Our Winding Road: Guess Who's Baaaaack?

Seriously, I've been gone so long I don't even know where to start. I use to like to blog anytime we did some type of family fun activity, a milestone was reached, or there was just something fun, in general, to share. Well, I guess it's a sign of a great summer, but I feel sooooo behind that there's no possible way to catch up on every fun thing we've done or company we've had, so I'm going to have to lower my blogging self-expectations, I suppose.

Let's back WAY up to the end of May, so I can share how this summer got started...

MJ wrapped up his last day of school at the end of May, before Memorial Day week. What a great year he's had at DMS! He's come a long way since starting the 2 year old class. He went to preschool 2x per week for 2 hours each day, and it was a great fit for him. For his last day, parents were invited for a special celebration.

MJ showing off his coloring skills on his last day.

Hugging his best friend, Allison. MJ adores this little girl. Their teachers say they are 2 peas in a pod. They stand at the door and wait for the other to arrive each morning, and spend their entire morning playing side by side.

Showing off his certificate with mommy.

I've been so pleased with his school that I decided to run for the Board. I figured it would be a great way to stay involved in education, while contributing to his school. I'm now a board member and the secretary. I'm looking forward to playing a more vital role in the school!

We then kicked off summer with one of MJ's favorite activities, riding the ferry, or the "car boat" as MJ calls it, which crosses the Mississippi River from Wisconsin to Iowa. He was so excited to go for a ride this season. Charlee enjoyed her first ride on the car boat, as well!

It was a very hot day on the water, so we were glad it was only a short boat ride. :)

One of our favorite cities to visit is Madison, WI. Madison is one of the closest large cities. Lots of diversity, plenty of fun activities for the family, and more amenities than Dubuque. We also enjoy going there at least a couple times a year, so it also seemed like a great way to spend some of our summer family time together. We made a day out of it and visited the Henry Villas Zoo and then the Madison Children's Museum. Talk about MJ's dream day come true! It was an absolutely gorgeous day...high of 70, which was perfect zoo weather! We didn't even think about it being the very end of the school year and thus lots of school field trips being there. Needless to say it was quite crowded at first. It didn't seem to phase the kiddos though, and we still had a fabulous time!

Looking for the animals with daddy.

MJ took a ride on the train ALL BY HIMSELF. I'm not sure why, but this brought me to tears. I can't believe how big and independent he's becoming.

Grizzly bears!

Charlotte wanted no part of just riding around in her stroller, but she was happy as can be to be worn in her carrier throughout the zoo.

Next stop was the Madison Children's Museum. We love this place! It's so well designed and just big enough to have a lot to offer without being too big to be overwhelming. We're actually going back in just a couple days. MJ always has such a great time, and before long there's a lot Charlotte will be able to enjoy once she's upright and crawling.

This is by far MJ's favorite spot at the museum. He could play at this car table for hours!

Little Miss Charlotte Noelle just hanging out.

Petting chicks!

Hanging out in the carrier on the rooftop deck of the museum.

As you can see our summer was off to a great start! Sometimes I almost feel guilty about all the great family time we are able to share together in the summer. There's no doubt that we are very blessed. During the work year, we already are able to spend quite a bit of time together as a family, but summer time is even better! The end of the school year was quite busy for both Mat and I, so we were really looking forward to reconnecting as a family and enjoying lots of time together. Mat's teaching summer school on Tuesdays through Thursday, but that leaves four day weekends each and every week. It's a huge help to have him around the house so much. It makes it easier for me to keep up with my work load while teaching online, stay on top of the housekeeping (although I still seem to procrastinate in that area), and of course having two sets of hands to take care of two kiddos. I'm quickly getting spoiled with this new schedule and just enjoying it while it lasts.