Flash Passes Rule

One of the days that Andrew and Nathan were in town, they were able to get Flash Passes for us at Six Flags Great America. So, we bought tickets and all loaded up in the car bright and early...a little too early. Somehow, despite there being four adults in our party, no one double-checked opening time and we ended up waiting at the front gate for a bit. But once the gate was opened, we had a blast.

I've mentioned when we went last year how many great little kids rides this place has and once again, it didn't disappoint.

I could only handle one time on the teacups.

"Deuces!"

Brooke even slummed it with us for a bit while the guys went on a ride she wasn't tall enough for.

Apparently the Flash Passes were an amazing get as the guys, Brooke and at times Miles (he was tall enough for the Demon - so exciting for him), barely had to wait for the big roller coasters.

Classic photo bomb by Mr. Andrew.

We love our amusement parks. Everyone had a great time!

The Aussies are Here!

As promised, our good friends Andrew and Nathan returned on Memorial Day. We started this visit with a BBQ at Matt's parents', complete with a family softball game (at Brooke's prodding).

Showing American hospitality, Matt and Mike chose the Aussies last (which I'm sure they regretted after Andrew's bare-handed catch later in the game).

It was a nice evening, so we spent some time on the deck.

And inside, later in the evening.

Me and sweet Baby Bri.

Andrew and Nathan stayed with us the rest of the week and were troopers through school drop-offs and softball games.

As usual, we all loved having them here.

They got in some basement hockey in the mornings (and I'm sure their backs paid for it the next day).

Andrew got Paige to smile for a picture!

Playing the Australian animal game that they brought as a gift for the kids. It was a hit!

As was Paige's echidna. She loved cuddling it and carrying it around, but it took a few nights before she's let it stay in her room when she slept.

It was a great visit and we can't wait to see you guys next time!

Randoms

I feel like this summer has been a decent balance of staying busy and laying low. Fortunately, on the days that we lay low, the kids do a pretty good job of playing well together (usually).

Matt and Miles had a Boys Night (Chik-fil-a shakes and White Sox game) when Brooke and I went to see Olivia in Mulan Jr.

Paige LOVES trying on other people's shoes.

She also sometimes likes to wear her sunglasses the whole time we're at Target.

Yogurt tastes better in costume, don't you agree?

Miles and Paige "sneaked" into the front seat of Uncle Will's car. Those two are trouble...

A family shot. If I ever updated my FB, this would've been a good profile pic.

Cantigny with Kali.

Paige with Miss Sinead, her speech therapist. Brooke has been very helpful during her sessions this summer.

Brooke on a playdate with friends.

Ozzie's still putting up with all the craziness. He's a really good dog.

A rare pic of Matt and I from our friend Kristina's birthday weekend in Galena.