Revolutionary War Reenactment

Last Sunday we went to Cantigny to see a Revolutionary War reenactment. Jake took these photos from the sidelines.

We kept reminding the kids that the people were acting and that they were not really getting hurt.

It was soooo loud!!!!
This man was showing us his serpent horn. It sounded like a French horn.

This man was showing us how they made candles during that time.

Uncle Steve learned how they made dart boards out of the bottoms of barrels.
Even though they didn't have tanks during that period of time, the kids wanted to go and see the tanks at Cantigny. They enjoyed climbing all over them. It was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed learning about the Revolutionary War. We also went inside the World War I museum and we were so impressed with it!! What a great place to visit and learn!!!!

After being there and learning about the wars, we are so very thankful that so many men gave their lives so we could have freedom. Jake really was affected by this and gave it much thought that night. We consider all those who fought in wars blessings!!

Labor Day in Michigan

For Labor Day, we went to see John's mom in Michigan.

Luke had fun exploring around Grandma's pool.

Jake and John had fun playing football.

John's long time friend (and neighbor . . . who still lives right by John's mom) came over for a visit. His name is Larry and his little cutie's name is Jackson.


Football anyone??

Aunt Carole came over on Sunday. We had a wonderful visit with her.


Caroline taught Aunt Carole how to play Mancala. Caroline won once and Aunt Carole won once . . . a tie. :)
Everyone helped prepare dinner . . . BLT's and sweet corn . . . yummmmm.And ice cream for dessert. :)John showed off his handyman skills by fixing Grandma's loose steps. Luke helped. :)A good weekend was had by all. :)

Another Package from Aunt Carole!!

Look what Luke got!!! . . . . a package from Aunt Carole!!Instead of chocolate, it had a big bag of Twizzlers. He had so much fun sharing with everyone. He gave everyone two each day until they were gone. :)

The package also had a Batman that shoots, a fun book about brothers, and some cool pool toys. Thanks, Aunt Carole!!! We love your packages!!! :)

Luke is FOUR

On September 1, our little Luke turned FOUR! Here is the birthday boy eating his birthday breakfast. He opted to have it downstairs instead of in bed. :) He and Caroline made this cake with LEGO decorations because . . .. . . we went to LEGOLAND for his birthday!! Here he is standing in front of a very tall birthday candle made out of LEGOS!There was a ride there that was super fun. It is called the Technicycle. When you pedal, it goes up in the air. We got to ride it sooo many times because there wasn't a line!Luke had so much fun building a car and then zooming it down ramps.

Little Caleb came and celebrated with us. :)There was a statue of Darth Vader that was built with LEGOS.

The whole skyline of Chicago was built out of LEGOS, but I couldn't get a picture of the whole thing. Here is the Hancock Building.We loved walking through the jungle.
Luke and Caroline enjoyed a drink together. Aunt Shirley sent Luke some $$ and he used some of it to buy a new LEGO set at the store. Thank you, Aunt Shirley!! :)Luke sure had a great day . . . his cake was pretty good, too! :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEET LUKE . . . you certainly are a blessing!