Repenting . . . and Kings of the House

Hello there.  Yes, I know it has been a while.  I feel major guilt and have absolutely no intentions of deserting this lovely little place.  I know we probably only have two readers left anyway, but we have found that the main reason to keep up this blog is for record-keeping.  Our boys live for the stories re-told in our printed blog books.  And for now, that is the best way to continue our family history.

And so I repent.  And attempt to catch up.  And vow to stay up-to-date forever more.  I know, famous last words.  Please bear with me.  

It's interesting to see how some fun things become expectations, and then perhaps expectations become traditions.  I believe this is what is happening to our "King of the House" day.  It seems to be the thing the boys look forward to the most about summer, and hence it has become a tradition.  And you know what?  I think it's a pretty good way to knock off some of the things on everyone's summer bucket lists.  So, with no further ado, here is the low-down on the King of the House days.  From August.  I know, I know.

 #1. Ellis.  As luck would have it, his mouth decided that his King day would also be the day it popped out its first tooth.  As you can see, he was delighted about this and is so very proud.

His outing of choice: Navy Pier.  You can see that he was delighted to be there.  I'll admit that there were a lot of threats about "lose the attitude, or lose your crown" that day.

 On the famous Ferris Wheel!

 Sam was terrified about the Ferris Wheel, but with a bit of force, his "Blue Na-Night" and his mom, he lived to tell the tale.

 More rides.  Looks like Henry forgot his sunglasses.

It's kind of nice to be the brother of the King.  Side benefits. 

 Mini golf under the Ferris wheel!

 And eating like a king at some lovely donut shop (Glazed and Infused? I'm getting them all mixed up because there are SO many good ones, and we keep eating them!)

 #2: Next up, King Henry!  He's a pretty natural and peaceful king.  He chose to venture to the Field Museum of Natural History.

 We convinced Ben to join us . . . and then convinced him that we might as well buy a membership to the museum!

 Ben and I had ulterior motives for encouraging this outing.  We had both recently read Devil in the White City (awesome book) and were very curious about this 1893 World's Fair exhibit.  Very cool.  It seems to me that the Field Museum is more or less a modern version of things that would have been marvels at the World's Fair.

I wish I had been alive in 1893 to witness it!  But apparently Elias Disney attended, and the Fair is said to have been part of the inspiration for Disneyland.

We found this contortionist in the endangered species wing.

 Henry ate everything up, from the animals to the bugs to the dinosaurs to the gems.  And of course, he educated us all with little-known facts about all.

 Spotted: the Bradysaurus!

 Food of choice: burgers and milkshakes with Dad!

 And then some time with Mom and Dad playing a game he got from Tanner.  We love special game time with Henry after the other boys are in bed.

 #3: Last Up: King Sam!  He was pretty pleased to have Apple Jacks for his royal breakfast.

Then we drove downtown and had lunch - grilled cheese sandwiches from Panera - in front of Cloud Gate, more commonly known as "The Bean" in Millenium Park.  It was kind of perfect. 

Then, to my delight, Sam's outing of choice was to the Chicago Art Institute.  We were lucky to be able to view this incredible Magritte exhibit! 

 (which was a perfect match for Sam - as he and Magritte both enjoy covering up their eyes).

 Unfortunately, no photography allowed in the exhibit, but it will be forever etched in our minds as some of the most stunning, mind-boggling, surrealist artwork.  I loved it.

 Sam, on the other hand, kind of pulled this face the whole time.  But I think he enjoyed himself.  

 The boys enjoyed completing their art scavenger hunt and seeing some pretty amazing art.

Then we came home, and King Sam wanted to make some artwork of his own.  And then eat some Star Wars pancakes, of course.

I love my little kings!