Eichinger Reunion

Mom and Dad went back to Florida to prepare for Mom's stem cell transplant.  They left Dudley with us for the next couple months since she will need to be away from home for an indefinite period of time.  The first day after they left Dudley looked out the window after them so much that Matt moved the bench there so he would be more comfortable.  Sweet little guy.  Luckily with Claire's unending affection and some distractions he was feeling better soon, although still missing his parents.  

Right on the heels of the 4th of July festivities we had the Eichinger side family party the very next weekend.  We had another great time.  It was even more special because Steve flew in from NYC and Mike flew in from Oakland.  Their email subject about their coming for the weekend read "Invasion of the coastal elites." Ha!  The Eichingers are always so much fun, and it was a great turnout this year with the rest of the family.  

Dudley enjoyed the wind in his face on the way home from dinner at Donna & Emil's (yes, he comes with us!  He's so portable!)  Matt was holding the leash, don't worry.

You look over at him and he's just lying upside down

My hydrangea makes me so happy.

Love our backyard in general

Dinner out with Ben and Linda for their 10th anniversary

Claire is OBSESSED with Dudley

Dan, Amy and the kids came up on Friday, so of course I took a half day to go boating!  We can't get enough!

John and Will

Kristin sent me this picture of PJ (they were visiting Cory's family in MI) and I thought she looked so beautiful and cute!

Big 1-0 for the lovebirds!

Amy had a foot issue that couldn't get wet, so some improvisation happened

Mom and Dad took advantage of being dog-free to visit a nearby town  where they got to see lots of manatees

Look!  There's one!

The kids were playing soccer and Luke was in the pool.  He wanted to play too, so he ran inside to put on his shin guards and cleats.  What a funny kid.  

Michigan fun for PJ & Seb.  Such a good pic.

Linda loving on Dudley.  In the hectic-ness of the Eichinger pool party, Linda made sure Dudley still got his walk.

Playing Kubb

Cutie pants

The next gen

4th of July

Finally, I'm in July with my blog posts!  Now that Fall is definitely upon us, it is fun to rewind to summer fun.  And BOY oh BOY did we have fun over the 4th!  I could not have predicted that my Mom would be able to come back to the Midwest, with the break between her chemo treatments and stem cell transplant landing at the same time as the 4th.  That time happened to be when the Carpenters were already planned and booked to come to the Midwest for a visit.  AND we already had a big family party planned, so everybody had the opportunity to see Mom and Dad plus Kristin, Cory, PJ and Seb.  All the stars aligned.  How awesome is that??  Super awesome!  We soaked up every second, more grateful than ever that we could all be together and that Mom is doing so well.  

Matt goofing around on Luke's bike

Showing Claire how it is done

Our garden is coming up nicely!  It likes the new spot.

More tree climbing

Kristin asked me if I had a carseat she could borrow for Seb.  Ummm, yep!

So sweet of the Miller's to pick up Mom and Dad from the airport and shower them with welcome home goodies.

Bike posse picture from the nannies

Donati's is a kid fave pizza destination lately due to the ability to build your own pizza.

Grandma and Grandpa are here!!!  Egg Harbor breakfast starts off the holiday weekend.

Couldn't wait to show them our new boat.

Yay for being with Mom!!!!  And she was feeling pretty good too.

Pretty day

At the sand bar north of Lake Forest.  It is awesome!  Look how clear the water is!

The light came down on Matt so heavenly.

Took the boat up to Waukegan Harbor for alfresco dinner with live music.

Ice cream for dessert at the harbor.  Kristin, Cory, PJ and Seb arrived Sat night.

Party on Sunday that was a combination of June/July Birthdays and 4th of July and come see my parents/Kristin & Cory.

The kids set up a little stand with 4th of July goodies

belated Father's Day gifts for Grandpa

Elijah's 2nd birthday

Rained at the end of the party, no big deal

Excited to show my family our new hot tub too!  Reminds me of the hot tub we had when I was growing up.

Girls yoga at home to my app

Kids had a ball playing together

Back out on the boat with the Carpenters

Interesting bow choices for boating, but like the patriotism!

Looking good!

A little lunch and beach time

Sparklers and fireworks

Sleepy!

Kids wanted to sleep outside in the tent one night

Fireworks from the Onwentsia Club

Happy 4th of July!

These four cousins, they are so cute!!!

Seb's sunglasses crack me up

Cheese!

Ben and Linda flew in just in time to come watch the fireworks with all of us.

Love the inflatables

Last morning all together

Kristin's thoughtful necklace gift to Mom to protect her through her transplant procedure.  So special.