The Sheep Show @ State Fair

Ever since he was a little guy, Alexander has cried with fear when entering the Sheep Barn at the farm. Understandably, he typically goes during 'chore time' when the sheep are hungry [translation: bleating loudly]. So, last year when Uncle Eric (whose entire family participates at sheep shows around the country) said he could help show @ the fair next year, I rolled my eyes and thought, "Yeah, right. Like that's going to happen." 

Well, for the past 365 days, Alexander has talked about that conversation and a couple weeks ago, finally had the opportunity to join the H-family at the State Fair. There were some off-ring betting going on about how long it would take him to start blubbering but to most everyone's surprise... he did it! Uncle Eric gave the signal and he walked right into the ring & stood next to the sheep, held up his head, etc. Oh goodness! I must say the tears were in MY eyes, not so much his!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dinosaur Museum

The X-man has been begging ALL summer long to visit the 'dinosaur' museum. Knowing we'd probably have more fun with some company, we invited Grandma H. and cousin, Ty, to join us for the day. 

And, other than taking the bus to 111th street instead of 11th street (oops!) and my mom (mistakenly) asking the driver to let her off in the middle of Lake Shore Drive (double-oops!), we had fun day exploring the Field Museum. While maybe not the most age-appropriate or completely engaging museum in the city for a 5- and 8-year old, it had lots too look at & explore. Especially liked the 3D White Shark movie and, of course, we got to see 'Sue' the dinosaur which gave this museum its name [from Xander's perspective].

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Cousins Come To Play

My sister (Brenda) and nephew (Isaak) visited us for a couple of days. They left little sister, Brooke, at grandma's house so it was ALL about the boys. We had lots of fun, mostly playing & snacking! These boys are not just cousins, they are great friends, too.

 

 

 

 

Trying to prove that moms can do the 'spinny thing' at the park, too. 

The boys were not convinced!

All Kinds of Fun, And Reptiles!

Karissa and Lavell were visiting Grandpa & Grandma S. recently so we got invited to spend the day with them. We spent the afternoon at the Elawa Farm in Lake Forest. Elawa Farm (www.elawafarm) is a public-private partnership dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of a unique combination of natural setting, designed landscapes and buildings of architectural and historic significance. 

Except for Lavell's untimely bee sting, we had  fun afternoon playing in the park and making friends with the reptiles and other animals on display. We even got to hear the kookaburra sing using an 'ambulance siren sound' on my cell phone [see picture below].

 

 

Tempel Farms Lippizans

Grandpa & Grandma S. recently took us (along with Emily & Moriah) to a performance of the Temple Lippizans. More details here, if interested: www.tempelfarms.com. 

It was a gorgeous afternoon (see blue sky & clouds in first pictures) and really interesting to learn about these amazingly beautiful horses. Since the X-man is a huge horse fan, he soaked everything in & especially enjoyed getting to visit the stables after the show and seeing the horses close-up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fishing One Afternoon

I am completely and totally behind with posting pictures but finally figured out how to download files from my new phone (yeah!) and so we're now back! Here is to a rapid posting of pictures from the past several weeks of the summer.

Alexander received a fishing pole for Christmas and though it was too complicated for him [for which I take responsibility], grandma had just the right one for the little fisherman from back-in-the-day. X-man, Blake and Grandma spent a gorgeous Friday afternoon at a nearby forest preserve attempting to reel in some fish. They were semi-successful. Mika and I joined them after the little one woke from his nap & it was good to see my little guy enjoying the time with his daddy & grandma.
 

 

 

 

[Note to Self]. If the fish aren't biting in the lake, just fish from the bucket of already caught fish. It's WAY easier!

Book Review: Into the Whirlwind

Elizabeth Camden’s newest book, Into the Whirlwind, was a good story. Not top-of-my-recommendation list but good nonetheless. I have really enjoyed Camden’s previous books – Against the Tide, The Lady of Bolton Hill, The Rose of Winslow Street – and the author continues to do tremendous job of weaving together historical facts, strong characters and an interesting plot.

Unfortunately, the climax of this story seemed, at least in my opinion, to happen right at the beginning of the book and thus the rest was just a little bit dull.

The character of Mollie Knox was brave and believable. And I loved her heart to care for [and provide jobs for] the men of the 57^th who fought in the war alongside her father. The romantic aspect of the book seemed more of a sub-plot of the story, which I appreciated.

I especially enjoyed the setting in the city of Chicago during 1871 when The Great Chicago Fire occurred. It allowed for reflection in regards to contrast/comparison of how people respond to crisis within communities, in 1871 and in recent days when tragedies such as natural disasters, school shootings & the like occur within our nation. The book allowed some wonderful insight into the struggles in the immediate aftermath of the fire and how the city of Chicago, with help from all over the world, was re-imagined and rebuilt.

There were a couple of aspects to the story that seemed to be left unresolved, specifically the Copernicus watches and Zack’s parents new building which was purchased in order to preserve the traditions of the Polish community. These were not integral components to the story, so perhaps it was the author’s intent.

All in all, a good/recommended read for those who enjoy historical fiction. This story is appropriate for all ages.

I was given this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.