Blue Springs Busy

The Blue Springs, Missouri crew picked up speed at the end of summer and continue to stay busy. At the end of July, Deeon and Jessica decided to pack the kids into the Pilot and drive to Chicago. A family vacation was needed, and a family vacation was had.
They arrived in downtown Chicago around noon on a Thursday, and because they couldn't check into the hotel until 3pm, they decided to park at the Navy Pier and enjoy the weather. Seann, Turner, and Jessica took a ride on the giant Ferris Wheel. The boys pose at the top.

After the Pier, they headed to the Congress Plaza Hotel on Michigan Avenue. The LOVED their view! They had an eastern view overlooking the Avenue, Grant Park, and Michigan Lake. Owen and Jessica peer out and look below at all the activity.

The family visited the Shedd Aquarium on Friday morning and then walked around downtown during the afternoon and evening. As they approached the Sears Willis Tower, the line to visit the sky deck came into view. They decided to pass on the sky deck, but enjoyed the patio area outside and rested as Owen slept in the stroller. Seann and Turner posed with the Tower above them.

After the Tower, they walked by the Art Institute. Admission was free Friday night, and they took advantage.

The family checked out of the hotel on Saturday but stayed in town for a couple more hours so that the boys could experience the Children's Museum back at the Navy Pier. After a week's lull at the beginning of August, T-ball started up for Turner. As luck would have it, no other parents wanted to coach their team so Deeon and Jessica have their first official coaching gig, together. So far, so good!

August 22nd was a celebration day for Turner. His family and some friends celebrated his 5th birthday (8/19) at a putt-putt / game room / bumper boat family fun park. The boats were a hit. (pun intended)
To top off summer there is always school. Seann begins his trek into junior high as a 6th grader. He gets to experience hourly class changes, lockers, and band. He was really excited to start, and things have been going very well for him. Turner's birthday doesn't make the Missouri kindergarten cut-off so he started kindergarten at his childcare facility that offers private kindergarten classes. What would the first experience of school be without a Jayhawk backpack?

**The Gossiper is looking for back-to-school or summer vacation stories to include in the blog. Please feel free to email any of the three contacts at the top or Jessica at jmgillispie@yahoo.com.**