School year 26-27 begins

So far the start to this school year has been pretty easy (knock on wood)! Sam was the first one to start, out the door for his first day of Sophomore Year at Conant High School. This marks his one and only school year without a brother at high school with him.

Isaac got braces just before he got started.

School pics for Sam!

We had a sleepover with Lauren and Sofia that also involved a trip to the dollar store!

And of course some bird watching!

Isaac started up his first day of 8th grade!

School pics for him.

Ice cream beggar strikes again!

Fun with pottery, featuring Sam!

Isaac's 8th grade band played at Septemberfest.

Mike began a "financial literacy" series with the boys, chatting about mortgages and budgeting.

Sam went to the Rainforest cafe with his girlfriend Alissa.

And Noah started his first day at Harper College with his girlfriend, Kae.

We stopped by Phil's reception/party.

And some of my dear coworkers, Susan and Natalie, just happened to be strolled through Katherine Legge Park!

Sam asked Alissa to Homecoming!

We did our annual pilgrimage to Fort Madison for the Rodeo!

All 3 boys came with this year!

Can't go to rodeo and NOT have cotton candy, right?!

The annual line up of all the kids. It took so more shorter this year, everyone knew their spot! Might be one of the last ones with everyone!

Naughty kitty in kitty jail!

And last night, Sam and Alissa went to homecoming!

Now we are ready for fall!

Sam turns 16! Oh and Niagara...

The middle part of summer is always my favorite, and always goes by WAY too fast. But we have had some amazing times. Sam and I went to Ravinia to see Lizzo perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It was incredible!

We had a fun day with the girls while Josh and Kjersten did some appliance shopping. Of course Lauren needs a chainsaw!

The younger cats realize that maybe these two aren't so bad if they offer treats!

We had some crazy poor air quality due to the Canadian wild fires.

Then we set off on our summer family roadtrip. First stop - Buffalo, NY!

The highlight of Buffalo was of course the buffalo wings (our main reason for visiting). We were not able to get into the famous Anchor Bar, it had a 100 minute wait! So we opted to drive out to Bar Bill (where Josh Allen gets his wings!) We all agreed, best wings we have ever had.

Then we continued our drive to Niagara. We stopped by Whirlpool state park and did a trail that had 400 steps!

Then it was time for the main event! We checked into our hotel and finally saw the falls, AMAZING!

The Clifton Hill area on the Canadian side where we stayed was pretty wild with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. 

We did the mandatory tourist experience of the Hornblower (Canadian version of Maid of the Mist).

Dry for now!

It was everything everyone had said it would be. We got so close and could experience just how powerful the falls are!

It was certainly another highlight of the trip!

Mike, Sam, and Isaac indulged me with a trip to "Bird Kingdom" which was just nearby.

They had an impressive open aviary with so many cool birds!

We also enjoyed the rooftop pool with beverages at our hotel.

When in Canada, must find Beaver Tails!

We returned back home and turned it around the next day for Sam's birthday! We did a nice family dinner at Perry's Steakhouse. So good!

Happy 16th to this amazing guy!

And then Isaac turned it around again to head back to the lake with Bamma to do some projects with Pops! I think this summer he has spent more time away than at home! But he's enjoying it all!

So now we do some last summer fun before we return to school!