Swimming Lessons!

We are trying out swim lessons for the first time this summer, and Dane is LOVING it! We started with both of them in the same class, but have since realized it was a little advanced for Ari (not in the swimming skills, but in the separation anxiety aspect). So, each night at six, we head to the Seminole Pool for Dane's Minnows class, and some time for Ari to play in the baby pool. It's been lot of fun, given the 100 degree temps every day!

 Blowing bubbles!

Listening to their teacher.

 Parenting fail for taking this picture;) But she did great with putting her head under!

The aftermath.

Moving Week

It has finally arrived! Our moving week! On Friday, we closed on the house and Mark found out that he passed his boards! And the townspeople rejoiced! Then, we spent the interim week packing (me) and working (Mark). Saturday was the big day. We loaded everything up, did the final clean-up and headed back to WI for the last time. We managed to visit a few places and good friends in Wheaton before we left, and then had some amazing help from both sets of parents before (Dane stayed with Andersons for the week, so I could pack) and once we arrived in Madison (my folks stayed with us at the new house for a few days so we could UNpack). The process went surprisingly well, given all the craziness and two little ones. Dane's sleep schedule was off for the week after staying at Grandma and Grandpa's, but we've slowly gotten back to a typical schedule, which Mark and I are very thankful for. The house is looking lived in, if not totally put together, but we're not putting pressure on ourselves to do everything right away. We actually have time this time around:) No more moving every year for us! Thankful:)

Hopping on Dad.

 Doing some planks with my good friend Bianca.

 One of our favorite parks, Triangle Park, right across the street from the train station.

 The Wheaton Library. Smile!

 A little closer to smile:)

 Nothing like a sprinkler and grandpa when it's 106 outside!

Hanging out with Dad is the best!

He turned out to be nice!

This morning, Dane was trying to be nice by giving Ari his stuffed puppy. She was, wisely, somewhat wary of his offer of something. Here was the conversation:

Dane: Here Ari, you can have my puppy!
Ari: (scoots away, looking slightly scared)
Dane: Don't worry, Aria, you can come closer, it's safe! I turned out to be nice!

Hilarious child:)

Wild Kratts!

One of the kids' favorite programs to watch on TV is a PBS show called Wild Kratts. It's an awesome animal and nature show featuring two real, but animated brothers, Martin and Chris. We've learned a lot, including Mark and I, from it, to be honest! Recently, the brothers visited Brookfield Zoo, near our old condo, so we decided to make the trip with the kiddos. It was a lot of fun, albeit very hot. But definitely worth it:) Creature power!

Our last few months in Wheaton

While things have been moving very quickly with the house search and packing, etc, we've managed to find time to enjoy the very summery weather we're having.

 Hitting up Cosley Zoo.

Hugging it out.

 Enjoying some ice cream on the porch...if we drip out here, only the squirrels will care.

 Heading over to DuPage Children's Museum for some fun.

 Both kids were enthralled by the penny roller.

 Almost being blown away in the wind tunnel.

 Bubble tube!

 Relaxing with Dad before bed.

 Kelly Park with the whole fam.

 Learning to cook hamburger smoothies.

 Catching up on her Food magazine.

 The aftermath of lots of running and playing outside: four skinned knees.

 Riding the ferris wheel at the Glen Ellyn carnival. It was a huge hit!

 Look at that face:)

 This makes me fear for his future as a teenage driver:)

 The Wheaton Memorial Day parade. Hot, but lots of fun!

Playing outside in our little pool. Fun for all, including the whale.