August 2025 - Lots of Activities, College Visits and a Sox Game

194th Monthly Photo

The Bowman's gave me tickets to see the Glenn Miller Band. 

Dad really enjoyed it, Mom was a good sport. 

Us Boys went to the local Water Park. 

We took a trip to Bradley University - and had to stop at Hoops for some Stromboli. 

Showed you guys my old apartment. 

Then Nick drove home. A nearly 3 hour drive that day. 

Hair cut with a twist, the part is on the other side...

Your favorite spot.

I had a friend take Nick out on a job site, Nick coincidentally wore the same outfit.

Kevin and Sunny

Ricobene's - a staple before a White Sox game.

It was a very hot day and they lost 1-0.

First Day of School!

Nick's a Junior, Kevin is in 8th.

Game night! Ticket to ride.

Dad out with his Saturday morning group.

Dad was a sub for a Fantasy Football team with 11 other of fraternity brothers from college. 

The annual Welcome back to Scouting picnic

The next day, Kevin received his merit badges from the Summer. 

Then it was Nick's turn. 

You and I went to a local bike race! And got some ice cream. 

Cousin Henry got to play on a minor league field of the Kane County Cougars. 

If you were curious how the job market is this month. This should sum up what Dad is going through. 

A trip to Indiana University

We tailgated with the Barlev's and then went to the game. 

We even made it on TV, all 39 of us. Those some were not at the seats at that time. 

The reason we were there was to see Zach Barlev, the boys were super excited. 

Dad sure stayed busy this month!

 

July 2025 - Boy Scout Camp, Portugal, Mountain Bike Race, Baseball Game

193rd Monthly Photo

I was bothering them from video games...

The next day, Dad got the call that his whole team including him were being laid off from Ulta. The were outsourcing our entire department of 10 people to a 3rd world country for cheaper. I was devastated, and still am as I write this a month later. 

4th Of July Pool Party

Owasippe Camping Trip

Meal Time

Nick is in a water polo tournament. Kid and the other kids are in the background cheering them on!

Me and the boys!

The day after the boys got back from camp, we left for Portugal. 

Dads friend (and former coworker) Erica tied the knot with her husband Matt. 

The wedding day was stunning, as you can see from the photos. We treated this trip as a vacation and not a trip, so much more relaxing, not so many planned tours. So much relaxing, we overslept our Ebike tour. 

Never did that before.

Sunset boat cruise.

Our view from the AirBnb

This was a yummy treat with pistachio.

Before we bought the kids sun glasses. 

This kid!

And that kid!

The family.

Erica and I

Next we took a train to Porto where we explored the tight hilly roads packed with restaurants and wine bars on every street. 

Teaching Kevin Euchre in the park with a bar in the middle. 

I loved the sidewalks.

The beach. 

Our View from the hotel.

Port wine tasting

Happy Boys

Happy Mom and Dad

Most of the building had beautiful tile on them. 

One day we booked a tour and hiked the only national park in Portugal, Peneda-Gerês National Park. As you can see from the photos, it’s stunningly beautiful. And yes we all went swimming in the near freezing, lagoons. I slipped on a rock and jammed one of my toes there, so that sucked. 

Eating with our tour!

You can eat from the trees, such a tasty plumbs! 

Here's where I jammed my toe. 

The finish line.

Hearty Breakfast at the Florist cafe by the Hungry Biker

So pretty!

Sunny Views

View from the other side. 

We took an overpriced cable car back because it looked fun. It was. 

The art in every building is stunning. 

One snippet from the food tour we went on. 

Our glorious view from the hotel pool. 

Us

Kevin in dream land as he munches on fruit. 

We headed back to Lisbon and stumbled on this gastropub on the rooftop. 

Still teaching Kevin Euchre. 

Our last night. 

A sudden band and crowd was rocking out, it was really fun listening to it. 

I ran in Porto, and with my black and blue toe, I ran in Lisbon. This was the streets, and the elevations! I had to rest a couple time in my 4.8 miles. 

Back home! We went to see Superman!

We celebrated the July/August Birthdays at the Bowman's

I did a mountain bike race- I had major problems with my bike where my chain kept falling off. From 3rd to last place I manage to climb back into 12th out of 19 riders to finish in my division.

(Its fixed now)

Kevin raced his first time too! He did great, came in 4th. 

The Racers

Aunt Lisa and Uncle Leigh took you and Cormac to the White Sox vs Cubs game for your birthdays. 

Kevin and spent the day helping grandpa pack some things up. 

Kevin and his feet.

Sunny