Insider's Chicago

Today Scott and I were invited to go on a tour of Chicago given by a couple from our church. They both grew up in the area and love downtown Chicago. They took us around to many of the famous sculptures and historical landmarks. It was a neat tour!

Posing with Michael Jordan in front of the United Center.A weird picture of us in front of the "Bat" sculpture.

Scott is standing in front of a Chagall mosaic. It's made of little tiles and has lasers protecting it from being touched.

We had lunch at the Billy Goat Tavern. This place was made famous by the Saturday Night Live sketch. It's actually located underground. Pretty cool!

This sculpture is called "the bean."

More Friends Visit!

It was great to have our Seminary friends, The Borsts, come for a visit the past few days. Some of our activities included dodging tornados, getting ice cream, completing puzzles together, chatting, playing pool in the basement, touring Palos Heights and having a great time! Thanks for making the trip!

The group at Lake Katherine Preserve.

Matt and Scott enjoying some red meat together.

Playing.

Completing puzzles.
Troy and Anna looking like summer.

Hanging out watching Clifford in the morning.

Last Friday we decided to again venture downtown. We rode the Metra train system which conveniently took us right downtown without having to worry about traffic or parking. We soon realized that we were not going to be able to move around the city very easily because there were tons of people there for the Lalapalooza Music Festival. We walked around a bit and then headed home.

Awaiting the train at the station in Tinley Park.

The entrance to Lalapalooza.

Holding hands for safety!
In front of the Art Museum.

Hats, Horses and Haircuts!

The activities of the past few days all happen to begin with the letter "H".

H is for HATS.

The feud continues between these new Chicago baseball fans. Troy just got a new Cubs hat this week. He loves to wear it and bug Kam. We'll see if their loyalty continues after we head back to Michigan!

H is for HORSE

These are our neighbors, Dean and Ruth, who have been so great to live next door to this summer. Dean took Scott and the kids to ride his horse, Willy, again last night.

Katie takes a turn around the arena. Ashlyn will be proud!

H is for HAIRCUT

Kamryn decided she was ready for some shorter hair. I took a whack at it and it actually came out pretty well! Here she is before...
And after...
Lookin' good!

Summer Continued

Our time in Palos Heights is coming to a close (two more weeks), but we continue to enjoy activities around us. Here are some shots of the kids mostly in the backyard and the neighbors' backyards. The yards are all connected because there are no fences. (Different from California!) One of the highlights of the summer has been our wonderful neighbors!

Kamryn finished up her sports camp at the local college. (She was the only girl and loved it!)
Our dear neighbor, Mrs. Ruth, has taught Kamryn to knit! They enjoy sitting outside on her patio knitting together. (Kamryn doesn't mind the Oreos, White Sox peanuts and IBC rootbeer either!!) They both tell stories and chat as they go. What a wonderful memory for Kamryn!
Kamryn knits her scarf late into the night!
These pictures are on our other neighbor's cement basketball court that they have in the backyard. All the neighborhood kids are welcome to use it and the equipment anytime! What a gift!
Troy tries for the big shot.

Kam whizzes by on the Rip Stick.

A Visit From Some of Our BFFs!

The Elsenbroek Family made a detour from their trip to Grand Rapids to come stay with us for a couple days. We had a great time catching up and hanging out in the beautiful weather. It was great to be together again!

We enjoyed having my parents here last weekend and look forward to having some other guests in the next couple of weeks too.

Interesting tidbit: To those of you who know about the saga of Scott's stolen computer last fall, we got a call today that the police just caught the guy! It was kind of a weird "out of the blue" thing. We were happy to hear the news!

A group shot after ice cream last night. (Scott, how did you center that picture so well?!)

Together again!

Pondering life after a busy day.

Ice cream, friends and sunshine-can't get much better!

The plush horse-a local icon.

Just like old times!

Troy Boy

Troy has had a wonderful summer. He continues to grow and learn how to annoy his older sisters. He has really loved having a boy next door to us who is the same age as he is. They have become great buddies and love to hang out together. He has also been enjoying being part of a soccer camp at the rec center here in town. The coach has been great and its hilarious to watch 4 and 5 year olds learn soccer skills.

Troy and his buddy Mitchell.
Troy and friends receiving instruction.
Paying close attention!?
They thought two goalies would be better.We decided Troy will make a good defender. He usually hangs back from the pack a bit and stands ready.