#75. Summer Wrap Up Part I: Family Fun!

While having a birthday (#72), taking public transport (#73), and visiting the lake (#74) were a lot of fun, the twins had numerous other summer highlights including fun with friends and family.  

These two love a good summer roadtrip!

As has been tradition, we made trips to the usual spots this past summer...Wisconsin and Eureka.  

In Wisconsin, the twins enjoyed some boating...

...they even got to drive the boat!!  Captain Clare...

...and Skipper Luke safely navigated Whitewater Lake.  Thanks, Uncle Shaun!!

Ice cream was the reward for a successful voyage

Daddy's reward was two smiling twins in this photo in front of the fully grown corn

In Eureka, the twins had the opportunity to visit a lot of familiar family faces.

Grandma Knapp, of course, got her hands on the twins first!

In Eureka, the twins enjoyed hanging out with cousin Keira...

...and Grandpa and Grandma Knapp

We also celebrated Uncle Jason's going away party at the Sportsman's Club...the twins are hoping to visit Germany soon! (even though Papa doesn't look so sure about that at the moment)

At 'the Club', Luke tended the fire while Clare stuck with the swings

At the big family event, there were cousins galore...

and lots of opportunities for family photos (with grandparents and great grandma Knapp)...

...including the whole Knapp & Snyder clan!

Summer time also meant 'cousins' time.  The twins were fortunate to see many of their cousins at various times throughout the summer months.

The twins saw their Bloomington cousins Amelia & Ivy on the way down to Eureka

We drove out to Naperville and spent time with cousins Nick (here with Luke)...

...and Ben (with Clare)

Luke & Clare's cousins Ellie, Keith, and Eve visited Chicago (from the burbs) for a fun sleepover night!

We started in the park on a tire swing built for 4...

...though the girls had more fun when the boys left!

We walked/wagoned all the way to Clark Street, past the famous Andersonville Swedish themed horse...

...to one of the twins' (and cousins') favorite spots for frozen yogurt!!

The final stop was Empirical Brewery, where the cousins played video games while the parents had a brew (or few)!

The twins also enjoyed visits from (Great) Aunt Tricia and Uncle Teats and from Grandma Steffie, and (Great) Auntie Kip.

Shhh...don't tell our dads we jumped on your bed (even Trig jumped in)!!

The twins had a great time with their Great Aunt and Uncle!!

Grandma Steffie came to Chicago for a summer weekend of fun!

Making brownies was the first item of business during her visit

Clare & Luke worked their hardest to impress Grandma!

Even if those brownies were bad, Grandma Steffie would love these two anyway!

Auntie Kip showed up with birthday presents...including fancy new PJs...

...and new books too!!  (What Do People Do All Day? has been read almost every night since!)

PJs & books inspired this impromptu dance party!!

These two sure are loved. We hope they grow to enjoy and appreciate the summer and the opportunities it presents to see the important people in their lives.

#74. The 'GREAT' Lake

One of the perks of living in Chicago is having access to Lake Michigan.  The twins took full advantage this summer with several trips to Chicago's Great Lake!

Luke & Clare at Montrose Beach on Lake Michigan

One day we began an adventure at the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

Sure, let's go see some birds, Daddy!!

Actually, forget the birds...how about some butterflies!?!

A short walk from the sanctuary the path opens up to this amazing view

These two loved the views at the Lake

Luke also loved the boats at Montrose Harbor and demanded a photo here too

Throughout the summer, one of the (mostly) weekly highlights was visiting Foster Beach, a short drive from our townhouse.

All aboard the Mazda 5 for another beach adventure!!

Posing (nice shades, Luke!) before walking the path to the beach

Enough photos Daddy, let's hit the beach!

At the beach, Luke loved wading out into the water and enjoyed the 'waves' of Lake Michigan...

...while Clare appreciated being at shore with the sand

Either way, both seemed content with their surroundings!

We had cloudy days...

and sunny days...

...but the twins always seemed to have a great time!

That is until snack time...

...when the birds attacked!

Outside of numerous trips to the beach, we visited the Lake a few other times for summer recreation.

One afternoon we went kite flying...

...and had a cookout...

...with some good friends

When Auntie Kip was in town, we rented a pedal bike and went for a ride along the bike paths

Faster Daddy, faster!!!

Someday, we hope, they will be pedaling us around!

We took a break to walk around...

...and enjoyed watching the sailboats float by

The views were spectacular!!

Visiting the lake definitely was a highlight of the summer.  We're sure these two will be back for years to come!