lelels

Another cat house. 

Bat girl. 

Jack playing with friends after school. 

Possibly the last frozen yogurt trip of the season 

Maeve playing with her buddy Holly. 

That's a Wrap!

This summer was probably our best yet. So many beaches, lakes, pools, parks, adventures, picnics, lazy mornings, and fantastic memories. We're all sad that is's over, but yet we're ready for a new school year and a little more structure in our lives. The first week back went pretty well, but I'm looking forward to a weekend of resting up, as the early mornings and long days have worn us all out!

Ella made a stuffed avocado and a new skirt at her sewing class.

These kids love the beach.

We took a trip to the Morton Arboretum and had an amazing time!

Our main goal at the Arboretum was to go on a troll hunt! We followed a map and found all seven - the kids loved it.

Maeve missed a troll or two.

Our hunt ended when we found the troll hideout.

We took the kids on an architectural boat tour of downtown.

Abbie brought over dessert - the kids were pretty impressed.

Outdoor TV time. 

We made breakfast for a youth shelter. All three kids were great helpers!

Ella has been getting more and more independent. She made popsicles.

And pot stickers - one of her favs!

One of our last summer adventures was to a cool nature park and farm in Schaumburg.

A boy and his cat.

After years of hard work and fundraising, our new school playground is complete! It's amazing!!

First sno-cones. Jeritt's cousin, Daric, came to visit with his family. We had a great time!

Cousin love.

A car-full of wet kids.

We spent Labor Day at the beach. We're sad summer is over, but ready for school!

Back-to-school pics.

I found Ella like this after the first day. They're all so tired.

A beautiful pic from the architectural tour.

Taking the train with Dad for a morning at work.

Maeve working out during the kids' karate class.

Riding bikes with Jace and Finley.

A trip to Maggie Daley with cousins.

Sometimes Jack acts like a cat as much as Simon.

Our sunflowers for Grandma Donna turned out beautifully.

First day of first grade!