Getting Summer Started!

We've had a great start to summer! Gavin was recently given a nice honor by his baseball teammates.  He was chosen alongside 3 other players to represent his team in the league-wide All-Star game at Roemer Park.  It was a beautiful day at the park and we are very proud of Gavin's hard work throughout his season.

We also had a blast at our annual Lawndale Block Party, where we close the street for a big neighborhood party.  The firefighters stopped by with their truck with the tall ladder and gave some cool demonstrations.  They also let all the kids have a turn operating the water hose - that was a highlight for sure!

My best friend from the early days, Lori, and I got together for an NKOTB concert - one of our favorite bands from our early teen years.  We might only see each other a couple times each year, but it's always as if not a day has passed!  We have so much fun.

We also went out to Clarendon Hills for the annual Daisy Days festival.  We love the live animal show and riding the fun rides!  And we always enjoy getting to spend time with Grammy and Grandpa Brown and the Tieman crew.

We celebrated Erik on Father's Day!  We are so grateful for all he does for us and for all the joy and goodness that he brings into the world. We spent a lovely morning at Gillson Beach and the kids gave him his new favorite water glass as a gift!

We also celebrated Cassie's 10th birthday!  She had a fun sleepover with friends.  They had lots of plans; they painted art canvases in the backyard, had dinner and cake and watched a movie before taking over the 3rd floor to sleep.  We also celebrated with Grandma and Grandpa Reder last month when we were in Lexington, and we celebrated with Grammy and Grandpa Brown and the Tieman family on her actual birthday, too!  She is very loved!

Waking up to birthday waffles!  Double digits!

Brothers can enjoy a sleepover party, too!

Opening Hamilton tickets - she was SO excited!

Lastly, just a few more photos of summertime.  Erik spent a morning with the kids at Lovelace Park, just around the block from our house, doing a little fishing!  Also, we spent a lot of time chalking the sidewalk and enjoying the lakefront.  Ahhh, summer.