Kurz Kuzins

This past week was pretty fun and not just because it was Spumoni's birthday.  

I'm super excited to report that we had a successful family photo shoot, that hasn't happened for over a year.  The kids change so fast we thought it was time again, although I was loathing the thought of getting our kids to a) dress sort of nice; b) cooperate for posing; c) look at the camera; d) smile.  But Rebecca, the new photographer we tried out of Glenview, was a miracle worker!   She was sooo great with the kids and I cannot wait to see all her pics once they come back.  We love the sneak peeks already.  Luke was almost what you would call a ham, if you can even believe it!  

The rest of the week was great - we had our dinner with the Kurz cousins on Sat that was awesome, and just a bit of this and that.

Matt got a pic of Rebecca taking a pic of the kiddos.  Adorable.

Post photo shoot ice cream for their great behavior

Friday I took off work for a final "summer Friday" of the season, but the weather wasn't so hot and summery as I had hoped.  Our best laid plans were thwarted but Matt and I still had a great day together though! Like we ate lunch outside and went to a local brewery I've been wanting to go to, so fun! 

And we took Spumoni to the beach for his bd

Claire loves the rain

Putting her doll to bed

On Saturday night we went to Aunt Penny and Uncle Jay's house to meet my cousins' new babies!

Second cousin Nora is the same age as Claire, and the three kids had a great time running around

Brad & Nikki welcomed baby Dottie Mae a few months ago

Kevin & Julie welcomed baby Tyler about 6 months ago.  I love how close in age these cousins are and that their Moms (my cousins'  wives) are best friends!

Hayden manning the kids' table like a gem

Tyler is so squishy and adorable, he looks just like Kevin

Brad & Dottie

On Sunday we had a breakfast picnic in Open Lands

The kids loooved eating our picnic in this beautiful spot

We hit the beach later, but it was kind of cool so we basically had the place almost entirely to ourselves.  I guess summer is over!

Dinner at D&E's.  Get a load of this pumpkin plant taking over their side yard!  This all came from one little plant!  A full on pumpkin patch!

Dinner at friends Katherine & Eliah's on Monday night.  Their daughters are cuties, Lily is in these pictures.  Baby Isabelle was sleeping for almost our entire visit.