evening walks

One of my favorite things to do is talk evening walks.

I love ending the day that way.

A good friend pointed it out that

it is a great way to chat with your kids as they 

get older.

It is very true.

I am hoping we can get in the habit now.

These pics were from awhile ago, but I love them.

LB wanted to wear her "hat".

I love my people.

day off

Earlier in the month a tornado touched down by

us and knocked out power to a ton of people.

Luckily, it didn't affect our house,

but it did knock out power to the daycare.

This was the first time in 6 years that 

we had a childcare issue.

Not too bad.

It ended up being out 2 days.

So, I took Monday off and

Daddy took Tuesday.

It was gorgeous both days

so we went to the park to 

burn some energy.....

"I catch my sissy"

This may be my favorite tree ever.

We got to see what the dogs do every day....all day.

That was also our first night of swim class.

She was super nervous, but was very brave and now loves it!

We had a great time being together for an extra day.

kindergarten

A few weeks ago was the last day 

of kindergarten.

If you remember correctly, I didn't handle the start of kindergarten

that well.

Well, we survived.  

Not only survived, but she flourished.

She had a wonderful teacher.

She learned SOOOO much.

She made friends.

She did great.

Unfortunately, while all of that was going on,

she grew up, too.

She got taller, her hair grew, she got 3 loose teeth. 

She became this big kid.

She talks older, acts older.

Sure, she still has moments of little kid tantrums, 

but they are getting fewer and farther between.

She notices things. 

Wants to help make dinner.

Teaches me things.

Has conversations.

Crazy.

She is just going to keep getting bigger on me.

I wish I could press pause.

At least for a few moments?

But I do love the girl she is becoming....

Here's to my First Grader!

chicago

So, the Hubby turned 40 this weekend.

In celebration, he and I headed to Chicago for

a weekend away.

We both love the city.

Our first stop was Millennium Park.

We couldn't have picked a better day.

The Bean!!!

After spending the day walking around Michigan Ave.,

we met up with friends for a birthday dinner.

It was so good catching up with old friends.

This is the girl that is responsible

for me meeting my birthday boy.

The rest is history.

Officially 40.

Early Morning breakfast in Logan Park.

The street my friend lives on,

gorgeous.

While the boys golfed, she and

I spent the day wandering around Wicker Park.

Seriously cool area!

I got the hubs a record player for his birthday,

so we spent some time in this place.

Found some really fun records!

All the stores were so cute!

I was a picture taking fool!

After golf, we headed out to the suburbs so we could

spend some time at Ikea!!!

We had a great weekend away.

It was the perfect amount of everything.  

We love you, Chicago!

And, I love this guy....

Happy Birthday!