The past few weeks I’ve been debating in my head whether or not I made the right decision not to sign the kids up for summer camps this year.

It’s a lot of work being your own camp director! But at the same time, I realize I will not get the chance to make the plans for the day and force the kids to come with me forever. Luckily, Jack and the twins are very easy going and, for the most part, go along with the plans without question.

We did sign Jack up for 1 week of soccer camp. That was last week. I had the twins to myself and I used the time to visit all the old haunts that were my favorites when Jack was this age. We hit Adam’s park, Oz park, Mary Bartelme park, and Montgomery Ward Park.

Mary Bartelme Park

Mary Bartelme Park

I love Mary Bartelme’s unusual climbing structures and one of a kind mist sprayer.

Montgomery Ward Park

Montgomery Ward Park

We also fed the ducks at Montgomery Ward and had a picnic.

We also had a wonderful visit from our matchmaker, Andrew. He was in town with his sister, Chantal, (who connected me with many people in Hong Kong who are still my good friends today) and nephew visiting colleges. This week I’ve been trying to find activites that both 11 year olds AND 6 year olds will enjoy.

One day we did mini-golf.

Another day we took the boat to Chinatown for Dim Sum and Thai rolled ice cream.

Chicago Water Taxi

Tasty Legend Thai Rolled Ice Cream

We hit the beach too.

Jack and I did a long bike ride on the lake front while the sitter took the twins to a park.

We got back minutes before the storm clouds dumped out onto Chicago.

But even with all this planning, there is still a lot of down time to do what you want.

Jack has discovered the Xbox and spends many hours with his headset on, playing games with friends.

Sometimes he let’s Sam join. (Sam didn’t bother to get dressed for this photo. That’s what summer is all about!)

And Aaron has been busy creating more art galleries. Here are a few from his Star Wars collection.

Can’t wait to see what next week brings…