#82. First Summer in Evanston

It sure has been one fun summer living in our new home in Evanston!  The twins have thouroughly enjoyed exploring their new neighborhood and town and ALL they have to offer!

Early in the summer, on a beautiful blue sky afternoon, the twins visited the Baha'i Temple and its surrounding gardens. This famous temple, the oldest of only ten of its kind in the world, is a short drive from our house to the bordering suburb of Wilmette.

Luke & Clare enjoyed strolling the temple grounds...looking for photographic opportunities, of course!

These two have been to a few temples, but never one quite like this!

The twins marveled at the beauty of the temple grounds and were fascinated by this fountain in the distance

We were even lucky enough to run into a nice family who offered to take this picture for us...right before two twin meltdowns began to occur!!

This summer we learned that the 4th of July is a BIG DEAL in Evanston.  There is a 2-hour parade with a route that goes right by a street corner one block from our home.

Cousins, friends, and...

...even a goofy uncle gathered at the corner of Central and Walnut for our first 4th of July parade viewing

The Evanston PD started things off and there were a lot of interesting parade entries to observe...

...some were international...

...others involved building community spirit...

...and some were downright political (including politicians themselves!).

These two sure are lucky to be a part of such an interesting and diverse community

One amazing thing about living in Evanston (as was the case in Chicago) during the summer is our proximity to Lake Michigan.  Last summer the twins enjoyed Foster Ave beach in Chicago, but this summer the twins were spoiled by the (even closer) beautiful beaches in Evanston.

The closest beach to us (about a 5 minute drive) is 'Lighthouse Beach'.  Based on its proximity, this is our usual 'go to'.

What a difference a year makes in terms of the beach!!

While playing in the sand...

...and building sand castles and pyramids (and sand castles and pyramids with rivers surrounding them) remains a priority...

...this summer I had to keep my eye on the twins as they became more and more interested in the WATER at the beach!

As the lake water warmed, these two found themselves spending more time in water than on land

Luke kept moving farther and farther (not too far, Luke!) into the water, enjoying the 'big' waves

Whatever they were doing, it was fun to photograph these two having so much fun!

Clare is such a natural in front of the camera on the beach...

...striking model-like poses without any prompting!

Luke's eyes, on the other hand, often struggle to meet the camera...

...but he sure makes for a fun photo montage in his Luke-like attempts!!

Aside from temples, parades, and beaches, much of the twins' summer entertainment has occurred a short stroll from our house.  We may not be city folks anymore, but our new neighborhood sure has plenty going on!

The appropriately twin-named 'Alley Park' is just an alley walk away...

...as is one of Evanston's public libraries...

...which houses appropriate 4-year old titles

The ice cream shop down the street, Hartigan's, has received a lot of business from these two!!

Further down the street is Lovelace Park, where duck watching is a fun activity

There always seems to be a street fair going on somewhere in Evanston on the weekend...

...sometimes with carnival rides...

...for kids and families!

The twins even took a trip to North Shore Towing for this VERY expensive photo!

There was also a lot of fun to be had around our new house this summer.

The twins set up a lemonade stand and met new neighbors...and even earned a little cash!

The twins now have a nice backyard (actually side) to enjoy

While the yard is a work in progress...

...these two have chipped in to 'help' with some of the planting, 

...and watering!!

Of course, the main event in our house this summer was the twins 4th birthday.

Yep, somehow we all survived the '3-nager' stage!!

The 'birthday week' began with receiving bikes from Grandma Steffie and Grandpa Dan...

...which were test-driven on the spot!

On their birthday Luke & Clare had a couple of friends over...

...to help celebrate...

...and watch them open presents!!

The twins are coming to realize they have it made here on Hartzell Street living in Evanston.  We look forward to many more summers in our new home and town!