It's been a summer...

WHAT A SUMMER IT'S BEEN. I can't believe I haven't posted this whole summer! It's been so fun and eye-opening - a total roller coaster ride but worth every minute. I promised Cari I'd finally blog tonight so here it is. A (very brief) summary of our wonderful summer adventures.


Fourth of July - Sean has done great, while it hasn't been exactly how we hoped (at all) it's been so wonderful making new friends and experiencing a new city. Chicago is AMAZING. If i ever were to live in a city it would be Chicago. The shopping is awesome of course but there are beautiful parks, the Lincoln Park zoo downtown is not only great but free as well, the beaches are nice (though the water is cold), the eating is great and all in all its such a wonderful city - I'm only sad because we won't be able to experience everything Chicago has to offer but that means there will definitely be a next time!

Bannock's first trip to the beach! - The water was freezing but it was still fun. Bannock has been my little buddy, he's such a great little boy. He has the best spirit and he's calm and obedient for the most part (he IS after all still a little boy). And he's SO stinkin smart (like his daddy was at that age I understand...)- he has mastered a bunch of baby signs and loves to help me put things away (toys, groceries, he's a helper) and reading is his favorite thing (he even reads magazines too). It's truly been such a blessing to just be with him all the time and watch him learn and grow.

NAUVOO - was absolutely amazing! I got to go twice, once with my wonderful in-laws and again with my parents. It truly is a beautiful, spiritual place. We went to Carthage and to the old Nauvoo burial grounds (which were tucked in this gorgeous little wood way in the middle of nowhere) and found some ancestors buried there. I was able to go to the pageant too and it was SO fun - there was an awesome bag pipe band and old fashioned games and the pageant itself was spectacular. I have a renewed love and admiration for the early Saints.

Twilight Party - these are just some of the awesome girls I've befriended out here, I love them all! I think that has truly been the best part of this summer - the amazing people we've met! These girls are all so amazing and crafty and caring and sweet and each one is unique and fun! We have recipe swaps and jewelry/craft nights, play dates and pot-lucks. I have enjoyed every minute and I can't wait to do this again! it's been a summer...