My new ride. . .

I purchased it two weeks ago. It needed some work. I'm very happy with the job the body shop did fixing it up. I just got it back from the body shop today. (Before and after pictures)

I must be having a mid-life crisis. I've never been the slightest bit "excited" about any of my cars...until this one.

As mid-life crises go, I reckon it's pretty tame. It's a sedan!

It's fully loaded with all the luxuries. Has plenty of power. Though it's the smallest and most fuel-efficient car I've ever owned, it also has plenty of modern safety features which make it safer than larger cars I've owned.

It has a great sound system.

I plan to drive this for a long time.

It's real role is to drive me back and forth to work when it's raining or snowing.

Both his father's and mother's son . . .

He begged to sit in the center of the back seat. Better surround sound and a better view of the road, he said.

Spring Ride

John and I took a ride on my new bike. Was supposed to be a ride around the block, but we ended up a couple counties over at a town park. Of the new bike, he said it was 'awesome, roomier and more comfortable.' For me, having a bigger, more capable bike . . . One capable of accommodating a nearly adult size passenger . . . Was part of my buying decision.

The Pond at Apple Works

Pioneer Zephyr

John climbed up the outside of the cab of the Pioneer Zephyr at the Museum of Science and Industry.

He loves trains! It's genetic. ;-)

Magic Bus

Through the eyes of a child, even a ride on a city bus can be a big adventure. The kids took their first ride on a city bus in down town Chicago during our recent visit. When we were done, Carolyn confessed it was here first CTA bus ride too. How could that be? She knows Chicago better than I do . . . How could I be the resident expert on anything chicago related?

Then I recall . . . Eighteen years ago i was a chicago commuter. My mad commuting skills paid off. Young kids who can't walk two miles of city streets in twenty degree weather were given a rest while we rode from the Sears Tower to Water Tower Place.

Walking down the Magnificent Mile eventually tuckered out Emmalee, who hitched a ride on mom's back.

He Dressed Himself . . .

John's idea of proper winter attire. 'What?! I'm wearing snow boots.'

She posted a lookout. . .

My daughter decorated the banister in cowboy garb. I'm not sure why.

Treat

John enjoys a Steak n Shake treat with Grandma before we head home.

Getting ready for winter

One trailer full of wood cut to length. The stuff requiring splitting has been stacked. Nephews will help stack the rest . . . They didn't want to be left out.

My girl

My baby girl turns nine tomorrow.

John's Quote

Taking a walk in the woods with the entire family, John declared: "I love trees. Everybody should plant trees. I wish 'the middle of nowhere' would take over the earth."

I love the way he thinks.

Labor Day Fun

After picking apples with his sister, John enjoys a walk in the countryside.

Emmalee at the pond.

John and Emmalee enjoy a Labor Day hike at the Phyllis and Russ's place.

Walking Leaf

Bugs tickle when they walk. Luke wouldn't touch it, but he got a huge belly laugh out of watching his brother Jaden hold the bug.

7th Inning Stretch

The afternoon baseball game was interrupted to allow the kids to see a katydid.

Balloons Passing Overhead

Taekwondo Medalist

Emmalee celebrates her silver medal at her first ever Taekwondo competition.

She won silver in the "form" competition, and turned around and won gold in the "breaking" competition.

Papa is so proud!

Kayakers