History

We didn't make it to New Salem this summer like I had planned in the back of my mind, so we did a mini-tour of Lincoln, IL. Since Grandma and Grandpa H. live there it was easy. We started with watching the train. Absolutely nothing to do with Abraham Lincoln, but Bradford has a thing about trains, especially passenger trains, so it was very exciting--and free!

Right by the train depot is the spot where Abraham Lincoln christened the town of Lincoln with a watermelon.



Then we drove to visit the Postville Courthouse where Mr. Lincoln went to court several times. It happened to be closed on Mondays, but we saw the outside and will go back another time for the inside. (It was featured in a photo of a Lincoln book we had from the library, so it was impressive for the boys to see the real thing.)

Getting Wet

We went to Fusion for a swim break while visiting my parents. It is a fun place, especially for the kids since they don't actually swim yet. And since it's inside I was happy to forget sunscreen! Scott's parents got out the sprinkler and put it on double duty--watering the grass and cooling/entertaining the grandsons. (Cora was napping.) Good wet fun!

5+4+3+2=Wonderful Chaos

These photos are in no particular order. There's no long story to tell. Just the theme as titled above. I love these people!

This is Monkey Boy #1, known more commonly as Ryan,
climbing his mommy Stephanie's back.
This is her second climber, so you can tell she thinks nothing of it.

Sweet Lexi, Aunt Stephanie, and Bradford enjoying a book.

Ryan ready to cycle on those country roads

This is Monkey Boy #2, known more commonly as Anakin.
This is probably a rare photo. The boy was actually standing still
long enough to look at the photographer!

Ryan and Anakin doing the bonding and playing that boy cousins do.

This is as quiet as a moment will get when you have up to
14 family members in a house at once.

Sweaty Boy McCance after being outside sits by Lexi as she sorts markers.
These two seemed to have so much fun together this time.
McCance really enjoyed being the oldest in a duo for once.

Cora joins in craft time with Grandma Carole and the big kids.

Grandma Carole always has some special crafts waiting for her grandkids.
It's so fun to watch them work in their own special ways.

These three will be always in a picture while they watch a Sesame video--
even when they are 15! It's become a tradition.
Ryan isn't interested, but look at that face! Precious boy.

This might be the highlight of spending time with Uncle Evan. Truly.

I think this might be Uncle Evan's favorite part of getting together also.
Look at those blue eyes smiling under the pile of children!

Believe it or not they are quiet once in awhile. When they're reading or watching a video.

Lexi took the lead in making music with Bradford and McCance.
She sang a lovely song as well.

Papa Terry with the three littlest. Ryan looking a bit unsure,
Cora with her usual pensive look, and Anakin, forever smiling.

My girly girl posing with Aunt Cara.
Stephanie said when Lexi fit into this dress it came to or below her knees.
Cora might be giving Lexi clothes in a year or so!

See a family resemblance? This is Anakin, pre-haircut and Cora, sans clip.
They got really close and gave each other a love, then Cora had enough and pushed him away.

Another favorite. Anakin making noise while trapped on Papa Terry's lap.
And Cora just looks on, trying to figure out what the ruckus is about.

Anakin cheesing for the camera with McCance's rainboots on.
He was a hoot trying to walk in these boots.
(Actually the boy doesn't know how to walk. He only knows how to run.)

With Grandma Carole. Forgive the clip in Anakin's hair. This was before his haircut.
Cara sweetly put off the haircut so I could see him with his long hair.
Now I get it. You can't see his handsome eyes when the hair hangs in the face.
Again, notice Cora checking him out.

Summer in the Midwest

So you think, "So? Summer in the Midwest is not a big deal." (After all, most of you live there, right?) Well, I used to think so too. But there's something about it that really got to me this time. I don't know if it was before or after I dug the potatoes in Mrs. Smoot's garden (where most of these were taken), but it is beautiful and feels like home. Just take a look.

There's truly nothing like a summer storm in the Midwest. Lovely.

When It's Flat

they can ride and ride and ride. Not to mention there were fewer cars than in our neighborhood.

They rode out in the country at my parents' house, which was lovely and quiet. And in Scott's parents' subdivision, where the big treat was to ride to the little park less than a block away! It was hot, but since there were no hills no one complained!