Extra, Extra, Read All About It

Apparently Lacey's final hug before sending Reagan off to class was worthy of more than just the family blog. You can read about it here. It was even partially "above the fold" in newspaper terminology. While Peyton didn't make the front page, she was featured in the online edition.

First day of school

Today is Peyton and Reagan's first day of school at Seth Whitman Elementary School (a brand new school in Belvidere). It's Reagan's first day of school ever. There's a sense of excitement, and apprehension, as I see my youngest daughter move into this next phase of her life.

After arriving at the school, we dropped Peyton off in her second grade class. She's an old pro at this. Then we took Reagan to her class. As we stood in the kindergarten room I heard the quiet sobbing. I looked to my side and saw her red puffy cheeks and tear filled eyes. I was afraid that she would make a scene when it was time for us to leave. Wanting to avoid any type of incident, I leaned toward her and whispered "Lacey, look at her, she's playing and having fun. You don't want her to see you crying, do you?"

When it was time for us to go, Reagan hugged both of us and went back to her playing. She told her mom that she would tell her how her day was, and that it would "probably be good." I'm sure that it will be better for Reagan than it will be for Lacey.

Family Portrait

Our latest family pictures arrived in the mail today. They turned out even better than I thought they would (so I'm putting them up on the blog for all of you to see). It's rare for all of us to get into a picture, since usually one of us is holding a camera.

Family and friends

I managed to pack a lot into the past 48 hours. As I indicated earlier, I was up at 3 a.m. on Saturday so that I could catch the Van Galder bus into O'Hare (with a little hiccup over my boarding pass for the bus, which was not sent until after I had left for the depot). My flight was quick and uneventful. I arrived at DTW at approximately 9:30 and met my brother outside of baggage claim for the ride in.

My Aunt Sue was kind enough to open up her house for us so that we could get together for a visit. Usually my brothers and dad don't all get together unless there is a holiday or a major surgery taking place. It was nice to relax and spend time with them, as well as with Jason and Don. I'm trying to convince them to come down to Rockford for a visit. Jason and I could ride our bikes to Rock Cut State Park (if I can keep up with him) and perhaps even take them in with us to Chicago for a ride along Lakeshore Drive.

After leaving my Aunt Sue's house we went to meet up with some good friends. Dennis and Sue Goodson, and their children have been a blessing to my family. While they are relatively new friends, there is a bond. My girls love to play with their daughters, and I love having them as role models for my daughters to emulate.

It was a late night and we spent much time reminiscing, discussing God's love and provision for us, and even planning a subsequent visit at our place in Rockford.

On Sunday we worshiped with our friends at a church in the area. After that we went to Lacey's brother's house to celebrate her parents' fortieth wedding anniversary. All of the children and grandchildren were together and we had photos taken . It's a good thing, since if we weren't it would have looked like a Mormon gathering with all the white shirts. After watching the Tigers blow a six run lead and lose their third out of four games to Texas, Lacey and I loaded up the van and headed back to Rockford. It was a six hour trip, and thankfully, it was without incident. I was so tired I even managed to sleep while Lacey drove the last leg from Des Plaines to Rockford.

Homecoming

This coming weeking is one I'm looking forward to with a sense of apprehension. I'm looking forward to it because I'll be heading back to Michigan for a quick visit with family and friends.

Why the apprehension? Because I have to get up at 3:30 (or earlier) to catch the Van Galder bus to get to O'Hare International Airport on time for my 7:05 a.m. flight. Ugh! Fortunately I'll be able to sleep and I have plenty of listening material on my iPod nano. Here's a link to some recommended podcasts from Nathan White. I actually subscribe to most of his recommended podcasts (although I would give Mohler a higher mark, despite his political/social bent...he's still solid theologically and I appreciate hearing a Christian worldview on some of these topics.) I was excited to find out that Steve Lawson at Christ Fellowship Baptist Church is now podcasting.

Spontaneity

Saturday was another busy day ("busy Saturday" seems to be a redundant phrase as of late). Our regularly scheduled meeting for Global Grace was being held in West Dundee, IL. Pastor Bixby wanted to leave early so that we could run by the Walsh's house in Harvard to attend to some details about our Sunday services on August 27, which are going to be held on their property. Then we had to make our way from Harvard to West Dundee for the meeting.

After the meeting, Rick Altizer suggested that we could all go to a musical being put on in Itasca by Overshadowed Productions. For me, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown was a nostalgic walk through my own childhood. I especially loved watching the glow on Peyton and Reagan's faces as the Peanuts characters created and immortalized by Charles M. Schulz were brought to life in this musical. The theatre company is a Christian owned organization whose stated purpose is to deliver quality, family-friendly drama that entertains, inspires, and promotes a Biblical message. Their next production, Flame of Fire tells the story of Jim Elliot and four other missionaries who became martyrs as they attempted to take the Gospel to a tribe of Indians known as the Auchas in Ecuador.

The girls loved the musical. There are many benefits to local theatre. For one, it is generally affordable for the whole family. Also, the settings are more intimate, which tends to make it more enjoyable. In addition to that, the audience is usually able to interact with the cast after the show, as illustrated by the picture of the girls with "Lucy" above. Seeing the show was an unexpected blessing at the end of an otherwise busy day.

Peyton, Reagan, Patience, and Buttercup

Family Reunion

My brother, his wife Beth, and his daughters, Michaela and Mackenzie came to rockford this week for a visit. While Mike had been here for a short visit last month, this was the first time for Beth and the girls. Peyton and Reagan were excited to spend time playing with their cousins.

Thursday they all went in to the Children's Discovery Center (while I worked). As far as I know they had a good time. They did take the obligatory picture of the kids climbing the habitrail like stairs.

Friday was the big day. We drove in to the Cumberland CTA station and rode the blue line into downtown Chicago. My thought was to wait until after 9:00 to leave Rockford so that we would avoid the rush hour. Unfortunately, two things slowed us down. One, I took my car into the shop for an inspection and forgot to grab my I-Pass. That meant at least one of us would have to go through each toll booth on I-90 instead of taking the Open Road Tolling lanes. Oops. Then, I did not even think to look at the Chicago Cubs schedule. Apparently, when the Cubs play, many fans like to park at Cumberland and take the CTA into downtown. Apparently you take the Blue Line in to Washington, transfer to the Red Line and take it to Addison. By the time we got onto the CTA at Cumberland it was already standing room only. And each stop between Cumberland and downtown added new Cubs fans. We were packed in and very uncomfortable for the whole trip. One nice young lady did give up her seat for my daughters, and that was much appreciated.

After arriving downtown we were hot, tired, hungry and thirsty. We decided to eat before going to our initial target destination - American Girl Place. This was a first for Michaela and Mackenzie. It's always fun to watch the kids in the store as they pick out their dolls and accessories. I love standing outside the store and seeing the throngs of girls carrying their dolls as though they were coming to the city with their best friend for a visit. I'm always surprised by the number of people that you meet on the bus or in the park who will strike up a conversation with you simply to talk about the American Girls. Reagan sat next to two elderly ladies on the bus from Navy Pier to Michigan and Chicago and told them all about her doll.

After the American Girl experience we strolled along Lakeshore Drive to go to Navy Pier. It's a short walk, but very scenic. I enjoy the contrast between the lake and beach on one side and the skyscrapers and busy city on the other. While this photo doesn't show the city view that well, the way that lens focused on the girls up close made it appear almost as if their images were photo shopped in front of the beach. We splashed around in Lake Michigan for a bit to cool off our feet and continued our trek to Navy Pier. Mike and Beth took their girls to Build-a-Bear to buy outfits for their bears while Lacey, the girls and I sat down to watch a free show. You might enjoy this clip of a man juggling a boy (warning...high speed connection recommended).

We then went outside to let the girls enjoy a carousel ride and stand in the shadow of the ferris wheel. We strolled along the pier and I met this man, whom you will all recognize, sitting outside the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. I'm not sure where he was going, but it was nice to sit down and talk with him.

We made our way back to the CTA station to head home, and, thankfully, the ride back was much less crowded (we all had seats). After getting home everyone (except me) went straight to bed.

Where did we come from

Last week was a busy week for Lacey and the girls. Our church held Vacation Bible School. Lacey was one of the helpers, and Peyton and Reagan had a great time. If you want to read more about it, go here, here, and here.

A big "Thank you" for the thirty + members of the church who helped with the program, and a special thanks to Jeremy and Anouk Scott for their stellar work in coordinating the entire program. It was a real blessing for my family.