THE BOYS ARE IN TOWN!!!

We begged and we pleaded for them all to say "cheese"

But only the eldest were aiming to please
So how many more years do you think it will take
Until all of the cousins cooperate?

Shirin Schneider


TUESDAY - We picked up the boys at noon from my parents. Joshua and Anna were so excited to see their cousins! They ran over to them so fast they were a blur. We had a picnic lunch over at Oma's. After lunch we were off to Morton Arboretum in Lisle. They had a 'giant bug' display around Meadow Lake. When we got there we found out that they had an official 'Bug Detective Guide' for the kids to search and learn at each 'giant bug' display.

Did you know we have 'assassin bugs'?? Ever heard of a 'damselfly'?? I had no idea. I can tell you that Oma and I learned a lot that day; the kids...not so sure. We had such a beautiful day. It was hot but we also had a real nice cool breeze all afternoon.

Can you identify this bird??
As we were walking we noticed this neat looking birdhouse and then a bird popped his head out.

As you can see Joshua wasn't being very cooperative in this photo.

Big, strong cousin, Brandon.

We also saw this bird perched up in a tree.
He didn't seem to be bothered by us onlookers.

Family
(Anna, Chase, me, Joshua and Brandon)

We are in the children's section of the arboretum. I had no idea that they had a tadpole pool (catch and release). At first I wasn't sure what the kids would do, well they all jumped in. Joshua was a little skittish at first but then he gave it try. He even held one in his hands. The rest of the kids had no problems catching them by the handfuls.

Anna with her catch.

Joshua encouraging Anna.

Oma even jumped in with the rest of the kids.
She even caught one, too! Way to go, Oma.

We have made it a tradition to eat at Al Capone's Hideaway Restaurant in St. Charles. Brandon and Chase's dad, Jesse (my brother) loved this restaurant. Since, his passing (5 years ago this July) we have taken the boys there for dinner at each of their visits (they live in MN). It brings back great memories and we have a great time together.

COUSINS

My FAMILY

The kids outside the restaurant. This is also a tradition. We have a photo of Johsua barely one sitting on a barrel. Each year we take a 'cousins' photo outside the restaurant.

My dad with all of his GRANDKIDS!!

(He isn't showing it but he truly is happy.)

Anna added her two cents below:

BEST RESTERANT IN THE WORLD
AND WE ALL HAD FUN
WE HAD FUN EATTING THE FOOD
AND BRANDON IS THE BEST CUSSIN IN THE WORLD
by Anna

Thank you Lord for today. It is such a blessing to share Your joy with Your children. If it weren't for my faith, I know I truly wouldn't see Your Blessings each day that You have blessed me with. You have only loaned us these bodies until it is our time to join You. Thank you Lord. Amen.