Last weekend of the summer

Next week the school year officially begins for us. Julia is starting second grade at Holy Family on Wednesday and, a week from this Monday, Elisabeth will be starting at her new school Marshall Middle School (more about that later).

So, we decided to take a day trip and do something fun yesterday-- go to Lake Michigan!!

Before we got to the lake we made a stop in Libertyville, IL at Marytown where the National Shrine of St. Maximillian Kolbe is located. St. Maximillian's feast day was on Friday and he is Elisabeth's favorite saint. Since it was on our way, we decided to swing by and check out the museum, the chapel and the gardens.

What we didn't take into account is that Marytown would be very busy because, you know, his feast day was the day before, so there was no one available to give us a tour because it was also the feast day of the Assumption of Mary. Plus we got there right as Mass had started and we probably should have just gone to Mass, but we were dressed like beach bums and the kids were borderline hangry.

So we just decided to check out the gift shop (so many books!!!) and tour one garden since the humidity was so thick we choked on it everytime we stepped outside.

We've decided to go back in the fall when the weather is nicer and definitely plan on attending Mass. Then we'll also be able to tour the gardens a little more thoroughly without sweating ourselves into puddles.

We decided to try out the beaches at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, IL. It was all free and only about 2 hours from Rockford. Turns out we (and a bunch of other people) picked a perfect day to spend at the lake. It was hot but the humidity vanished as soon as we got to the water. We had packed a picnic lunch to keep the younger two girls quiet about how hungry they are all the time (I am officially a snack time referee which is a thankless job).

We were kind of surprised at how short the beach was from the parking lot. But, it fit us and all our gear so no complaints. Plus, the girls just loved it sooooo much. 

This is how David and I spent our beach time-- under our giant umbrella in the shade napping and reading, respectively.

Of course, Vivian brought her trusty dump truck.

The girls found this guy with the metal detector fascinating and got really close to him to watch. 

And now it is back to the school year grind. My calendar is already filling up super fast. It's like a sharpie pen has bled all over the end of August. In a good way, of course.

Our summer

I just registered Julia for first grade today (yes! public school!). They gave me a school supply list, a schedule for the year, and took the wind from my "Yay for summer!" sails. Dude, it's August. 

School doesn't start until the 25th of this month for us, so we'll be continuing with our days full of nothing for the next three weeks, thankyouverymuch. No, seriously, besides a few local trips and the girls having summer dance class for one day a week for 5 weeks, we have had zero plans. It's been amazing.

So, here's a (somewhat) short recap of our summer so far.

July 4th obligatory flag picture with nice faces: 

 With silly faces (although, to be honest, Elisabeth's face is not silly so much as unbelievably frightening):

Evan celebrated his 31st birthday to much fanfare.

 July was oddly "cool" for Texas, so we tried to be outside as much as possible. Please note the bottom of V's feet because the child refuses to wear shoes. Whenever we move to a state that has proper soft grass, she is going to be sooooo happy.

We had a few last bbqs with our favorite people who moved (despite our protesting) at the end of July. Julia and Dutch have been buds ever since they met despite a two year age difference. She is really excited to be his pen pal. When Dutch's mom asked if he wanted to be Julia's pen pal he said, "Yeah. Does that mean I get to marry her?"

Poor Vivian has had a rough time with Dutch and Mac moving. She keeps thinking that they're on a trip and just aren't home yet.

 She still asks every day for "my best friend Mac". It's truly heartbreaking.
At their going away bbq, Mac wanted to show me his marshmallow roasting stick:

More outside playing:

Of course, the "cool" temps didn't stick around long and now it's mutha hot outside. I'm totally blaming my in-laws for bringing this terrible heat wave with them since it started getting over 100 degrees right after they showed up to visit. But, the other night, around 8pm, we trekked it over to the park to play since we knew there was zero chance of melting since the sun was going down. It was a balmy 95 degrees and there was a nice breeze. Perfect.

 Jana and Ebeth frolicking on the playground equipment.

 Dear Lord, watching V climb up that ladder makes my hands sweat and my heart race.

I love this picture:

Vivian is head over heels in love with her Papa. Thank goodness he's made two trips to see us this summer!

So, you all are fully aware of the wild child that is Vivian. I bought her this leashed backpack months ago but she was having none of it. Recently, we tried it again and said, you can either hold our hands or we can hold your string. Dude, she is so happy to be hands free and we are so happy to have at least one way to save her from jumping into rivers, off ledges, and not lose her in crowds. The tantrums thrown when we try to get her to let us hold her or hold hands is almost at 0%, a true win/win when we are somewhere that her safety is more important than whether we're "those parents" that leash their kids.

Hope you all are soaking up these last weeks of summer!!!