You know you're old when...

...you're house is on your community garden walk. Yikes. Garden walks are apparently a big thing in Chicago neighborhoods, perhaps every big city, not sure. Basically people are given a map of participating houses and they just go around and look at the different gardens people have planted. Anyway, there were about 70 houses in Bucktown (our neighborhood) that participated. Our landlord was on the committee which meant we had to participate. Brett even took 1/2 a day off of work to get the yard ready for it. He did such a wonderful job I wanted to share some pictures with you. We were stop 14 on the tour. (note Penelope in the window of the first couple pictures, everyone loves her!)
To highlight your house you were given balloons. These of course provided secondary entertainment to Owen. I think this is the first time he's really seen one or at least been old enough to be interested. He had a pretty good time with them. I was afraid it was going to pop in his face but all ended well.

Lake Update #4

Following are some additional pictures from Wednesday night at Matt and Lisa's. Lisa took them with her wonderful camera. Sorry there are so many of just Owen, he's so darn cute I can't help myself. I know, I'm not a proud mommy or anything;)
Here are more pictures at the beach on Saturday. The weather was pretty lousy but Owen didn't care at all.






Brett's cousin Becky was such a great helper feeding Owen!!!
Finally, the last lake tradition to talk about for the week. Carribean night. It's a fun luau type party put on by Dale and Leigh and their families. Owen was stylin' thanks to this outfit from his Papa Mo and Nonna Barbara.
We are home now. Sorry there isn't as much commentary as usual but I am beat!!! We had a great week and are looking forward to spending the rest of July relaxing and enjoying Chicago.

Lake Update #3

I know this will come as a shock if you read the other updates, but Wednesday we spent more time at the beach:) Owen can't get enough of the water and it's great because it really tires Owen out.


On Wednesday we went over to our lake friends' house. Matt, Lisa and their children Evan and Asher (sorry if I spelled that wrong!). Matt and Brett grew up together at the lake so it was great seeing them with their kiddos.

They had a super fun drum for Owen to bang on and make some music.

The boys sang Owen a lullaby. Twinkle, twinkle little star.

Thursday morning the cousins came. Bennett is about to turn 3 and Caden is a little over 1. Owen has so much fun with them.


Owen is really wanting to crawl. He's also starting to pull himself up and loves when you hold his hands so he can stand. I'm SO not ready for him to be mobile.
Thursday afternoon we drove to Philadelphia to visit my Aunt Jean (Dad's sister) and Uncle Rich. It was wonderful to see them and I'm so glad they got to see Owen.
My Aunt Anna and Uncle John (Dad's brother) came over to visit as well. I haven't seen them in over 10 years so it was good to catch up.

Here is Owen with my cousin Richie who's just a few months younger than me. We got into LOTS of trouble when we were younger:)

Lots of giggles for Owen.


Papa Mo (my dad) and Nonna Barbara (my stepmom) were in town too. Papa Mo tried his hand at reading some Dr. Suess to Owen. Tongue tied...
A group shot. We had so much fun visiting with them.
HAPPY 4TH of JULY to EVERYONE!!!!!!Friday morning it was back to the beach. It was kind of cold so the kids didn't spend as much time in the water, but they found plenty of entertainment on the swingset.

And in the water... This is the famous "box" at the lake that all the kids love to jump off. Next year I'm sure he'll be doing it on his own.

Friday night was Chicken Parm. night. Brett loves Aunty Dale's (his mom's best lake friend) Chicken Parmesan and makes it for him special every year (he forces her to!). It's also a nice excuse to get everyone together.

Brett and our nephew Caden.

Another lake tradition (yes, there are lots of them) is pancake breakfast at the community house. Owen LOVED his first one. Here he is with Nonni Pat and then with daddy eating cereal.

Hugs from cousin Caden. Adorable!

Bennett went fishing in the lake and caught a fishy right away. He then promptly gave it a kissy.

Going home tomorrow:(

Lake Update #2

Tuesday brought more fun in the sun. Owen just LOVES being in the lake.

Owen is like a little tadpole in the water. Check out how he uses his feet to push himself around...

The next two videos are just of Owen splashing around and having fun. He was in the water for over an hour and he screamed when we took him out.

I'm working off of another computer so I'm not sure why it's turning some of the pictures. Here is Owen enjoying some time with Allison and Daddy.

Owen just can't get enough of the ladies. Isabel (one of the lake family's little girl) loved pushing him in the swing. And just playing with him in general.

That evening Aunt Carol (Brett's Maternal Aunt) got some loving from Owen. At first he wasn't sure who she was but warmed up quickly:)

Here is a pretty view of the lake from Camp 55's dock.