Summer Fun

This post is a bit late due to the craziness of going back to work and finding a new routine with our expanding family as well as some computer problems. We had a very busy and fun summer and Zaiden was quickly introduced to the busy lifestyle of the Gilliam family. I (Jazzie) had a ton of fun being home for most of summer break and had a chance to bond with Zaiden as well as had many fun days with both boys. I did not work at the school assessment teams and only filled in a few days at Shriners. Zeb also enjoyed the summer by taking a few days off, some work from home or early days as well as spent the last week at home with both boys before returning to our work schedule. Most summer days consisted of trips to the park, picnics, and spending time outside. We also had some fun summer days at the zoo or beach with family and friends. Our weekends remained busy as we traveled to visit family and friends as well as planned some other fun family events. We are sad to see the summer go, but are already beginning to enjoy the fall season and are looking forward to more adventures to come.

Our summer days were spent at the many parks in our area and adding a picnic to our day was one of our favorite ways to hang out

Beating the heat at the splash pad (We made sure Zander got some trips out with just mom or dad without little brother too)

Zeb is part of a group that has Cubs season tickets this year and he took big boy Zander to one of the games. Zander's favorite part was having a hot dog and eating ice cream

Zander loved taking care of our garden and eating the fresh vegetables all summer. Here he showed off his gardening skills to grandma and grandpa on one of our trips to Wisconsin

 Beach Day!!

 Hanging with his pals in Wisconsin (still working on his jumping skills!)

 We had 2 zoo days with Aunt Abbie this summer with one in Milwaukee and the other at Lincoln Park zoo. We had a lot of fun hanging out with her (and I liked having the extra help!)

The highlight of our summer was "Day Out With Thomas" at the Illinois Railway museum. Zander loves Thomas and the day was filled with Thomas themed activities, visiting all the old trains and even a ride on Thomas. It was a great day and Zander had a ton of fun....we plan to return again when Zaiden is old enough to enjoy it too!