Indiana

I taught two classes this summer during the months of June and July.  I knew that as soon as the semester was over, that I wanted to go with Steve and the kids on a small out-of-town trip.  We talked about a couple of options, and ultimately settled on going down to Indiana, with one of my main requests to go to the Indianapolis Zoo.  

Steve took care of booking the hotel for two nights and I purchased tickets online (with hopes that the weather would be favorable).  We also jotted down a couple of other loose ideas for places that we might visit during our 3-day adventure.

We stopped for lunch on our way down ...

And then made our way to the Duesenberg Automobile Museum.  There were over 120 cars on display with so much information to learn along the way -- for a reasonable price for our family.

A few of the cars were even designed for people to actually touch (or sit in!).

There were classic cars AND race cars.

As part of our tickets, we were also permitted to walk across the parking lot to the National Auto and Truck Museum, which was just as fascinating.

Sam found an old-fashioned typewriter and was able to actually practice typing on it.

There were several old gas pumps - with the cost of gas on them.

And old phone booths!  This took quite a bit of explaining on our part because none of the kids even recall the use of landlines, much less phone booths.

After our time exploring, we headed to our hotel to check in.  It didn't take long before the kids were dressed in swimsuits and headed downstairs to check out the pool.

The next morning, we were up bright and early to head to the Indianapolis Zoo.  Our tickets allowed us to be able to see all exhibits and included a couple of other attractions, as well.

The Dolphin Show!

Any time one of the kids asked me to take a picture of them and a particular zoo creature, I obliged.

Touching a sting ray!

We got to feed flamingos krill from a cup!  I think that this was the most incredible experience to see how they eat.

A huge tortoise!

The hairiest orangutan EVER!

Taking a small rest in between exhibits.

Sophia loves penguins and was happy to see that they had some at the zoo.

We were able to walk into the area with kangaroos and see them up-close.

The elephants were one of our last animals to view and they did not disappoint!

We stood in line for a while to feed the giraffes, but it was certainly worth it!  Every one of us was able to give them some leaves and pose for a quick picture.

Taking a moment to ride the carousel.  I don't think that you are ever too old to enjoy doing that!

Feeding birds!

After a long (but so fun!) day at the zoo, we stopped for dinner on the way back to the hotel and then spent time cooling off in the pool.  Everyone slept soundly that night for sure!

The next day, we had breakfast in the hotel and then packed our bags and prepared to check out.  But before we actually headed for home, we took the kids putt-putting.  It was a gorgeous day for it and we opted to split into teams: boys vs. girls.  Some did better than others but we all agreed that it was a great time!

4th of July - 2025

 As is our usual tradition, we decorated bikes and the golf cart and donned all of our red/white/blue for the holiday!  Jack surprised me by still wanting to decorate his bike this year and I would be lying if I said that it didn't make me smile a bit.  I know that we are getting closer and closer to the kids being 'too old' for some of our traditions so I am savoring every last minute that I have with them.

Most of the decorations are recycled from years' past and they just ix-and-match with them.  The cape is still going strong!

Who can resist a great holiday headband?!

These three are so close and they get even closer in the summer.

These two have such a special relationship.  They are close in age (only 2 years and 3 months apart, but 3 grades apart in school) and I am excited to see how the upcoming school year goes when Sam is a senior and Sophia is a freshman.  

Sam surprised us by putting together the most delightful spread for our snack-filled dinner.

She worked on this with a neighbor and it was perfect to set out for grazing while waiting for the fireworks later that evening.

Such a creative idea!

Even the plating was thoughtful.

The fireworks over the lake (that Steve helps with each year) were scheduled for that evening, but before that, we were able to do a few of our own in the driveway including some sparklers - another age-old tradition.  Shortly thereafter, we headed our with neighbors on their boat to have one of the best views in the subdivision!

Jack's 12th Birthday Party with Friends

I am so happy that we waited until early June to have Jack's party with friends at our house.  The weather was beautiful and all of the guests that were invited were able to attend.

We set up in the garage and I kept the decor relatively simple with a hand-made sign, some red streamers left over from Jimmy's 'magic' birthday party and some blow-up balloons.  

On the morning of the party, I surprised Jack with this classic shirt ...

... and these socks.  Sidenote: both of my boys LOVE fun sock and these were a hit.

In lieu of a cake (since we had cake for his actual birthday), Jack asked for brownies and ice cream cups.  I added a little chocolate frosting to the top and a miniature coke bottle for decoration.

Speaking of coke bottles, I had these labels made to replace the regular label on several bottles that I put on ice and on display.  They made a great party favor!

The boys hung out, played football and baseball, made a few trips down to the park and even did a little fishing.  At one point, they came back to the garage to open gifts and have pizza.

I did plan one small event where I wrapped a bunch of boxes of candy and placed them on the table.

The boys were asked to draw two cards from my hand and scratch off the sticker on each to reveal a number.  Whoever scratched #1 got to go first, etc. and pick out a package.  Everyone patiently watched as the box of candy was unwrapped and revealed.  In the end, they could trade if they wanted.  It was such a blast as they cheered each other on!  They also got a $10 gift card to the gas station to use for merchandise (pop, slushie, candy, chips) -- a perfect gift for tween boys.

Singing 'happy birthday' to the birthday boy:

I would say that this simple party was a success and we are officially ready to kick off summer!

Jack's 12th Birthday

In talking about Jack's upcoming 12th birthday, I suggested a Coca-Cola theme for the event.  That is Jack's vice: a nice, cold coke every once in a while in the afternoon after a day of work or while watching a football game.  He's aged beyond his years.

We celebrated with our annual cinnamon rolls in the morning:

And then I wrapped the gifts from us and set them up on a table with the sign that I made in honor of his upcoming party with friends.

All smiles in anticipation of what might be in those gifts!

Sam jumped in for a quick photo and I can't help but notice that Jack is starting to gain on her height.

He requested a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and I was happy to accommodate.  

His birthday party with friends will take place in early June at our house -- continuing with this chosen theme -- since we all agreed that there is SO much happening at the end of the school year and it would be nice to wait until all of the invitees are able to party with us.