Summer Hodgepodge

Well, the calendar has turned to September and Labor Day Weekend has come and gone. The Midwest temps can't make up their mind! I would say that Summer has officially started its transition into Fall. 

This past summer was fairly laid back - we traveled (East Coast/Canada,  St. Louis, Freeport), the twins graduated high school and Grandpa Ken came to visit.

We celebrated some birthdays - Lots of June/July birthdays with the Barman family. Followed by Matt's birthday in August.

I tackled my arch nemesis...the side yard. Here's hoping that the grass seed holds! 🙏

The July 4th weekend was busy with multiple activities - work, fireworks, friends, a 5k race (Maddie) and Matt & I day-tripping to Peoria, driving Rt 29 along the Illinois River. 

Maddie found my sister (Deb)!

We ate at Tyroni's - a family favorite! 

A few weeks later, Matt & I hit the road for a day trip to the Macomb area to see the new Monopoly figures throughout the downtown area. How Fun!

Matt has driven by this unique barn multiple times while at work. We were able to stop and snap a picture of the barn as well as the lavender harvest in the foreground.

While we were in Macomb, the kids headed to Des Moines to have a fun day at Adventureland. 

The back deck is always a great place to hang out (literally!)! 

Another evening, we lost power thanks to a wind storm sweeping through the area. Luckily, we didn't go too long without power and made the most of the night with flashlights, snacks and games. We didn't even pull out the generator! 

A week later, we were saying goodbye to Maddie as she left to head back to Guatemala. She will be gone through mid-October. We will miss having her home, but when you see the joy on her face as well as the faces of her students, we know that she is where she is supposed to be!

You know that you're an adult...when you are brought to tears with new luggage!

We had an unplanned visit to urgent care (one day before she was scheduled to leave for Guatemala!) to get stitches. 

And of course, one last meal at Texas Roadhouse before heading to the airport...

Matt & I tried to help Mom & Dad relocate (not necessarily successful!) a family of bunnies. Oh the babies were so small and adorable...and FAST!!

We took Dad out for lunch one afternoon while Mom had a get-together with some friends. Our time together always brings some chuckles - dementia is an ugly disease but Jesus continues to shine through Dad!

Matt & I closed out the summer with a day trip to the Cedar Rapids area - a bit of hiking, shopping, food and a Sunflower field!

We put out some hummingbird feeders this summer and had 3 different hummers visit every day.

This summer, there was no shortage of amazing sunsets & beauty surrounding us, in our everyday activities.

Not too many pictures of Will & Kaitee - they were both busy with full time work hours and laying low when they weren't working. They hung out with friends as much as possible - just enjoying the summer.

We wrap up our summer and look forward to our Fall plans - School for Will, work & musical season for Kaitee, Maddie coming home, fall leaves (ie - road trips!), Cubs game/Chicago weekend and Football season!