Taking the Kids Downtown

Mark was so jealous that Ryan and I spent a fun weekend in Chicago without him...so we promised him that we would take the kids downtown for a special family day on Saturday.

We decided to ride the train, because we knew that it would be so exciting for Reese and Marina, who are huge fans of 'Thomas the Train.' Here's Marina with Daddy, excitedly watching the train arrive.

Mark asked Uncle Brandon to sit with him up on the top level. So cute.
Reese and Marina absolutely loved the train ride! The look on Reese's face is one of sheer excitement!

Mark was pretty impressed with this monstrous sculpture. The orange looks cool with the colors of Mark's football jersey.


After seeing all the pics from Ryan and my previous trip to the city, the kids were pretty excited to take pictures of their own at the 'Bean' in Millenium park!


Mark...you're the cutest ever!

We caught some live music while walking through the park.

Mark and Uncle Brandon were chosen to receive free t-shirts!

They asked the band to autograph their t-shirts.

I don't know who was more thrilled...Mark or the band, which was made up of 3 college kids trying to make their mark.


Brandon especially appreciated the band because they had a cellist. That is one of Brandon's favorite instruments. He has taken lessons to learn to play it. And it definitely added a unique quality to the band!



...Playing in the park...


The Brody family!

Can you tell? I love kissing on my sweeties!!!

"A little rain won't spoil our fun!"

It did drizzle on and off all day...but we were determined to keep our promise to our kids and spend the day in Chicago. What fun we had!

...walking back to the train station...after a long fun day!

It looks like Marina was pretty wiped after having so much fun!

"Mommy, are you mean?"

This is a new one! This past week, whenever I've been frustrated with my kids (like when they push and fight, or when they cram pennies into my car cd player so that it no longer works!) Marina has come out with a new line: "Mommy, are you mean?"
I'm trying to understand what she means by that. Does she mean, "are you mad?" Or does she mean, "are you being mean to us now?" Hmm...I haven't quite figured it out yet. But I do know that it certainly makes me step back at that moment and view my actions and my tone of voice through their eyes. What an enlightening experience that is.

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!