Church Family Camp

One of the things I love about seeing Logan grow up is the consistency in our routines and how much he looks forward to things.   Family Camp is definitely a highlight of our summer.  And we love being able to look back and say "remember the year that ______happened."  And then he associates these events with the excitement that builds in the anticipation of having more fun times. 

This year did not disappoint.  I know that our times our numbered when we pack as many little ones as we can into our cabin and they all eat popcorn and watch movies.  Logan won't think that's cool or fun someday. 

And eventually, he will not spend his camp afternoons going down the water slide. It gives way to other activities that are more grown-up...like playing softball or dodgeball. 

And he won't always cry when he falls down and look to run to me for comfort that you only get from mama. 

The campfire will be a time to hold a girl's hand instead of running around with glow sticks being the best part of the night. 

He won't fight to sleep in the same bed as his mommy and daddy. 

Girl cousins and boy cousins will likely not be best friends in years down the road. 

And eventually, Logan will start learning how to match his clothes and will not even think of wearing a rain hat. 

But for now, I treasure these memories that summer camp gives to our family.  And I know that when I'm 90 years old, recalling these dreadful summer camps that are either too hot or too wet, I will have only memories of happy times spent with my sweet boy. And thankful that we went through it all.  

Chicago, Part 2

The next day, we woke up and set out on a mission to find donuts!!! We had found a couple different places online, and we wanted to be sure to try some.  The zoo didn't open until 10 (11 our time), so we were itching for something to do. 

Glazed and Infused did not disappoint.  

The Maple Bacon one is a must-have.  

We took a taxi to the Lincoln Park zoo.  We'd never been there before!!! Admission is free, so that was something we were not used to! 

He asked if I would take his picture with the zebra.  Take your picture?  Of course!!! 

This reminded us of the monkey (orangutan?) at our zoo that Logan always gets his picture taken with there!! 

In the afternoon, we were just walking down Michigan Avenue and right there in front of us...a sign for Do Rite Donuts.  Can you say "a sign from God?!?"  We followed that sign. 

Surprisingly, they had amazing food, too. All three of us split this chicken sandwich, and we are still talking about the garlic aoli!  This place will definitely go on our list of "must stop here" when we are in Chicago!!!

In the evening, we went to an Italian restaurant.  It was just okay to me.  Nothing special. Too authentic :) 

We returned home on Tuesday, after stopping at Bass Pro on the way.  We had a great time in Chicago and can't wait to go back!! 

Our Time in Chicago, Part 1

Our time in Chicago, earlier last month, can be marked by lots of yummy food and lots of time together - two of my favorite things!!! 

The first day there, we headed to Bubba Gump's because Logan is in love with their peel-and-eat shrimp.  We ha sto wait over an hour for a table, so we walked around Navy Pier.  

The next morning, we went to the Field Museum.  It remains one of our favorite places in Chicago.  They had a Viking exhibit, so that was interesting!!! Also, we spent extra time in the Ancient Egypt exhibit and learned a lot about mummification.  So cool.  We talked about that for days to come. 

 They still have their Underground Exhibit, which we love.  You pretend you are the size of a bug!! 

This is Logan the skunk, spraying his mama.  'Cause he knows I hate skunks!!! 

We ate lunch at the Rainforest Cafe - Logan's choice, AGAIN!!! 

Father's Day 2015

Logan's interview (2015):

-My dad is 50 years old.

-His hair is bald and his eyes are blue.

-My dad likes to wear shorts.

-He loves to eat meat.

-He is smart because he knows everything.

-My dad works hard at work.

-Daddy always tells me to do the right thing.

-It makes my dad happy when I do good stuff to him.

-If he could go on a trip, he would go to Kentucky, and he would take me.

-I really love it when my dad plays video games with me.

-If I could give my daddy anything it would be hugs.

-My favorite thing about my dad is he plays games with me.

Here are the answers from 2012 (Logan was 3 at the time):

1.  My dad is 3 years old.
2.  His hair is tiny and his eyes are blue.
3.  My dad likes to wear t-shirt.
4.  He loves to eat hot sauce.
5.  He is smart because he knows (how to) kill spiders.
6.  My dad works hard at puzzles.
7.  Daddy always tells me be nice.
8.  It makes my dad happy when I listen.
9.  If he could go on a trip, he would go to Disney and he would take a big truck.
10. I really love it when my dad kills bugs.
11. If I could give my daddy anything, it would be a toy or stuff.
12.  My favorite thing about Dad is when he draws Buzz.

And here are 2013 answers (Logan was 4 at the time):

1. My dad is 15 years old.

2. His hair is blank and his eyes are blue.
3. My dad likes to wear clothes.
4. He loves to eat food.
5. He is smart because he knows everything.
6. My dad works hard at work.
7. Daddy always tells me what to do.
8. It makes my dad happy when I listen.
9. If he could go on a trip, he would go to Disney and he would take all his stuff.
10. I really love it when my dad gives me kisses.
11. If I could give my daddy anything, it would be a toy.
12. My favorite thing about Dad is hugging.

Logan's interview (2014) Logan was 5 at the time:

-My dad is 7 years old.
-His hair is bald and his eyes are blue.
-My dad likes to wear t-shirts.
-He loves to eat meat.
-He is smart because he knows when I need help.
-My dad works hard at work.
-Daddy always tell me when to clean my room.
-It makes my dad happy when I don't make a mess.
-If he could go on a trip, he would go to Tennessee, and he would take shoes, flip flops, blankets and t-shirts.
-I really love it when my dad helps me.
-If I could give my daddy anything it would be a box of t-shirts with fish on it.
-My favorite thing about my dad is that he helps me a lot.

Trip

We went on a trip last week (or a while ago) and I blogged it and the post disappeared.  Ugh.  

So, we want to Six Flags.  And then we went to Chicago.  And we saw my best friend and her insanely adorable daughter.  But they are basically non-existent online (how does one do that? Love you!!! I know you are reading!!!) so, I won't post any pictures of that cuteness out of respect for them.  But it happened.  And it was lovely.

So, Six Flags was our first time.  Logan thought it was amazing.  The whole time, Zeb and I were like "meh.  It's not DISNEY."  We are ruined.  But it was a fun event and something we can now say that we've done.  We aren't coaster-riders, so that's probably why.  They have a lot of huge roller coasters!! 

I'll write later about our time chicago, but I want to keep this short in hopes that it will actually publish! 

Reasons why my son is a better person than I

1.  I mean, look at that enthusiasm when his mama tells him to smile (for like the 10th time that day).

2.  Someone did something unkind towards us.  It really bothered me.  So, of course, I kept bringing it up.  Logan said "why are we still talking about this?"  To which I had no good reply.  And he taught me soooo much in that moment.