SUMMER in HOUSTON

Well, I feel like typing a laundry list of all we did this summer because it feels like it was so long.

MOVED, all the logistics of moving, removed moving stickers, submitted claims on broken things, submitted claims on dented car, set up all utilities and auto billing/security accounts, change of address, met neighbors, joined a Moms club, accepted new furniture deliveries, hooked up laundry (this took over a week!), became members of a church, finally figured out the 2 TVs (this took over 2 months), returned stuff left behind to old homeowner, mailed stuff the movers took to the new homeowners, got vehicles inspected and registered and in no quick amount of time got TX drivers licenses, started working on getting TX nursing license, applied, hired and trained for job in school district, found good babysitters, celebrated our 12th anniversary, celebrated Father's Day, Ben got to know co workers and Boss, had old friends over, new friends over, talked to neighbors, had a failed play date and a few good ones, closed old bank accounts,learned to tie shoes, swam in the pool, learning how to take care of a pool, visited the county and school libraries, joined a community band, had Gma Jan visit, got rid of stuff, got a few new housewares, hauled out one satisfying empty box at a time, attended 2 VBS's and a gymnastics camp, started Monday night gymnastics lessons, took 2 piano lessons, decorated, went to Typhoon Texas, went crazy, wished the summer away, had a little too much screen time, made loom bracelets, visited the YMCA 3 times, made a friend, did dinner club, learned 20 new street names, gotten lost in our neighborhood, swam, Face-timed with friends and family, have people apologize for arriving at the worst time of year. That about exhausted me. I think I'll stop and insert pictures here.

Welcome gift from co worker: inflatable mattresses and wine!

Everyone likes Pool and Ice Cream
Our ice cream consumption has escalated since moving 😬  

Please let the slime craze be over.

Hardly a day that we haven't used the pool!

VBS the first week here. A good theme for our situation: Life is crazy; God is good.

Ugh, was so hard for me to feel settled when nothing was in it's place! It either felt like a disaster or a vacation AirBnB-but not our house.

Happy Father's Day to our Rock!

The neighborhood Picnic in Park had yoga, games, food trucks, pool open

First Pool Party

And then we went on vacation...

Everything was still very rough at this point and we considered cancelling, but what else were we going to do but keep on keeping on?

Moving Days

A million electronic signatures, tears, drama, drama, drama....

They almost didn't let us fly Rio!

But by God's grace, we made it to Houston.

On to settling in...

Star Bicyclists

Knowing we will be able to bike to the new school, we had a push to get comfortable on our bikes.

 Getting the right size bike helps.

Confident in multiple terrains!

Farewell

The girls still miss the old house and friends. It's sad to us that we left Wisconsin and left all the relationships we've built up there. Some have died, some will fade away, others will change and grow, but all are a cherished part of us. 

I remember the quote, "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened." As it was deserved and desired, we had some good farewell get-togethers in May!

Best Friends

Best Friends

buddies since preschool rec dept. dance class!

buddies since 3K

School dunk tank-fun teachers

Girl Scouts

  

Last Bonfire here

  

Get whatever feelings you may have out with Silly String!!

Church Friends <3 p="">

Pulley/Petersons

Band family

Cul-de-sac kids

good bye Lake Michigan

Sleepover at Fernandez'

Culver's with Frets'

Chicago

We are so close to the big city of Chicago, yet we haven't visited since Lydia was a baby.

So... all aboard the Metra for a day trip to the Windy City! :)

We met a nice lady who helped answer the girls' questions about riding the train. 

We found a seat and of course couldn't help but explore the other cars and upper seating deck. 

Our stop was the next one after our new friend got off.

We got an Uber from Ogilvie (pick up was super slick!) to American Girl Place. 

Listen to your inner star:

"Stand tall, reach high, dream big."

 Lydia brought her Wellie Wisher, Camille.

Abby brought her Bitty Baby, and we spent some time looking around the baby/wellie wisher area.

Lunch was cute and the food was good. Big Baby and Camille enjoyed their lunches as well!

I like that this trip breathed new life and imagination into their play with their dolls.

Abby and Lydia had fun creating their own doll "that matches your style and spirit" on the computer. 

Analyse: long wavy blonde hair, blue eyes, let's smile outfit & accessories, loves arts & crafts, the beach, pet horse.

Chloe: Long straight blonde hair, blue eyes, play outfit, let's create accessories, loves arts & crafts, the beach, pet dog.

Oh, and the bathrooms have holders just for your doll!

After AG we walked up Michigan Avenue by the expensive shops and tulips all in bloom.

Abby liked this colorful spring display and Lydia loved the mural above it.

It wasn't supposed to rain, but there we were, Spring in Chicago, shivering and wet. 

The architectural boat tour was still enjoyable. Got a little history of the Chicago fire.

Sears Tower (they ignore that it's officially Willis Tower)

Up to Navy Pier and back.

Popped into the Apple Store where they were giving an intimate photography class.

We walked/ran back to the train station in time to pick out something from Mrs. Field's for the ride home. Other riders were going home from the Brewers/Cubs game.

Always a fun time going new places as a family. More memorable when it rains.

"Sisters!"