I was in Chicago last week for work and brought Heath and Ashlyn back with me.  They spent a glorious week with Nonnie and Poppie and the Aunties came down for the later part of the week so it was as close to family gathering as possible, minus Steven and Reghan.  Although they weren't with us, they had a week full of bonding, playing, swimming, and sleep overs, to name a few and enjoyed every minute of it.  Meanwhile back in central Illinois, Ashlyn spent most of her time in her princess dress.  Her and Nonnie took many strolls and shared many stories under the shade.

If you don't see the video below, click on the following link.  Nonnie + Ashlyn

Bath time is always a good time at Nonnie and Poppie's.

Followed by another favorite, story time.  They stocked up on new books for the visit so Heath and Ashlyn were mesmerized each night which also followed by an entire week of sleep overs.  Lucky kids.

We headed out on the boat one of the days and the kids got a chance to do a little fishing.

 

 

After all that work it's time for a snack, "boat-style".

 

 Oh no, don't drop me over the edge.

Some more fishing.

One of Ashlyn's favorite things to do is clean so when it was time to wipe down the boat she was all over it.

Heath got to be a big boy and help cut the lawn with Poppie.  He's a natural and we think it's about time to put him to work at home.

Can't get any more central Illinois than frying chicken in the backyard while getting a haircut.

The neighbor kid, Noah, has a gator which is only a two seater but that didn't stop them from sticking Ashlyn in the back and zooming off from there.

We went on a lot of walks with the kids flashing their booties whenever the wind changed direction.

 

 Ate lot's of Mulberries from the trees around town.

 Played on lot's of playground equipment.  (All of us)

 

 And had lot's of stick wars.

 

Auntie Amy's birthday was this week and the kids were right there with her to blow out the candles.

The last night of our visit was spent working at the Church Hall for a Wine Tasting charity event Nonnie organized.  The first half of the day was spent helping set up and then the event.  It was a great turnout and they raised a more than expected, not to mention, Nonnie did a fabulous job and received many praises at the end of it.

 

 Auntie Jen Jen and Auntie Jewlz worked the bar and made a killing on tips.

Some more outdoor time and Heath climbed his way up to a birds nest which he's still talking about.

The ultimate was when he found the creek and trudged his way up through the muddy waters.  As soon as Ashlyn saw it she jumped right in, but she opted to take her princess dress off before jumping in.

Followed by the hose down at the house before entrance.

And a little diddy for Mommy.  If you don't see the video, click on the following link. 

The kids were ecstatic to see each other and they outfitted Heath with his "magical spidey-man lizard speaking super hero suit."

Father's day was a low key day since we returned from the week late the night before but how proud could Daddy be when he saw his little princess loading her "gun."

Followed by Heath practicing his sharp shooting skills at the park at unsuspecting kids.

Who would ever guess that by Heath taking shots at the kids he would  make a new friend.  It was a good week rounded out with a very pleasant Father's day with more celebrations to come.

But his oldest really shined this Father's day with her progress in the pool since starting swim lessons a few months ago.  So much that she doesn't even need us in the deep end anymore.  Can you yell, "CANNON BALL!!!!!"