Simpson's Journey

Kenny Simpson, Beloved Brother and Uncle Joe's Uncle Kenny passed away on July 18th.  This has rocked the family hard. We all loved Kenny greatly. Kenny was like a brother to Joe, and such a wonderful uncle and great uncle to our babes! We love and miss him daily, and will always hold him in our hearts!

For my 40th birthday this year, I wanted to go to Chicago and do some of the tourist things I haven't done before. We went up to stay with Aunt Christy, Mr. Matt and the bulldogs,  and had a wonderful day downtown Chicago! We got on the 'L", and headed to the Hancock building. Aunt Christy came with us, but didn't go up the Hancock. The "360" view was amazing! Chicago will always amaze me I think! We ate at the Cheesecake Factory for lunch, then hopped on a bus to head to Navy Pier. I wanted to do the new Sky Wheel and the kids love "ferris wheels"! Some other pictures of the city.  That was all on Friday, on Saturday Joe's parents flew in for Becky's graduation from Grad school on Sunday. We had Portillo's for lunch and hung out with Becky. Sunday was graduation, Becky graduated with 2 masters! We are so proud of her!

 I just love summer time! Being able to spend time with friends, playing at parks, pools, and outside. Things are always more fun with friends!  A friend of mine from high school was visiting family in the area, and was able to come over and hang out for an afternoon of water balloons and being able to swim at a neighbors house pool. It was so good to catch up and spend time with Rebecca!  One evening our neighbor had a movie night and Cameron was able to go and have a great time!  Just love spending time with this beautiful lady! Kristi and I meet through my moms group and our kids play so well together! We were able to go to State Farm Pool with them and meeting for slushies at Sonic!  Meeting friends at the library is another past time favorite.  This year we decided to go to a craft festival in uptown Normal. In the center of the square there is a fountain that kids can wade in. Finally, just some time at a fri...

 We love having friends over for a cook out and fun for July 4th. It is wonderful we can just stay at home and still see some great fire works from the near by park and from our neighbors!  The Hansen's and Sudlow's minus Paul came over and the talking, laughing and fire works were so much fun!