Summer 2015---Lake House, part 4

On Thursday of our week at the lake house, we went in to Chicago for a tour of Wrigley Field.  This had been planned by all the kids as a 70th birthday celebration for Bob.  It was really fun, and very interesting.  We learned a lot about the history of the Cubs and Wrigley Field.  Great for baseball fans and even for people who are not huge fans.

Cutest Cub fan ever!!

There were parts of the park that we didn't get to see (team locker rooms, etc.) because it was a game day. But  there was lots that we did get to see, and we had a very good guide, who had lots of interesting stories to share. One of our stops was this deck area, which probably has a name, but I don't remember it.  There was a restaurant up there, too, I think.  And you could look out at the Chicago skyline. (which probably would have been much prettier on a clear day.)

And we got to go into the Press Box.

View of the field from the back

row of the press box. 

For our last stop we were able to go down on the field, and there was a photo op there. 

The old folks

At the beginning of the tour, they had lined up each group for a photo taken by their photographer.  As we were leaving the park we had a chance to see, and purchase, the finished photos.  They had taken the picture so quickly, that I was pretty sure it would not be good, but figured that we might as well look at it.  Can you believe that with one shot they got all 13 of us looking at the camera, no eyes closed, and everyone looking pretty good!?!  So, of course, we bought the pictures. :)

Our up-to-date family picture, since the one 

from Abby and Neil's wedding became outdated

when Hope was born. :)

After our tour, we all went over to Abby and Neil's apartment and from there we walked to a restaurant in Logan Square for a delicious lunch. Remember those clouds from the earlier pictures?  Well, we got caught in a downpour on our walk back to the apartment.  This seems to be a recurring problem with our family. No pictures of that. 

Thursday was our last night at the lake house, and we hadn't had our s'mores party yet, so that was a must-do. Ben's Puppy Chow was also featured, and he made some extra chocolate/peanut butter mixture for dipping the s'mores into.  I didn't try that, but it got rave reviews!

I think I'm down to maybe two more posts, so stay tuned!

Summer 2015----Lake House, part 3

 A Wiers family vacation would really not be complete if we didn't go out for ice cream.  Sometimes we have had multiple ice cream outings, but this time we only managed one.  It was a bit of a drive, but it was worth it. The ice cream was great!

And just a few blocks from the ice cream place there was a park with a fantastic playground for the kids.  So the kids could work off their sugar with some playground fun.

                                   Josie, Evan and Jeremiah Wallenda??

I don't think so. 

I didn't get a very good shot of Josie here,

but she was pretty proud that she could make

it all the way across, ring to ring.

And Hope loved the swing!

And every night before bedtime, it was story time with Auntie Abby. I think she was voted the best story-reader and the best jet ski driver.

 Oops, a bit dark. It showed up better 

on my phone than on the computer. :(

 Somebody's missing--Evan must have fallen 

asleep early that night.

Playing a game while they wait for Evan.

The gang's all here!

Time to take a break.  More fun times to come!

Summer 2015---Lake House, part 2

On Tuesday we spent a good bit of the day out on the pontoon boat, with Neil as our captain.  We packed a picnic lunch and we toured a few of the lakes that are all sort of inter-connected.  It was a wonderful, relaxing way to spend a beautiful day. Here is our day---in pictures.

 Hope was a bit skeptical about the life vest...

...but happier once the boat was moving.

 Evan was lulled to sleep. :)

Neil knew where there was a sand bar in one of the lakes, and so we anchored there and ate our lunch.
 

 Don't worry--the boat wasn't moving.

And some of us got off the boat for a dip in the lake.  I made sure that the water was not going to be over my head, and then even I ventured off the boat.  I was glad  that I had some help to get back up the ladder and on to the boat, though.  (I'm not quite as limber as I used to be.)

It was just a super fun, relaxing day---probably my favorite day of the whole week. 

Summer 2015---Lake House, part 1

Our family vacation week was spent in a wonderful lake house on Pistakee Bay in northern Illinois.  We are extremely grateful to Abby and Neil's friend Jens for letting us use his beautiful home. It was large enough to accommodate all of us very comfortably, and even had a dining room table that was big enough for all of us!

Our "home away from home" for 5 days

Most of us arrived on Sunday afternoon, June 7. (Ben joined us the next day.) The cousins were so happy to be back together, and they couldn't wait to get down to play in the sand and water--without even changing into swimming suits. 

We had lots of time to just relax and enjoy our beautiful surroundings and just being together, with just a few planned outings.  The sandy area was not real big, but it was perfect for our three little beach bums.

Jet ski rides were a hit!

Lawn games--Bags and Spike Ball

I think this old computer needs a rest---it's very s-l-o-w at getting my pictures uploaded.  So I think I'll publish this before I lose it, and continue later with another installment.