Joyfully Weary

A couple weekends ago we went to one of our favorite farms to pick strawberries. This has become one of our cherished summer traditions. This year was extra special because Maca got to join us for the fun.  It's usually best to go early in the morning when picking Strawberries so you avoid the heat. We however, took things slow and didn't get out to the field until a little after ten. BabyZ was a trooper for about ten minutes and then decided he'd just rest on Dada until we were finished. Jer's such a rock that he took it all in stride. All the rest of us mentioned the heat a couple times, but despite the extra baggage Jer never complained and went along picking and smiling the whole time.  Big Buddy has always been a finicky eater and for the most part turns his nose up at fruit (thankfully, he's a bit better with veggies)...that is until we go pick it ourselves. He didn't like apples until we went to an orchard when he was three; and t...

A morning exploring The Art Institute and an afternoon at Maggie Daley Park is one my favorite ways to spend a day in Chicago with my kiddos. They are just across the street from each other, so I only have to park once and there are no complaints about aching feet. It's also an inexpensive day out. The Art Institute is always free for children under the age of 14 and if you register it's also always free for teachers - if you homeschool you'll just need to show a co-op id. Our favorite place to park is the Millennium Lakeside Garage - there is a stroller friendly elevator that takes your right up to one of the entrances to Maggie Daley Park. We always use Spot Hero and park for the day for around $15. We went last week and had such a good time. I need to make more of an effort to visit Chicago more often....it always feels like such a big task (it's the hour in traffic that get me) to do solo but once we are in the city we have so much fun.  We are curr...

I don't know how I've gotten so lucky, but I have been blessed with amazing friends. New and old,  I have friends who have become family. I tend to hold my cards pretty close, and I'd prefer to keep the ugly parts of me hidden. When someone really gets to know you, though, and decides to love and accept you despite your awkwardness and the ugly struggles of your heart - it is such a blessing!  This past week our family was able to go on a mini vacation with some of our dearest friends. We rented a villa together at Kalahari resorts in Wisconsin . This group is really special; not only do I adore all of the moms, but their kiddos are some of my kids' best friends. We had a lot of fun exploring the water park. We also had plenty of good talks and lot of laughs.  All the kids spent a lot of time on this obstacle course. I soon as a saw it I knew it would be right up Mini Man's alley.  BabyZ is a water park enthusiast! He loved al...