Chicago vacation -UPDATE LATER

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Father's Day

Today was a great Father's Day. 

This is what I woke up to.

Then we went to the San Gabriel River.

And a father's day get together at Jason and Nicole's

"Kallie makes me feel comfortable"

Kallie,

You currently struggle with new situations. It causes great stress and anxiety and it keeps you up at night. Today you had to start vacation bible school and a singing and dancing camp. We have gone to VBS since you were 3 but the other camp was new. Last week Camille's mom called and asked if you would like to be in it.

Today when I dropped you off at both activities you did great even though I know you were struggling on the inside.

When I picked you up from VBS I saw Katy's mom and she told me that Katy would not have come to VBS if you were not in her group. Then later I picked you up from the dance camp I asked Camille if she was happy to have you there and she said, "yes, Kallie makes me feel comfortable to be here."

Kallie, so even though you struggle with new situations you also make new situations easy for other people and I realized that for the first time today.  You are not the crazy kid in group situations. You have a calm demeanor that many of your friends appreciate. I wish you could understand this now but I know that will take several years.

Nail painting night

Maryn,

Last night you set up nail painting night (with your sisters help on scheduling) and did an amazing job. I spent the day today in flip flops with pink toe nails with purple sparkles.

"Painting nails"

Summer days

We had a great summer day today.

Clean car

Today I finally cleaned out my car. I have never put much effort into keeping my car clean but today I decided to take care of it. 

Dancing in the bathroom

Kallie,

When you were younger and I would take you into a restroom somewhere and we had our secret. Our secret was dancing in the bathroom. After you were done we would  sing, "dancing in the bathroom" several times and jump around the stall.

For the last couple of years you've been old enough to go to the restroom by yourself, but tonight we snuck off to a restroom to dance in the bathroom again.

This is boring

Maryn,

Today we are near Lake Geneva at the George Williams College Conferece Center http://kalliemaryn.blogspot.com/2015/07/jason-and-nicole.html?m=1

for Uncle Don and Anna's 50th wedding anniversary. 

This evening we had an informal time with family, many who we have not seen in years and several who we've never met.

Each family would take their turn giving an update on there lives and some would sing songs or play instruments. 

One family sang several hymns which was really good. Some of the songs were  very loud with several verses.

At one point I see you Maryn walking up to my sister with a curious look on your face. Right between verses in a brief moment of silence you let out a perfectly timed "this is boring!" Everyone looked and you were embarrassed but I was a proud dad because I was feeling the same way.

I took you to the restroom later and we laughed, gave high fives, and danced around. Love you girl.

Round Rock Express

Round Rock Express game with Jason and Nicole.

Here's the game from the year before.

http://kalliemaryn.blogspot.com/2015/07/jason-and-nicole.html?m=1

Lieutenant Exam Final List

Today firefighters protested one bad question on the exam. The civil service commission decided to accept two answers on one question which moved me up from 19 to 16. This puts me in a really good spot to promote.

Sunday Funday

Today we had our first summer Sunday Funday. We plan to have an active summer but in addition Sundays will be filled with outdoor adventures.

Today we went hiking at the Greenbelt and met up with Jack, Corina, and Isla Miller for swimming and eating afterwards. On the way home we randomly caught a ballet at the hillside theatre.

Yet another 48

So I have now been at work for 4 shifts in the last 5 days. I'm not saying that it's hard work I'm just saying that I miss you girls and I miss being home. Working these extra shifts will help pay for our trip to Chicago and soon I will be off for two weeks straight. 

I missed a swim meet today where Kallie raced in 5 events! Maryn raced 2 but was mad she couldn't race every event possible. 

I can't wait to be home tomorrow.

Another 48

Winding down another 48 at the fire station. Tomorrow is the last day of school and summer begins!

In the morning I'll miss Maryn's school party but I'll make it to Kallie's after I get off.

I'm looking forward to having you girls home for summer. We'll stay busy with bike rides, swimming, gymnastics and live music nights. We'll also go on a couple trips that I look forward to writing about.

The first trip will be to Wisconsin for a family reunion and Chicago for some family time. Kallie, several years ago we went to your Great Grandma's funeral in Chicago. GiGi went with us but Maryn got sick right before we left so Mom stayed home with her. There is one restaurant I want to go back to where they gave you a ton of milk duds and donut holes. You still talk about that restaurant a lot.

The last big trip will be back to Padre for a week to hang on the beach with friends.

It's going to be busy and it's going to be fun.