Celebrating 10 Years!!!

On August 15th, Ryan and I will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. But, since that month will be booked with football practice, Kid's Camp, and 'Back-to-School' madness, we decided to celebrate it this month. So, this past weekend we spent a couple days in downtown Chicago. Our close friends, Michael and Kristi, joined us, making our weekend that much more special!



We found lots of creative places to take photos. I guess that's bound to happen when you're spending the weekend with an artist...
We had dinner Friday night @ the Grand Luxe Cafe. Yummay! And then we had lunch reservations Saturday @ the Signature Room up in the Hancock building. We were lucky enough to get a window seat. Perfect!

We had some fun taking pics @ the 'bean' in Millenium Park.

Here are some more creative shots. On our way to Navy Pier, we just happened to pass a building with strangely lit windows. We thought it would be a great spot to take pics. And here is what resulted! Who knew we could laugh so hard and have so much fun in front of a bright, white window??

Add to the mix a couple theatrical performances, shopping on Michigan Ave, some crazy dancing on the stage of a hillbilly country singer (don't ask!), a very competitive game of mini golf, and a couple late night movies, and we had a very memorable weekend in the city. A perfect way to celebrate our anniversary. Thanks Michael & Kristi for celebrating with us! Let's do it again next year! xoxo

A Weekend In Chicago!

We arranged for some family members to watch the kiddies so we could spend the weekend in Chicago with our 2 best friends! It was a much needed getaway. And it was the perfect way to celebrate Ryan and my 10th wedding anniversary!

We had such a blast! Too much fun to put here into words. Lotsa pics on the way.... as soon as I upload them. Then you'll see what I mean. Total blast! xoxo

Calvary Church Picnic

Call me hokey, but the Calvary Church Picnic is one of my favorite days of the year! We have been attending the picnic every year for 2 decades, and we have built so many fun memories...on that field playing games...in those tents grabbing food...and on that hill listening to concerts and watching fireworks. When Ryan and I were dating, we would hang out together all day with our friends, and then pull up a blanket and watch the fireworks, totally 'twitterpated' with each other. It's such a blast coming now, as a married couple, and bringing our kids to relish in the same fun that we did in our youth. I love it!

Mark and his buddy Noah stood in line about 4 times to climb through the huge inflateable obstacle course.

Uncle Brandon had the priviledge of sitting in the dunk tank! So many kids, who recognized him as the Kid's Connection intern, stood in line to have a shot at dunking Brandon!

"This is the way we roll, we roll..."

Time for fireworks! Oh yeah!

The Fourth of July!

Here are my 3 little sweeties...all dressed and ready for some 4th of July fun! We spent the day at the Grove's house. BBQ, bags tournament, kiddie pool, water guns and water balloons, sparklers... so fun! Then we ended the night by catching the Naperville Ribfest fireworks. The kids had a blast.

Celebrating Daddy

Ryan turned 31 yrs old this week, and we celebrated with a special dinner with his parents. Ryan has no fear of aging. In fact, he loves being in his thirties. He thinks he receives more respect from co-workers and peers than when he was in his twenties. Plus, I think he becomes more and more attractive as he ages. That is not typically the case in women. Not fair. lol.

Here is Ryan and his younger sister Danielle. She is such a beauty! And I love how she and Ryan have so many inside jokes. She can catch undertone humor without batting an eye. It's hilarious! I'm so glad she was there to celebrate Ryan's birthday that night...and to give him crap the whole time too. lol.

Ryan got the cake and the singing. It just wouldn't be a complete night without it! Um...what's so funny Mark?? Haha...little cutie pie.

Reese and Marina loved celebrating Daddy's birthday too!

Summa'time!

Here are Daddy and Mark laying down some mulch around the house. Thank you boys!

This has been our home for 6 years. Both Reese and Marina were born in this house. We've built so many memories here. Can't imagine moving anytime soon.

Wow! I never realized a simple bucket of water could entertain kids like this! LOL. Here are Reese and Marina, cooking, stirring, pouring, and splashing in some water while Daddy and Mark work.

Finally done!

After powerwashing, staining, and rearranging our deck, it has finally become a beautiful extension of our home! We LOVE how it turned out! We've already spent a couple evenings out there with friends, sitting at our new table and enjoying the firepit. It only took about 6 hrs total, to refurbish the wood deck. Totally worth the effort! I know it's modest in comparison to many landscaped backyards in the Naperville area...but even still, we are so proud.