Summertime Faith like a Child

Summer time. Few would argue- it’s the best season of the year. This summer has been a blessing for me (and Nathan) to get to be a kid again while playing with Evan and Jaden outside. So much is new to them and they are just amazed to see and experience new things. Even just on a walk to the mailbox, I hear Jaden ooh- and awwe- at everything we pass. Did I ever stop to see the new buds on the hosta plants? Or notice a bird fly to the neighbors yard? Rarely.

Our sermon today at church talked about being humble, playful, teachable and filled with wonder.……like children. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. Luke 18:17.

Experiencing things through the eyes of Evan and Jaden this summer, has allowed me to appreciate the little things that all too often I miss with a busy schedule. A story that resonated with me was about dandelions. If you’ve seen Nathan’s yard in the summer, you know that Evan and Jaden will not find dandelions in it. However, a dandelion is something that children enjoy at every stage. I remember growing up and picking a bouquet of dandelions for my mom. And how fun was it to blow the white wispy seeds of a dandelion?! I can just hear the ooohs and awes from Jaden admiring the simple dandelion. However, Nathan, as most homeowners, call these flowering plants, weeds.

By watching Evan and Jaden play, they learn new things, fine tune their motor skills, and teach me that life is a playground. 

You don't always have to play by the rules. 

 We don’t need fancy slides and swings to have fun. 

 It's always important to rest. 

It's more fun to walk through life with a best friend.

And when you dance, dance like no one’s watching.

NKOTB- Chicago!

This post is for my sister…..who let’s be honest, without, I probably wouldn’t have even known who the New Kids on the Block were back in the ‘80’s! That’s what big sisters were for!

I finally got to see a NKOTB concert……25 years later! Thanks for going with Lauren and Sara!!

Although my sister did get see them live in concert with Tiffany at the South Dakota State Fair years ago, she wanted to see them this year…….but long story short, a technical difficulty with communication from Ticketmaster caused us both to be left disappointed last weekend in Minneapolis. However, I was lucky their tour stopped in Chicago this week!

BoyzIIMen opened the concert and did an excellent job. 

 98 degrees was next and I don’t know their songs as well, (built in restroom break time?!)

Then the arena seriously went crazy. It was pretty hilarious to see all of these 30- and 40- somethings females get so excited to see New Kids on the Block!! Aside from a few wrinkles---(from NKOTB, not us of course), they looked like the NKOTB we grew up with. Joey I think grew a little. We had an awesome time rocking to favorites like Hanging Tough, Step by Step, and the Right Stuff. 

 'Summertime'- big beach balls were bounced around the audience. 

 Sooooo close!!

I'll be There

The Right Stuff

4th of July weekend with Grandma Linda and Aunt Laurie

After uploading pictures from the 4^th of July weekend, I realized why everyone (including me!) took a nap yesterday afternoon. For not having an itinerary for our guests, Grandma Linda and Aunt Laurie, we sure did find ways to keep busy.

When Grandma Linda arrived Wednesday, she had to check out Nathan’s gardening skills. The peas were ready, so the boys enjoyed a fresh treat, and I learned next year I will have to plant a second row of peas unless I want to share!

Laurie and I started out our 4^th of July with the Park to Park 5 mile race. Afterwards, we picked up our car at the start of the race and let the boys enjoy the splash park at Miller Park. Evan was a little hesitant at first but Jaden immediately ran around and followed the big kids.

Nathan’s Aunt, Uncles, and Cousins from Morton and Minnesota came for a cook out Thursday night. The boys loved playing with second cousins Kaitlyn and Danielle. 

We almost missed the fireworks as they started early this year- but we were able to find a spot to watch them. I was afraid Evan and Jaden would get scared, but the boys enjoyed watching them. 

Friday, the boys each got to be an only child! Jaden came with Laurie and me to Chicago to see our cousin’s baby, Ethan, while Grandma took Evan shopping and to visit cousins in Morton. 

We ended the day at the ballpark.

Another splash park on Saturday- McGraw Park. 

We enjoyed an afternoon walk in Uptown Normal at the Sugar Creek Arts Festival. The boys clearly get their artistic talent from Aunt Laurie:) 

And who can forget pool time this weekend! Evan is no longer afraid of the water and kicks kicks kicks his way across the pool. On Saturday, friends Elliott and Jonah came to swim and brought fun toys to throw in the pool. 

Thanks for the fun weekend Aunt Laurie and Grandma Linda!