Ode to Aunt Jules

We were spoiled to have Aunt Julie visit for two whole weeks! Since our summer started out with a visit from Aunt Katrina, it was the perfect bookend. Most of the time she helped me manage the general chaos, but near the end we were finally able to go out, explore and really have some fun. Then again, anything with Julie is fun...

Julie got a record number of likes when she posted this on Facebook. We were at a play-date and she came across this Merida wig and tried it on Sydney. I smile every time I look at this picture. 

Back when Brent and I were hashing out the summer budget, I told him I really wanted to take Julie and the girls to the MOSI. When I paid for the tickets, I realized just a bit more would get us a year membership (and oh how I miss having a membership!). Brent okayed it, Julie kept the girls entertained in the gift shop and I returned our tickets. We love the MOSI. Best museum ever.

Astronaut Liesel

Astronaut Ireland

Astronaut Gita

 I checked and re-checked the weather for the day we planned to go to Lake Michigan. It was supposed to have early morning scattered showers and then clear up. As we got closer and closer to our favorite beach, it started sprinkling again and I worried the whole thing would be a bust. However, as soon as we laid out our beach towels, a line dividing the blanket of clouds and the clear blue sky passed over us. The cool, rainy weather gave way to sunny warmth with a slight breeze. Even better, the beach was relatively empty so we had lots of room (unusual for this time of year). It was a picture perfect beach day!

It warms the cockles of my heart to see my girls so happily playing with each other.

The beach was right up Brigitta's alley. She didn't want to go too far into the cold water which worked perfectly for Julie and I as we kept an eye on the girls.

Julie requested Sydney wear this swimsuit. Normally I'm against two piece bikinis on little girls but there is no way this one is in any way overtly sexual. It manages to show off her baby chub in the most adorable way.

This California girl is no stranger to the beach scene.

Gita played and dug in the sand like this most of the time. How she managed to squat that low and balance for hours on end is still a mystery to me.

Two things I always, ALWAYS take to the beach are the pinwheel we've had since Boston (can't remember where it originally came from), and bubbles. Typically, I plant the pinwheel at a corner of our beach towel, but Sydney was too fascinated to leave it there for long.

There's just something about bubbles at the beach! The way they float over the water and sand is so cheerful.

Love taking pictures of this girl!

The girls found some friends on the beach who made this little baby pool for Sydney. They kept getting more water and pouring it in for her and let me tell you, Sydney was in heaven. I wasn't quite so happy when I changed her out of her swim diaper and discovered the layer of sand in there, but I'm glad she had a good time!

I've watched this over and over. It makes me laugh every time!

I love this photo Julie took. I was kneeling in the water, encouraging Sydney to try it out. When she let go of her fear, she was so very happy. You can tell I'm still pretty protective of her by holding her close but this is a big step in trying something new and daring for her. The fact that my hoodie which says "Life is Good" happens to be in the corner is just so perfect. 

For Julie's final day, we headed out early and visited Cloud Gate aka The Bean. It's such a great place for pictures and believe me, Julie had put in her time helping out with the girls.

Oh I love my girls!

Lucky for us, Aunt Julie loves them too!

It's not exactly a jungle gym, but The Bean provides just as much entertainment.

Ireland would find time to snuggle with Julie whenever she could. Such a cuddly girl!

Gita looking up into the inside. Hats off to her, since I can't do it without getting vertigo.

A super selfie: Me taking a picture of Julie taking a picture of herself and her reflection.

How cute is she?

Really, we are all Team Jules around here.

Thanks to Brent, we were able to swing by Ditka's and pick up an order of their fabulous pot roast nachos as we headed to the airport. I kept telling myself it was for JULIE and to keep my hands off... but I couldn't help myself. As I navigated traffic, I took chip after chip loaded with insanely delicious yummyness. 

We are really campaigning to make a visit from Julie an annual event. She's such a go-along, get-along type of person and we had so many great conversations. I know I keep saying this, but I'm SO grateful for the village of friends and family these girls have. Julie manages to love them but be reasonable about them too. The girls don't get away with much around her which I appreciate as a mother. Julie also has a thing about crumbs under the kitchen table so my floors were magically swept all the time. We all miss you Jules!!!