Alex's Turn Up North

It was finally Alex's turn to go up to the cottage with Grandma and Grandpa. They left on Wednesday morning. They spent the first afternoon playing on the porch, getting their fishing gear all set, walking around the loop, and going to Moomer's. On Thursday, the went to Lake Michigan to play on the beach. It was very windy so they didn't stay too long. They stopped for lunch at Bud's on the way home. Aunt Mara arrived Thursday afternoon and took Alex down to the water to see the dock and fishing boat. Later in the evening after Uncle Ken got there, they had a camp fire and did sparklers and s'mores. On Friday morning, the guys went out fishing. Alex caught 1 perch and 5 bluegills. He was very sad to have to leave!

Ready to hit the road

Tenzi on the Porch

Moomer's

What a catch!

Heading out

Frankie was sad to see Alex go...

Lemonade Stand

William and his friend Parker (and Parker's brother) both really wanted to do a lemonade stand this summer and today was the day! We all got together yesterday afternoon to build our stand and make some treats. The boys took turns drilling/screwing it together and they all participated in painting. Then this afternoon we set up shop down the road. The boys decided they wanted to donate their proceeds to a children's charity so we decided on "Alex's Lemonade Stand" which is a national organization that raises money to fight childhood cancer. Our neighbors were all so generous! We had a steady stream of customers for the two hours were were out.  The boys took turns serving lemonade, rice krispie treats, and goldfish and working the cash register.  

Construction

Progress after day 1

Ready to Sell

Our first customers

Trying to attract customers

Miscellaneous Summer

We've been filling our days with lots of summer fun:

Paso Fino Biker Gang

Tubes!

Meijer Gardens with William

Tenzi at Bell's

I pooped!

William needed more orange in his room

This can only end well, right?

Such a big boy

Chicago!

On Friday, Phil took the day off work so we could take a quick trip to Chicago with the boys. We were able to get tickets to the Cubs game and spent the morning at the Lego store, wandering around downtown, and at the lake. It was a really fun day. William loved the game and paid close attention to what was going on. Alex was pretty tired by the time the game started...

Go Cubs!

Sound asleep!

Great seats - and they were in the shade!

Dinner in Wrigleyville

These boys love trains