Feels Like Summer (Finally)

Our weekend started off with the wedding of good friends Friday night. Unfortunately, Lucian was traveling for work and couldn't be there, so Claire went as my date. The bride's daughter is her good friend as well. She ran around all night with a gaggle of kids and had a grand time.

I had my parents at the house while Lucian was away. We all made it to watch my nephew's Lacrosse game on Saturday. The weather was beautiful.

We were all able to grab lunch together as well.

Later that day, our local library was celebrating it's 30th anniversary. We headed over and explored a firetruck, played games and jumped in the bounce house.

Claire even got a manicure.

Lucian returned Saturday afternoon, and we spent as much time as we could outside. Claire attended a birthday party Sunday and we went for her longest bike ride ever. Super proud of her.

The Beach

Sunday afternoon merited a trip to the park. This particular park is becoming a favorite of mine. We've been coming here for years. We hosted our wedding picnic here and Spencer's graduation party. But recently it feels like the perfect mix of kid, dog and nature friendly activities. We typically start at the playground, which is right next to the parking lot. One of us plays with and chases the kids, while the other plays with and chases Frida. There's lots of open space and other kids and dogs to fraternize with. Next we make our way down a path to the beach. It's still early, so the beach is rarely crowded. Every time, I'm reminded just how big and beautiful Lake Michigan feels. It's great to live so close.

Mother's Day

The kids completed this session of swim lessons. Claire is moving up again and really showing progress. Kyle loves to swim and can't wait to go to a water park next.

We traveled to my parents this weekend to celebrate Mother's Day together. The kids enjoyed watching a movie with Nana...

... and breakfast at one of my home town favorites.

I asked my parents to pick up a pedal bike for Kyle that I found on Craigslist. He was super excited to try it out.

And I went for a training run so I can keep up with Kyle on his bike (while my parents watched the littles). A mother's day present to me! 

What's New

My niece, Lucy, got to observe one of my TV shoots as a job shadow project for school. The crew had her slate a scene as they taught her about the process. Props to her school for encouraging exposure to professions, that frankly I knew little about at her age.

Kyle got a haircut. He brought T-rex with him for a quick trim too. Luckily the stylist didn't charge us for Rexie;)

There are moments these guys get along. The kids were telling secrets while out for breakfast the other day. Kyle would just say the name of a dinosaur. I'm not sure what Claire was saying, but they both were laughing at each other's comments.

Claire is participating in spirit squad at school. They meet once a week to learn a dance routine that they will perform at an all-school assembly, as well as a separate performance for parents. She is really enjoying the practices and was so excited to get her official t-shirt.

Kyle is mastering the balance bike. I suspect he will be an independent pedal biker this summer.

And Claire is perfecting her reading skills.