We headed to Chicago to hear some beautiful music.

My mom prepared a delicious picnic dinner. The kids helped spread the tablecloth on the picnic table.

It was very special.

We were pretty far back from the stage, so we brought binoculars.

The park was full of people.

But Ruthie still felt free to dance to the beautiful music.

It was a sad sight in the laundry room:

The house was unusually quiet, and we missed our boys. But Jim and I did take advantage of the opportunity for some one-on-one time for 24 hours. Jake and Ruth spent time with friends and family, and we took the dog to Starved Rock for some hiking.

Molly was very excited. Until we were about 100 yards into the hike. Although it’s been such a wonderfully mild summer, the day we went to Starved Rock the weather was hot and very humid.

We enjoyed the exercise and the view of the Illinois River.