Weeks in review...

I figure I better get one semi-decent post in before the big day tomorrow. That's right, folks. Summer's over. School starts tomorrow. The kids are super excited. We spent some time today talking about what a great summer it's been. We've done so much amazing stuff, including a few zoo visits!

A few weeks ago, I made mention of visiting the Peoria Zoo (a.k.a. Glen Oak Zoo). We had my nephew, Alais, with us and met up with some friends, as well.

Jack and Brooklyn absolutely love little Ava. Jack is especially good with her. Why is it that they can be so sweet to other people's children, but so mean to each other?!?

The new Africa exhibit was nice. It's really added a lot to the zoo.

I'm not really one for taking pictures of animals, so I really just posted the one of the tigers at the top to document that we really were at a zoo.

I don't know what the fascination is with climbing on animal statues, but it always seems to be a highlight for our kids.

Last week we made the trek to the Niabi Zoo in the Quad Cities. We were supposed to meet up with a bunch of friends from Macomb, but completely missed them until we were getting ready to leave. So, that was kind of a bummer. We did pick up some friends in Galesburg to take with us, so that at least appeased us all.

See what I mean? The kids just go around posing on animal statues. I mean they are cute and all, but I just don't get it. Anyway, after Niabi, I brought the kids home and went back over to Galesburg for a Girls Night Out. We had great food and entertaining conversation, as usual.

We finished out the week with a round of mini-golf and another playdate, which brings us to the weekend.

The boys went on their annual camping trip while Brooklyn and I stayed here and did girly stuff. Jack's cousin named the campsite "Camp Freedom" because they were allowed to do whatever they wanted. So, if that tells you anything, they had a great time.

Brooklyn went with her cousins to an end of summer party at their school. They had a blast. Face painting seemed to be the biggest hit. This was done on Friday and I had to pretty much force Brooklyn to wash it off before church Sunday morning.

Brooklyn and I also did some sewing. We made a new purse...I'll have to post a picture later...so cute.

Today - the last official day of summer vacation - took us to Fun City in Burlington. My parents, sister, brother-in-law, niece, nephew, Jack, Brooklyn, and myself took off this morning for some swimming, bowling, arcade play, and go-kart racing. What a way to end the summer! Fun had by all.

So, tomorrow is the big day! The next post should be Back to School pictures! The kids are excited about their teachers. Brooklyn knows a couple of kiddos that will be in her class and Jack has met 2 people that will be in his. Should be a great year! Stay tuned...