A Bit of Summer Magic- The Children's Garden at The Morton Arboretum

Last week we visited Morton Arboretum, in Lisle, IL. I'm sad to say that I've lived in Chicago my whole life, and have never experienced this beautiful place.  The Children's Garden was a fantasy land filled with various tree houses, sculptures, and water features.  The perfect place for children to wander off into their magical imaginations.  

As a parent, the most stressful area was the children's maze.  Can I just say, HEART ATTACK!!  Both of my children and their cousins ran off, and within seconds I was a screaming lunatic.  

There were so many water features to choose from.  Since we forgot our bathing suits, all the kids were soaked from head to toe.  Note to self: Next time bring bathing suits and crocs.

There was even garden inspiration for me.  Must hit some thrift stores to find old colanders, metal plates, and old cans to decorate my garden.  

So next time you are in Chicago, definitely bring your children to visit The Morton Arboretum.

Happy Independence Day- A Firework Painting

     Ten years ago, when I was an art teacher, I had my second graders create their own fireworks paintings.  My dear friend Darcy, from No Monsters In My Bed, reminded me of this project, and inspired me to try it with my children.
     In order to adapt this lesson for a 3 and 4 year old, I cut a huge piece of black craft paper, and laid it outside on the patio.  We also gathered fluorescent paint, tubes of glitter paint, and brushes.
     Before we began, I showed the kids a 4th of July Fireworks, on YouTube.  We talked about all the bright colors against the black sky and the different types of lines.  On a piece of paper I wrote out some of the lines that we saw, and invented some new ones.  My favorite one was the "binocular line."
     Once outside, I told the kids not to mix colors. Each brush corresponded with the color of paint. ( I wanted each color to stand out and not end up a muddy mess). They had to make a mark, then put the brush back in the container.  After most of the black surface was covered with fluorescent paint, I showed them how to squirt glitter paint.  They practiced making zig-zag lines, straight lines, and even splatter paint all over the place.  In the end our masterpiece looked more like a neon Jackson Pollock rather than a firework painting.  Still, they had a blast and were thrilled to paint outside.

Pig-A-Licious

     Nothing says summer in Chicago like an awesome barbecue.  Our high school friend, who is an amazing chef, invited us to his pig roast.  This 60lb. hog was slow cooked Cuban style, with not an ounce of fat to be found.  Probably the best pork I've ever eaten! Not to mention, herbed butter encrusted salmon, corn on the cob, octopus, and kefte kabobs. If I wasn't chasing the kids the whole afternoon, I would have taken more tantalizing food pictures.  Still, the unusually cool weather, indie music, and good friends made it an afternoon to remember.

Just A Sunday Afternoon

As I made my summer list of Chicago excursions, I realized wanted to get back to my hobby of antique  and thrift store shopping.  The Randolph Street Market, was the perfect way to kick off the summer.  I dragged the husband and kids to the West Loop, in hopes of finding that perfect treasure.  Well, things didn't go exactly as planned.  The kids didn't want to sit in the stroller and the hubby was irritated with the kids. Therefore, I didn't have the peace of mind to wander and wonder through the rows of vendors.  Still, the day wasn't a total wash.  We listened to some cool live music, Simon found a vintage train, and best of all, we ate donuts! The Randolph Street Market is running again this weekend, so maybe you'll find me there in disguise, hiding from my family.

What are your favorite local antique or flea markets? 

Summer's Here, Will It Be A Walk in the Park?

Trying to keep these two occupied will certainly pose some challenges.  No naps and challenging personalities means I need to keep them super busy.  Yesterday we (including the dog) went on a nature walk to Lake Katherine and Botanical Gardens located in Palos Heights, IL. The mile or so walk around the lake only exhausted me and the dog. The kids not so much. How are you keeping your kids busy this summer?  Help! I need ideas..

Last Day of School

Nine months ago, Simon began his first year of Montessori preschool.  Throughout this school year, I have seen him grow and flourish. He has developed a curiosity and love of independent learning.

On the first day of school, he met his first girlfriend, who shared the cubby next to him. From that day on, they were inseparable.  They spent their time working on the ocean map, playing outside, and sitting next to each other at snack time.  At one point, they even had their first fight. The teacher made them sit at the "peace" table to "work it out." Simon's version of "working it out" was getting mad and staying mad.

As the year progressed, I realized Simon could care less about reading and writing. We did not receive one piece of enrichment homework.  I loved that! I figured he has the rest of his life to read and write, and only one year to be a playful four year old.

On the last day of school, I took the same picture as on the first day of school. I can't believe how much he and Vivi have grown.  He no longer wears shorts, his green Sauconys don't fit him anymore, and he seems a foot taller.  I didn't realize until I edited these pics, that Vivi's baby made it to the first and last day of school.  In a few months she will join the toddler program.

People always say that kids grow fast.  I never realized the truth in these words.

Boots and Dresses

My little Diva has taken to dressing herself lately.  Boots, dresses, glasses, and baby in tow.  A walk around the block in style.