My brother Mike and SIL Katharine are having their third child in a month and I went to a baby shower for her tonight. Having two girls, Madison and Cassie, who are 8 and 11, they don't have any of their baby things any more, and never had boy things anyway. So she received lots of fun things like a baby walker, swing, high chair, bottles, pacifiers, diapers and CUTE baby boy clothes. The best thing about the shower was they didn't play any games....and I wonder if that was Katharine's idea ;).
Mike and Katharine have a history of deciding on the baby's name but not telling anyone until the baby is born. So Erica and I asked Madison and Cassie if they knew, and they said Aaron and Nicholas were two of the names they've talked about......hummmmmm.
We are so excited to see him!
7.30.2008
I'm a Bird
While getting him dressed for bed Drew was running around his room flapping his arms saying "I'm a bird.....I'm a bird...", then looked at me and very seriously asked if he could poop on the car.
6.21.2008
Worlds of Fun
A recent trip to Worlds of Fun was a big success. Drew loved Camp Snoopy and went on most of the rides more than once. His favorite was the airplane, followed by the roller coaster. He also liked the kids version of the detonator.
We went on the log ride and had fun getting wet. The picture showed a more terrified look on my face than on Drew's. We continue to laugh about that....
Dave is very excited about the prospect of having Drew for a roller coaster buddy one of these days. For now, Dave had to go on the Mamba by himself.
We went on the log ride and had fun getting wet. The picture showed a more terrified look on my face than on Drew's. We continue to laugh about that....
Dave is very excited about the prospect of having Drew for a roller coaster buddy one of these days. For now, Dave had to go on the Mamba by himself.
6.05.2008
Apples with Mustard
MMMmmmmmmm. That's what Drew was saying tonight during dinner as he ate his apple wedge dipped in the mustard from his hamburger. That's a food combination I've never heard of, but what ever gets him to eat fruit works for us.
5.30.2008
Memorial Weekend
Memorial Weekend this year was spent in one of our favorite places. Friday evening we spent time with Dave’s family in Iowa. Saturday morning we left Drew to spend the weekend with grandparents, aunt, uncles and cousins while we headed to Chicago for a date weekend. These are some of the highlights…
We wanted to stay on the Magnificant Mile to be close to Chicago’s best shopping, restaurants, museums and Dave booked it through Priceline for a great rate. We stayed at the Marriot, which had a Michigan Ave address, but only for a walk-in entrance to the hotel. The main entrance and check in circle drive were on the other side of the building on Rush Ave, which was deceiving. The bathrooms were a little dated, but the bed was awesome and the room was fine. For the little time we spent there it was perfect.
We went through the Trump Tower, still under construction, which was beautiful. The only Apprentice season I’ve seen was the first one when Donald selected the person to oversee the construction of this building. Sunday morning we went there to check out their lunch menu at Sixteen, Trump’s restaurant on the 16th floor, and they were serving brunch. Ceiling to floor views overlooked downtown, and the interior is contemporary and posh. Brunch was buffet style across three separate tables and included king crab claws and sushi, among other delicacies. We were entertained just touring the area and may have to splurge on it during a future trip.
Second City was sold out unfortunately. We even went there to get on the waiting list but didn’t get in. It was still fun seeing picture of Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, John Billushi, John Candy, Tina Fay and other SNL stars.
Gino’s Pizza is a must during each trip we make to the city. We don’t go for the atmosphere of red and white-checkered vinyl tablecloths, paper plates and plastic silverware (this location didn’t have a dishwasher) but the pizza is always out of this world.
Shopping along and around Michigan Avenue is fun for the people watching and window shopping, occasionally going into some stores. White separates and dresses are big this season. Such a fresh, crisp look. Anthropology had some cute ones among other fun clothes for spring. Barnes & Noble is one of my favorite stores no matter where I am. I picked up the book “Just Me and My Dad” for father’s day from Drew. Garmin on the Magnificant Mile was busy with people trying out the latest Garmin gadgets. I was impressed they offer an hour of personal training when you purchase a GPS from them. We couldn’t resist the Disney Store and bought the Little Einsteins remote controlled Rocket and Mickey Mouse PJ’s for Drew.
Flatwater was my favorite new place on this trip. We sat on the patio overlooking the banks of the Chicago River, listened to a jazz band, and had the most amazing baked brie with an apricot and walnut chutney. I would love to find the recipe.
The Chicago Cubs game we went to was another highlight, and not just because they beat the Dodgers 3:1. We had our first experience scalping a ticket outside Wrigley stadium since had originally planned on bringing Drew.
Spiaggia is one of our favorite Italian restaurants. The atmosphere is beautiful yet casual, the menu is excellent, and the service ‘impeccable in its anticipation’ as the website says, and we agree.
The Chicago River Architectural Tour was fascinating. We learned about the history behind many of the buildings along the river. My favorite is the Wrigley Building, which is art deco. Dave’s favorite is the modern Trump Tower. It was interesting to learn about the Spire now breaking ground. Details are being kept under wraps but it is rumored that it will be the tallest building in Chicago when it is complete in 2-3 years.
On our last night there we walked through Millenium Park, enjoying the free concert.
We came back exhausted but had a great time. We hope to catch up on our sleep this weekend…
We wanted to stay on the Magnificant Mile to be close to Chicago’s best shopping, restaurants, museums and Dave booked it through Priceline for a great rate. We stayed at the Marriot, which had a Michigan Ave address, but only for a walk-in entrance to the hotel. The main entrance and check in circle drive were on the other side of the building on Rush Ave, which was deceiving. The bathrooms were a little dated, but the bed was awesome and the room was fine. For the little time we spent there it was perfect.
We went through the Trump Tower, still under construction, which was beautiful. The only Apprentice season I’ve seen was the first one when Donald selected the person to oversee the construction of this building. Sunday morning we went there to check out their lunch menu at Sixteen, Trump’s restaurant on the 16th floor, and they were serving brunch. Ceiling to floor views overlooked downtown, and the interior is contemporary and posh. Brunch was buffet style across three separate tables and included king crab claws and sushi, among other delicacies. We were entertained just touring the area and may have to splurge on it during a future trip.
Second City was sold out unfortunately. We even went there to get on the waiting list but didn’t get in. It was still fun seeing picture of Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, John Billushi, John Candy, Tina Fay and other SNL stars.
Gino’s Pizza is a must during each trip we make to the city. We don’t go for the atmosphere of red and white-checkered vinyl tablecloths, paper plates and plastic silverware (this location didn’t have a dishwasher) but the pizza is always out of this world.
Shopping along and around Michigan Avenue is fun for the people watching and window shopping, occasionally going into some stores. White separates and dresses are big this season. Such a fresh, crisp look. Anthropology had some cute ones among other fun clothes for spring. Barnes & Noble is one of my favorite stores no matter where I am. I picked up the book “Just Me and My Dad” for father’s day from Drew. Garmin on the Magnificant Mile was busy with people trying out the latest Garmin gadgets. I was impressed they offer an hour of personal training when you purchase a GPS from them. We couldn’t resist the Disney Store and bought the Little Einsteins remote controlled Rocket and Mickey Mouse PJ’s for Drew.
Flatwater was my favorite new place on this trip. We sat on the patio overlooking the banks of the Chicago River, listened to a jazz band, and had the most amazing baked brie with an apricot and walnut chutney. I would love to find the recipe.
The Chicago Cubs game we went to was another highlight, and not just because they beat the Dodgers 3:1. We had our first experience scalping a ticket outside Wrigley stadium since had originally planned on bringing Drew.
Spiaggia is one of our favorite Italian restaurants. The atmosphere is beautiful yet casual, the menu is excellent, and the service ‘impeccable in its anticipation’ as the website says, and we agree.
The Chicago River Architectural Tour was fascinating. We learned about the history behind many of the buildings along the river. My favorite is the Wrigley Building, which is art deco. Dave’s favorite is the modern Trump Tower. It was interesting to learn about the Spire now breaking ground. Details are being kept under wraps but it is rumored that it will be the tallest building in Chicago when it is complete in 2-3 years.
On our last night there we walked through Millenium Park, enjoying the free concert.
We came back exhausted but had a great time. We hope to catch up on our sleep this weekend…
5.15.2008
Learning to Pedal
We have been working with Drew on learning to pedal his big wheel in prep for learning to ride a bike this summer. So far there is no interest, only frustration when he attempts it. He prefers to 'walk' his big wheel, even though it is sloooow.
His shoes barely touch the pedals, which could be part of the problem. But the coordination is part of it too, and he gets frustrated after a second or two of trying to pedal, and goes back to 'walking' it.
Lately we've seen some preschool age kids out riding their bikes with training wheels, and always make a point to show Drew for encouragement. We're hoping it will click soon.
4.29.2008
A Favorite Author
I read The Secret Life of Bee's awhile back and it is one of my all-time favorite books. I loved Sue Monk Kidd's writing style and was enthralled with the book almost from the beginning. I say almost because the first part is difficult to read. Then it gets much better. I won't spoil it by sharing more.
Later I came across some of my Mom's books and found Firstlight, The Early Inspirational Writings of Sue Monk Kidd. I'm thinking it's her early work, so it may not be as incredible as The Secret Life of Bee's, but I was still intrigued. So I'm reading this book and progressively enjoying it more and more...so much so that I've been dog-earing pages I want to reference later. I never do that. And several times I've thought about how I'll definitely read this book again at some point. And I rarely say that.
I'll share a few parts that were especially touching...
God doesn't answer prayer as we expect. Sometimes when we pray for a certain virtue - like patience -God does not necessarily send it to us in a package ready for instant use. We are much more likely to be put in a situation where we are given the opportunity to develop that virtue.
When a suffering is shared, its weight is divided. And when a joy is shared, the delight is ultiplied. We need each other.
I slip out into a star-filled summer night. Alone I look up and pretend the stars appear only once every hundred years. And tonight is the night! I begin to see the grandeur of th eheavens, the sky feweled with countless twinkling lanterns. In the timeless constellations, I see God's signature. In the night wind, I feel a touch. In the whisper of leaves, I hear a song. Just like that, my soul wakes up! Once more, for me, the universe is crammed with God.
Later I came across some of my Mom's books and found Firstlight, The Early Inspirational Writings of Sue Monk Kidd. I'm thinking it's her early work, so it may not be as incredible as The Secret Life of Bee's, but I was still intrigued. So I'm reading this book and progressively enjoying it more and more...so much so that I've been dog-earing pages I want to reference later. I never do that. And several times I've thought about how I'll definitely read this book again at some point. And I rarely say that.
I'll share a few parts that were especially touching...
God doesn't answer prayer as we expect. Sometimes when we pray for a certain virtue - like patience -God does not necessarily send it to us in a package ready for instant use. We are much more likely to be put in a situation where we are given the opportunity to develop that virtue.
When a suffering is shared, its weight is divided. And when a joy is shared, the delight is ultiplied. We need each other.
I slip out into a star-filled summer night. Alone I look up and pretend the stars appear only once every hundred years. And tonight is the night! I begin to see the grandeur of th eheavens, the sky feweled with countless twinkling lanterns. In the timeless constellations, I see God's signature. In the night wind, I feel a touch. In the whisper of leaves, I hear a song. Just like that, my soul wakes up! Once more, for me, the universe is crammed with God.
4.27.2008
Celtic Pub
We had a good time at Llywelyns Pub last night for dinner. The environment was fun, although I thought the music was a little loud, but Dave liked it. I loved that we were in a lively bar environment with NO cigarettes. Several of the windows near our table had Irish dittis on them. This was my favorite:
When we drink we get drunk.
When we get drunk we fall asleep.
When we fall asleep we commit no sin.
When we commit no sin we go to heaven.
So let's get drunk and go to heaven.
When we drink we get drunk.
When we get drunk we fall asleep.
When we fall asleep we commit no sin.
When we commit no sin we go to heaven.
So let's get drunk and go to heaven.
4.12.2008
A Kid's Haven
We went here for dinner tonight. It is a nice alternative to Rain Forest Cafe, T-Rex Cafe or Chuck E Cheese. They have large screens in the dining area playing an animated show for kids that was cute, and a game room that was Drew's favorite area. Despite the game room distraction he sat with us at the table and ate a respectable dinner while watching the show. Dave and I agreed our meals were okay, but the adult food isn't the attraction.
On the website I was surprised to see this is the first location. It seems like an ideal restaurant to franchise.
Swimming Lessons
Drew had his third swimming lesson this morning at Lifetime Fitness. Having them there works out well because we go early and I workout while Drew is in the childcare. The first two times he cried the entire 30 minutes. Today he cried only 15 or 20 minutes, which I consider a big improvement. Hopefully next week will be even better.
4.06.2008
A Good Book
The last book I read was a difficult read, but good. His Mother's Son is about a woman with a 6-year-old son. It touches on some fears many mothers have about wanting their child to grow up healthy and happy. But this book takes that to a new level.
4.05.2008
An Amazing Evening
Dave and I went to the most wonderful venue for a night out while in Arizona. The complimentary valet parking was the first nice touch. Then we walked through the entrance gates into Lons at the Hermosa to a lovely outdoor dining oasis. The fountain, the trees with lights, the bon fire....it all added to the ambiance of this wonderful get away. We ordered a bottle of our favorite wine and enjoyed the premises, which included a wine cellar with a table for 12 for private parties, and the beautifully manicured grounds of the inn. Before we were even called for our table, I had decided this was my most amazing dining experience to date. At the end of the meal in this incredible outdoor oasis, we both agreed we can't wait to go back.
3.07.2008
3.06.2008
Blueberry Muffins
One of our favorite things to make is Blueberry muffins. We like the Betty Crocker version with twice the blueberries. Drew loves to help make them.
CRHP Retreat
I went to the Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) retreat this weekend and it was awesome. Think of your closest girlfriends and how well-connected you feel to them. Then think of that bond with your girlfriends being closely tied to spirtuality and faith. That's what it was like. It was very powerful!
2.14.2008
Life is Busy
I am looking forward to a time soon when I can blog again. The last month has been SOO busy.
1.18.2008
Like father like son
One of Drew's favorite activities is reading. He loves having books read to him, and pretending to read some of them by himself. But this is the first time he's taken a book to the bathroom with him.
1.14.2008
Chicken Trauma
Yesterday I was making a chicken & noodle recipe and Drew was in his tower helping me. He loved stirring the noodles, and then pouring in the veggies and stirring them. Lastly we were going to add the chicken. I had bought a rotesserie chicken and showed it to him in the container, answering all of his questions about the various parts. But when I started pulling the chicken off and shredding it he became upset saying "NO, NO, OUCH". We quickly moved to stirring the pot of noodles again and he was fine with that.
Yummy Pizza
My favorite pizza joint, D'Bronx, has opened a location at 105th & Metcalf where Hannah Bistro used to be. We've been twice in the last week and they've had a good crowd both times. I miss Hannah Bistro but like D'Bronx too. Hopefully they'll make it.
1.07.2008
Spending Time With Family
We had a great weekend with The Miller Family here. Drew loved playing with his cousins and hanging out with extended family. He especially likes tackling Luke and being carried around by Chloe. He talked about them all day yesterday after they left.
We tried to talk Debbie and Mike in to moving to KC but I don't think we've convinced them yet. We need to keep working on that....
We tried to talk Debbie and Mike in to moving to KC but I don't think we've convinced them yet. We need to keep working on that....
Looking at the animals at Cabella's
Thankful for great doctors
My Mom had a knee replacement today. After 6 months of dreaded anticipation, today was the day. Fortunately the surgeon said it was a text book surgery with no complications. I can't remember how many hundreds of knee replacements he has done, but he does them in 60-90 minutes. Unbelievable. Mom is feeling no pain - yet. The spinal block is still working. Hopefully recovery will be text book as well.
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