Picture Perfect

Today was another check off the summer list. Mission completed: Morton Arboretum. I can't believe that all of my life I have lived about 30 minutes away from this heaven on Earth & I have NEVER visited it before. Sinful, I tell you.









The weather was gorgeous today, nearly picture perfect. We headed out first thing in the morning & got our explorin' on. Hayden loved every. single. second of the experience. So much so that I think we now need to become members. I think our zoo membership, the beach membership, & an Arboretum membership can live in harmony, no?









It was a much needed day with just Buggie & I. We left there sweaty, thirsty, & dirty. The kind of summer dirty that reminds you when you pull in the driveway that it was well worth it. We shall return.





Today was one of those days that I knew there were a few jems on my memory card. I was starving, but my photos were calling me. We walked in the door, Buggie went down for a long nap, & I then me & my images had a long afternoon date together.

Incredible.


Precious.

Summer "Bucket List," Volume One

Way back in May, I put together a summer "bucket list" of sorts. We've done a pretty good job at crossing off some of those items so far. Here are pics of just a few.






Fourth of July fireworks

We normally adhere to a pretty strict sleeping schedule with Hayden because she thrives on it. She goes to bed around 6:30pm each night, and gets up at 6:30-7am each morning. It works for us. But on the 4th of July, she had already been sleeping for two hours when I went into her room, awoke her from a deep sleep & asked her if she wanted to come on a special trip with us. She of course, replied, "Yesh," in her half-sleepy, tiny voice. We got there & set up our spot.


She waited patiently with all the other kiddos & when the fireworks finally lit up the sky, she LOVED them. She was even "Ohh-ing" & "Ahh-ing" along with the crowd!


The Shedd Aquarium

Hayden has really been into fish & turtles lately, she's constantly pointing to them in books, saying their names, telling me their color (Did you know they're all yellow?) & trying to make her best "fish face." So, I knew a trip to the Shedd was in order. Lucky for me, I get in free for being an educator, and kids under 3 are free, as well. I only paid $16 for parking, which amounts to a pretty cheap day at the museum!




Her favorite part was the penguins. They are so inquisitive & interactive, almost putting on a show for everyone!





Afterwards, we enjoyed the perfect 75* day in the city by sitting outside for lunch. Mama had a Chicago style hot dog drug through the garden & Hayden had cheese, mango, strawberries, carrots & crackers.


More summer "bucket list" items to come!