I couldn’t be more excited about this weekend! We’ve been ticking off items on our summer bucket list and we saved our favorites for last. We hopped out of bed early to be the first visitors to the Botanic Gardens. It’s one of my absolute favorite places in the city. I adore it! The girls explore and I just take it all in. It’s the most beautiful, peaceful place. 

The Japanese Gardens are my happy place. I could stay there for hours. I feel so good when we are there and the fresh air and beauty of the gardens change my attitude for the rest of the day. I really need to indulge in a membership. 

I love that my girls dressed up for the day. Annabelle doesn’t love dresses much anymore, but she thought our adventures were “dress-worthy”. That’s my girl. 

Off to explore the Children’s garden.

If it’s possible, I think the girls love the gardens as much as I do. 

One of my favorites from our day

The Japanese Gardens: my happy place! 

Honestly, how gorgeous is this place?

We had a birthday party booked at the Kitchen, so B went back to the burbs and the girls and I stayed downtown for some swim time on the roof of our hotel. I didn’t join them in the pool this time, but they had a grand time. 

B made it back just in time for dinner. We had saved up gift cards and had a wonderfully indulgent meal at Morton’s. It’s a family favorite and it’s always funny to watch the girls order french onion soup, steak (medium-rate) and lobster cocktails. The servers faces always seem a bit shocked at their palettes, but we couldn’t be more proud. We’re raising some little foodies around here. 

After dinner we walked across the street to listen to the music playing at Union Station. 

It’s rocking over there these days — since they updated the area.

The fountains were going and the girls wanted to dip their toes in…

that quickly progessed to getting soaked. They were laughing wildly and Annabelle told me “this is a night I will never forget!”. Gwyneth promptly put her hand to my forehead and asked me if I had a fever because she couldn’t believe I let them get soaked in their fancy dresses. Always the jokester. 

Our last day of summer break and we filled it with fun! 

The girls up ready to conquer the day and asked for a morning swim. 

We headed to the rooftop while B got them breakfast. We had the pool all to ourselves and I even joined them for a swim. The view was amazing and the water was nice and warm. Excellent start to the day. 

After our swim, we grabbed lunch at Mellow Mushroom. 

Looking fancy. 

And life as we know it…

Our final stop was at the Art Museum. Another of our favs. 

The interactive studios are the best. The girls got to paint with their hands…

And made a movie together…

It was great ending to the summer. Now time to pack up those backpacks and set the alarms. 3rd and 4th grade start bright and early tomorrow morning!