#93. The 'Somewhat' Summer of 2020

Wow, it seems like only yesterday (ha ha), but some how, some way, there were many memories made during the pandemic summer of 2020.  Fortunately, our family was able to take advantage of opportunities to secure some fun times.  Summer is always about getting outside as much and as often as possible.  Thankfully, being outside mindfully is something that a pandemic doesn't discourage.  I hope this post helps pay tribute to our somewhat successful summer. 

As usual, we definitely took our time to appreciate our beautiful city, hitting our normal spots.

First summer stop...always the grounds of the Baha'i Temple!!

Three years of the 'comparison shot'...clearly I can't remember who was 'left' and who was 'right' year-to-year!

We always pick the first beautiful June day available...this one did not disappoint!

Twin temple takeover!

There are always so many neat spots to check out as we circle the grounds.

Even in a pandemic year, someone asked us if they could take our
photo (we have never had to ask for help ourselves...three years running!)

Staring down on the fountains is always a great way to start the summer!

Sadly, we weren't able to hit the beach as in year's past, but that didn't stop us from visiting Lake Michigan.

The Lake will still be around next summer for swimming,

and we'll be biking to Lighthouse Beach as soon as it is!!

With the new biking skills learned, we found the short ride to Lovelace Park to see the ducks as a nice substitute.

We did our 'research' and brought the 'good stuff' (thawed frozen peas)!!

They're easier to toss so the twins were able to feed ducks both near and far, big and small!

I like this picture because by the end of the summer Luke was so confident in his duck feeding skills he would stand on the concrete ledge to toss food...and, of course (despite multiple warnings to 'stand back'), ended up in the pond with the ducks...wish I had that on camera!!

Yep, it was still a great summer in Evanston!

Our first experience with the local traveling knife sharpener!

Even Trig found summer enjoyment and didn't forget to stop and smell the 'roses'!

The highlight of our summer was, for sure, the two trips we made north to Door County.  Each trip was a welcome retreat from the pandemic routine.  It's amazing how much you can do outdoors at a reasonable distance from other people.

Sister Bay is becoming a family favorite!

There are many fun photographic opportunities.

You never know who will be 'dying' to take a photo with you!
(Note: this is as close as they would get...there may have been tears!)

Look, Daddy, there's goats on that roof!!

And indeed there were!

We checked out a lookout with a good view, 

and enjoyed being in the sunshine by the lake.

The twins definitely held up nicely on this trip!

My favorite part about visiting Door County in the summer (on the Green Bay side) are the gorgeous sunsets.  For anyone that loves that sort of thing, Sister Bay is a real treat I highly recommend.  

For anyone that says 'you've seen one, you've seen them all'...

...I say 'I'll watch them all'!

Hoping these two can learn to enjoy the views too.

I think my plan might be working!!

Not sure what all they were doing but it sure was beautiful watching their 'sunset silhouettes'!

In between sunsets there were plenty of other fun things to do.  

Most of the time was dedicated to the pool.

There may not have been lake swimming this summer, but the pool helped make up for that! 

These two had a blast...

...and improved some of their 'signature' pool moves!

This year we gave kayaking a shot,

which went pretty well considering the first trip was a 1:2 adult to twin ratio!!

Papa joined us the second time around to bump the ratio to one-to-one...

...and having two kayaks proved just as much fun!

Outdoor dining was a hit...

...and pandemic or not, Door County does it well!

Back home we celebrated the twins' 6th (WOW!) birthday with a mask-friendly party at Howell Park (the park across the street from our home).

The park served as a great venue for a DIY obstacle course, 

scavenger hunt (tip: wine bags serve as great hunt receptacles!), 

and a water balloon fight!

The twins enjoyed opening presents.

I think there may have been a couple $6 for 6 cards opened this year!

Soon the birthday twins were tired and tried out their 'Happy (K)Nappers' sleeping bags.

That is, until it was time to cap off a fun day with some ice cream at Bluestone!!

The annual obligatory 'tree photos' were secured!

This year in multiple outfits!

We're almost halfway to being teens!  

It's crazy we've already been in Evanston for 3 birthdays...

...but we are pretty sure that old tree isn't going anywhere!  And...chances are, we won't be either...

Let the construction games begin!!  (Spoiler alert: it's not over yet!)