A perfect start to summer

Well, school is out and summer has begun..... in theory anyway. I don't really consider it summer until it is warm enough for me to spend my days at the waterpark. Poor Gavin only had 4 days between the end of the regular school year and the start of his summer school program. He takes a social skills course during the summer (it's the 0nly way for him to continue with his speech and occupational therapy during the summer months), so he doesn't really get a break. It's only 3 hours a day Mon-Thur, but I still feel a little bad. During the school year he had a laundry list of complaints regarding the things he missed out on because he was in school. Mainly, spending time with Gramma and Grampa Worlton, eating lunch with us, and watching tv. Thursday we watched a little tv, played outside with the neighbors, ate a picnic lunch together in the backyard and played in our kiddie pool. Friday was our day to spend time with the Grandparents and we decided to go to the Morton Arboretum. Visiting an aboretum might not sound fun, but this one is. They have created a beautiful children's garden where the kids can dig in the dirt, play with tadpoles in a pond, walk through a stream, climb on rocks and learn all about plants and ecosystems. We love it. 

Saturday we decided to head out to a local flea market. I am a big fan of flea markets and there is a huge one once a month about half an hour from us. It is held at a county fairground and is full of miles and miles of randomness. Toys, art, clothing, junk, dollar bins, homemade soda, plants, vintage candies, junk food, organic fruits and veggies..... just about anything you could dream of (for a steal, too). The kids were so excited, especially when they spotted the vintage star wars toys. We walked around, ate junk food and visited stalls for 4 solid hours. At the end we were all tired, but happy. Ella got a beanie baby that she fell in love with the first 5 minutes, Abe and Gavin got some cool star wars memorabilia and Matt and I found a great antique tool box to use as storage. Saturday night we crashed on the couch, ate some great bbq and watched a video. Today is Sunday and I think we'll make it a much needed day of rest. Tomorrow Gavin starts summer school, but we'll still have time for some great afternoon adventures. Hopefully most of them will involve our local waterpark. I love summer!