water, water, everywhere...

There's something about chaos that seems to invite more chaos.

If you've turned on the news in the past week, you know the midwest is saturated. Yards look like lakes and streets have "no wake" signs in them. I'm considering purchasing one for our basement.

Just when we're in the middle of remodeling the kids' room - with no storage space to spare - the waters began to rise. Literally. At 5pm yesterday, I was talking to Kevin on the phone telling him the basement was dry - no sign of water. At 5:10, the cracks in the laundry room floor were bubbling and a quick current was carrying the water into our family room. By 6pm, the carpet was floating. The very NEW carpet was floating. aaaarrrrggghhhh.

Then we find out we're the lucky ones in our area. Barrington village called residents with a recorded message outlining locations of shelters and directing us to turn off electricity in flooded basements. Streets were under water just across the highway.

My goodness. More rain expected tonight. I'm considering trading the SUV for an ark.

here fishy, fishy!

This was Owen's idea of catching a fish. Don't get me wrong, he really enjoyed casting and catching a fish on the hook - but somehow the idea of chasing them with a net, all the while calling "here fishy, fishy" seemed more fun.

We spent the past weekend in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, aka the North Woods. This was my first trip ever so far north. I can honestly say it's the first time in my life I've had the heater on in August! The weather was apparently unusually cool, ranging from 40-65 degrees. Kevin's parents have spent the past year remodeling an adorable cottage, now fit for a "Cottage Living" cover story.

Rhinelander's mascot is the mysterious "Hodag," a large lizard/dragonish character who greets you as you enter town.

Below are a few highlights of the weekend.

ahhh, summer....

Sorry for the delay in posts. We've been busy bees the last few weeks, though not much to show for it I suppose.

Owen and I just returned from our second trip to Kentucky in less than a month. Things were getting slow around here and I didn't have to work for several days, so we decided to road trip it. About three hours and four bathroom stops into it, I remembered why I like taking the train so much. After five hours and endless whining from Owen about how long of a drive it was, I made the decision never to drive by myself again if at all possible. There's essentially only two roads (I-57 and I-24) the whole trip, and the sites are limited to corn fields, barns, a giant cross, and the Dodge Raminator. Smells abound in the southern part of Illinois for those who love cattle though. Just what the nose needs after six hours in a car, huh?

Once in Kentucky, we had a super time. Owen never wants to leave. Who would, when their days are spent as follows...

Mimi and Papa's - four wheelers, horses, swimming pool and toys galore.

Grammy's - Chips, sweet tea, ice cream sandwiches, Aristocats, and a thousand pillows on one bed. And a Grammy and Uncle D at his beck and call 24/7.

Grandpa - candy, golf, and a human trampoline.

Grandmother and Grandad's - the garden that always seems to have a ripe melon and tomato just waiting for Owen, the back bedroom with a the perfect bed for jumping (which somehow is COMPLETELY fine with Grandmother and Granddaddy), and an endless supply of melon for lunch every day.

Then there's Uncle Greg who's always up for playing and boating.

Suddenly, Kentucky seems like heaven. Nevermind it was 95 degrees every day and sweltering humidity.

All of that ended just in time for us to leave next week for Grandma and Grandpa's house up north in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The legendary "Hodag" will welcome us to town for a weekend of boating, fishing, and no doubt eating (mom's favorite part).

Ahhh, summer.

Incidentally, I left my camera in Kentucky, so I'll have to post pictures next week when I get it back.