8 years

We celebrated our 8 year wedding anniversary yesterday, July 28th. We went out to dinner, just the two of us which seems to be a rare thing lately. It was a very low key evening but just what we needed. I can't believe that we've been married 8 years already, time really does go by quickly!

Cosley Zoo

Petting the horses
All of the play group boys watching the turtles being fed

Laughing at the llamaLuke loved these sheep, he kept on saying "baa"A good time was had by both boys!

On Tuesday we went with our play group to Cosley Zoo in Wheaton. I love this zoo because there are farm animals and it is really clean and small. The day was actually warm, which I really can't say for most of this summer. Chase loved the turtles and Luke was into the sheep, horses, and cows. We had a good time and both boys transfered into their beds when we got home and slept at the same time, hooray!!

A Visit to Michigan

Bowling with Daddy
Snuggle time in Grandpa's chair

Grandpa & Luke

Two weekends ago we went up to Michigan to visit my dad. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't feeling very summery. It rained almost the whole time we were there and was in the upper 50's. We ended up going bowling one day, which Chase really liked and playing some games at an arcade. Chase, Blake and my dad went fishing while I stayed at my dad's with my grandma while Luke napped. Chase caught 11 fish and was so excited about being such a fisherman. The trip there and back wasn't too long but Luke is defintely not a long distance car rider! We can't wait for our next visit!

Summer Fun

Popsicles with Cassi, Casey & Paige
What a ham!Cheese!
Hanging out at the Riverwalk Fountain

Playing hard at the park
Peek-a-boo!

Here is a mix of pictures from the last few weeks. We've been busy at the park, riding bikes, and playing outside. We sure love summer!

July 4th

On our way to the Morgan's house
Playing in the basement

Charlie, Cece, & Chase playing storePosing with their patriotic hatsMary & Luke
Riding the "choo choo" with Maria

On the 4th of July our good friends Dylan and Maria had us over for a BBQ. We had a great time catching up with them and as you can see by the pictures, all of the kids had a blast. What a great time!

Under Contract???

Well, the day has finally come that we have a contract on our house, I truly can't believe it. It has been over a year of shoving nick knacks in drawers, throwing laundry baskets full of things into cars, and frantically cleaning every nook and cranny of the house, hoping that would make someone want to buy it. After 3 offers between $60,000-$90,000 below our asking price, we sold our house $8,000 below our asking price, thank goodness.

Blake and I are both feeling excited but cautious because we still have to pass the home inspection and appraisal for the contract to truly be valid. It's something that brings such mixed emotions for us. This house was our "dream" home on paper but in reality, our "dream" is being together and doing what make us happy, not living in THE house. This opportunity will allow Blake to go back to school and get his teaching degree which in the long run will be such a wonderful thing for our family.

With the house set to close on August 17th, yes, 1 month away and it also just happens to be my first day of the school year, we have so much to do. We have to pack this place which overwhelms me just thinking about it, find our new house, and figure out where to stay during our limbo time between the 2 houses. I truly have a migraine headache thinking about all of the unknowns in the next month. I am going to put on a positive attitude (or at least try) and know that we will make it through this and come out happy, I hope :)

Swimming

Luke trying to eat the water!

Chase & Paige playingClimbing up the waterslide with Daddy for the first time!

Blake and Paige coming down the waterslide

On July 3rd we finally went to our subdivision pool for the first time this summer! It wasn't crowded at all and we invited the Chrustowski family with us. The kids had a great time in the water and they even attempted the big waterslide. Sara went down with Paige and they both went completely under. Blake was able to convince Paige to go with him, since he went down the slide at a snails pace, they didn't go under at the end. I can't wait for the next trip!

Wagon Rides

This summer Chase has become Luke's chauffeur. They have been having such a great time going on rides together, it is so cute. Chase always makes sure to buckle Luke in and will talk to him while pulling him along. It's moments like these that I'm so thankful that they play with each other more times than argue with each other!