Chicago

We started our summer off with a quick weekend trip up to Chicago to visit friends. We drove up the day after school was out so we could fit the visit in before summer activities started on the following Monday.  A late May trip to Chicago does not guarantee summer weather -- though this year, a late JUNE trip would not have guaranteed summer weather either...  So, it was cool and rainy for the majority of the trip, but we fit in a trip to our favorite bookstore, enjoyed lots of eating out, and savored our short time with friends.  It amazes us every year we go up how well the kids get along.  I know that might get tricky as they get older, and more self-conscious, but I hope not.  Teddy had a new playmate this year as our friends had a new dog since we had seen them last.  Hazel and Teddy were pretty much on the same developmental level and had loads of fun playing fetch together :).  Next time we visit there will be a new baby girl to love on -- I think that is going to warrant another visit before next summer!

Ready to ride -- we've got the 5 hour drive down pretty well now

The rainy weather meant there was lots of time to play inside 

Teddy and Hazel

Extreme Fetch -- Teddy is about to launch 5 balls for Hazel to get

A trip to the Farmer's Market was a favorite activity -- especially since it involved donuts... a rare treat around here

Mexican for luch

A trip to our favorite Chicago bookstore -- somehow we always leave with a LOT of books

like me, Merrill gets a bit overwhelmed with all of the choices

I have to hand it to the guy working, he looked VERY hard to find a book of maps that satisfied Millie's very specific wants (all maps, no words or pictures, but not a road atlas)

A group of happy readers

Oh, if you could only hear the music coming from this scene.  The girls are accompanying Tavi's violin (which he can legitimately play) with the sounds of their new harmonicas (which they can NOT legitimately play).  Tavi was a very good sport.

 A parting group shot before we headed back home Sunday morning.  It's good to have friends like this