Sylvia, Reese & Co.

This weekend we joined a few of Sylvia’s friends on a camping trip at Illinois Beach State Park, just south of the Wisconsin border in Zion, IL. The group included Sylvia, Owen, Zella Rose, Niamh, Jonah, and the newest addition five-month-old Wren. The associated parents came along, too.

The park is right on the beach, and while last year at this time we all donned our swimsuits and jumped in the water, this year the weather was a little chilly. Highs were only in the 60’s and lows dropped to somewhere in the 40’s. We kept a fire going the entire time. Still, that didn’t keep the kids from disrobing completely at the beach and some kids (Sylvia) from wading waist-deep in the frigid Lake Michigan water (about 15 degrees colder than typical at this time of year). The cool weather made the s’mores and hiking seem a lot more enjoyable though.

This trip also gave us the opportunity to try out our new tent which we purchased last August after last year’s camping trip. It’s called the Hobitat 6. The tent is simple and big. Darcie and I could both stand and change clothes inside. The tent even has a bathroom – well, a toddler potty tucked into the corner anyway.

We have a lot of great photos from the trip. Unfortunately, many of the pics of the kids running free and naked on the beach might get us in trouble with the authorities, so you’ll have to stop by for the full slide-show.

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While today was not the first day of school officially, we spent half-an-hour visiting Sylvia’s new classroom and meeting her teachers. Upon entering the room, Sylvia immediately began exploring the various toys, books, and activities. Her morning teacher, Karen, had to explain that today was just for looking around and meeting people. So we took a look at the turtle, the parakeet, and the fish.

We’re all anxious about the start of school and the changes it will bring, but Sylvia seemed to love her classroom.

Chiaravalle School

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Sylvia starts her immersion into pre-school next week.  We all go to an open house Monday morning.  Tuesday and Wednesday morning she will be there for an hour and a half.  Thursday, she stays until 12:30.  We’ve been talking a lot about school and the fun things she will play, learn, and the new people she will meet.  Chris has been helping her learn her teacher’s names.  We’ve been reading books about going to school and all sorts of things.  I think Sylvia is adequately prepared.  Unfotunately, I haven’t come across any books that console the parents when they take their kids there. I am excited and nervous for Sylvia’s new adventures in school, but I’m going to miss all of our time together.

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Darcie was out of town at a wedding this weekend, so Sylvia and I have been having some father-daughter time. It’s been a busy few days – gardening, replacing a light fixture in kitchen, a visit to the aquarium, playing in a few parks, and a trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Here are a few photos. Sorry we didn’t take any of the aquarium but the rate at which we go, we’ve kind of covered it in photos already.

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Dede and Papa have spent the last week in Evanston, settling into their new condo. We’ve been busy with concerts, trips to the park, bike rides, a visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden, and some time on the beach. Highlights (for the adults) were a kids concert by Ella Jenkins at Ravinia, a performance of Beethoven’s 9th at Millennium Park, and lots of good restaurants. I think the highlight for Sylvia was spending the night with Dede and Papa.

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