Summer is over, sniff sniff

We took the kids downtown yesterday to Chicago on the Metra. Its always an interesting place. We boarded around 9am and were surprised at how many people were drinking! Many were on their way to the Cubs game and a couple - well, weren't. But we had fun anyway. Its a change from driving at least.

Another new experience was the Chicago city bus. Cheaper than a taxi but not free! We usually take the free trolley when we're there but it didn't go to the zoo so we had to take the bus. It was pretty nice, very clean. The nice thing is that most schools have already started so there weren't a lot of people out. It was mostly people with really small kids there. Boy was it nice to have walking children! And kids that keep up and didn't throw fits, very cool. We're moving up in the world! Our only issue is having kids too 'cool' to be seen with us now. But as long as we're spending money on them we're ok.

The zoo was fun, it was a perfect day. We ate lunch there since it would have been difficult to pack a picnic. A little expensive but it balances out I guess since it is free to get into the zoo. All in all a great day for our last hoo-ha before school starts.

On that note, we have news about Kurt. He got into the same school Lindsey is going to. Last year we submitted an application to a charter school here in town called Paideia Academy for Lindsey. Basically, its a private school that is still KUSD funded. And instead of around 600 kids in the school (6th, 7th and 8th graders) there are 75. The teaching style is different too but in ways that we think will really benefit both kids. They are excited. Mostly because they think it will be easier for some reason. We have told them if they make (and keep up with) honor roll they they can get a cell phone. Something I am certain both are capable of. It was really easy to make it a God thing, you have to apply and it is lottery for the students to get in or not. So thats how we looked at it, if they get in - it must be exactly where God wants them. If not, there was nothing wrong with the other middle school that Kurt went to last year. In fact he had great teachers that he really liked and he did quite well. We just feel like we need to give this a shot.

Check out Kurt, he looks me square in the eye!

Kurt not wanting his pic taken

Lindsey almost too cool to sit by me - almost!

What a ham!