Chicago!!

A favorite!

Lilyana loved pretending to be a penguin!

Max and Samuel at Soldier Field

Nemo!

Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter (yes Max, really did dye his hair!)

My mom, sister, and niece joined Lilyana, Max, Max's friend Samuel, and me for a day trip to Chicago last week. We explored the Museum of Science and Industry which had a Harry Potter exhibit. Max and Samuel dressed up as Draco and Harry and were quite the popular guys throughout the morning. Max has been Harry crazy this summer and is enjoying reading the books instead of just seeing the movies. The books are always so much better!

After our adventure into the world of magic, we went to the Shedd Aquarium. This was Lily's first time at such a place, and she was enthralled. She could sit in front of an aquarium and just stare for the longest time. Her favorites were the Beluga Whales, the otters, the jellyfish, and Nemo. :) What a fabulous day we had in the city! We can't wait to go back!!

Baptism!

Max was baptized in church today at a lakeside service. He gave his testimony in front of the whole crowd beautifully! Grandpa Ralph and Max's 5th grade teacher, Mr. Koning did the honors. Max got the idea to be baptized in Lake Michigan from Mr. K., and he said that Grandpa Ralph is the holiest guy he knows (and he really wanted to see his Pa Pa in Lake Michigan as he hasn't been in the lake in over 20 years). :) We are so incredibly proud of our boy and the fine young man of God he is becoming. Congratulations Max!!

Refrigerator Worthy!

Take a peek at what our budding little artist has been up to. Her ability has most definitely already passed that of her mother's...thank goodness! :)

A bug!

An elephant!

Her self portrait!

Daddy!

Mommy!

The Art Show!

New Belt!

Max tested last week for his next belt in Tae Kwon Do. He did a fantastic job in earning his purple with white stripe belt. He continues to amaze me with his dedication. His teacher is extremely fond of him. He is an older man who assured the class that he would keep this class going until Max had his black belt. Our Maxie is well on his way! Way to go buddy...we are proud of you, oh, and eat your heart out Matt! :)

Coast Guard Festival Fun

A friend took some great pictures of the kids while enjoying a night at the Coast Guard Festival. Lilyana was all eyes at the carnival. She especially loved watching others scream on very tall, scary rides. Many minutes were spent with her staring upward. The carousel was about the only thing she was able to ride...too short, the poor thing. Max conquered riding The Freak Out...the name says it all. He had a look of pure terror on his face, but afterwards he insisted that it was awesome! :) We all enjoyed the incredible fireworks. Lily didn't even cover her ears this year, my brave girl.