wordless wednesday (except that she's growing too fast!)

a great reminder

She reminds me that joy is in everything, surrounding us and it is up to us to discover it.


She reminds me to leap at every presented opportunity, with both feet and with an overwhelming sense of excitement.

She reminds to try new things.

She reminds me to live life to it's fullest and make the most of every hour of every day.


She reminds me that running really isn't exercising, it's playing!

Makenna running in a kids run 
at the gym last weekend

She reminds me that I can be better and do better.


And tonight I decided to follow her lead.


At 4:45pm, after an already busy day- dropping Scott off at the airport for a week long work trip, and running errands all day... this momma was just a bit tired.  Looking through my social networking sites, something caught my eye.


"Hey Makenna..I see some Irish Dancers are performing at the children's museum tonight.  Would you like to go?"


"Yes, mommy Please!  Let's go.  I would sooo love that!"


And we did just that.  Never mind we didn't eat dinner yet.  We grabbed apples, bananas and cheese sticks and were out the door.  We arrived at the museum just in time for some play before seeing the dancers performance and then took the elevator upstairs to play with the trains and blocks.  The kids were in heaven.  Its the little things.

Learning the steps after the show.  "momma I learned some Irish moves!"  LOL

my boy and trains

At 7:15 pm, we gathered the troops and headed for home.  The kids were asking for dinner (i guess the snacks don't count after all ;)), so we settled in for some peanut butter sandwiches and kiwi before hustling upstairs for bed just over an hour or so later than normal.


Brushed teeth, washed faces and went on a few bear hunts before settling in for a book and songs.  The three of us snuggled in MC's bed as she read us The Grouchy Caterpillar before giving our good night hugs and kisses.  When I asked both of them what their favorite thing about this day, MC replied seeing the dancers and Ry said seeing the trains.


They say parents lead the way for their children, but in many ways our children teach us all about life. And I am so thankful for that. 


Tonight I will put my head on my pillow and with a satisfied sigh, I will turn off the light.


Good night.

30 years ago on this day, I became a sister.

Sunday morning came and we gathered everyone again, this time the surprise meeting place was a brunch restaurant named Jane's in the city.  We were sat in the party room, in a space looking out to the sidewalk tables and the street.  It was perfect and lovely.  The kids were anxious to see Uncle Brad, and waited patiently for his arrival.

Good morning Brad and Surprise, once again!.

A couple of Brad's friends joined us in the celebration.

After brunch we decided to head over to Lincoln Park Zoo.  It was a gorgeous,warmer day with threatening skies but the rain stayed away.

We watched and smiled as the polar bear frolicked playfully.

And looked on surprisingly as the cat yawned in sleepiness while the other looked straight as us.

Faces were painted with venom and fairy dust.

And we walked together, enjoying the day.

But most importantly, this birthday guy had a great day!  Happy Birthday Brad.  May the next decade be amazing...I know it will!  xo, K

celebration is in order

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAD!

Somebody special had a big birthday this past weekend so we knew we had to help him celebrate in style and with gusto.  Texts, emails and phone calls have been frequent between mom, DeChantel and I over the last few weeks all to culminate to the big day(s) of surprise.  We were hoping and wishing and dreaming that it would all come together like one big puzzle.  And we were all so happy when it did!

Surprise!

We kicked off the weekend at West Town Tavern, a small restaurant in the city, with a small gathering of family and friends waiting for his arrival.  (Our only slip up was us parking in front of the restaurant so Brad knew we were there...oops! )

He arrived and the party started.

Wine was sipped, stories lingered in the air and an abundance of laughs filled the room.

Some of the night's entertainment came from the gift of the mustache.

 And apparently when one wears a mustache, an level of exuberance follows and personality changes immediately. Ha ha....

Candles were lit and new memories were made.

Happy Birthday little bro. It's good to be 30 so enjoy it all.  I am so proud of you and all that you do and more importantly, the person you are.  Love you.  xo

(I'll be back with the story of Sunday in words and photos)

Easter Sunday

 The morning came with the excitement of Makenna running into our bedroom stirring the three of us up from slumber with glees and shrills of delight.  "He came, he came...the Easter bunny was here.  He came through the back door, left a trail and EVEN at my carrots!!!"

As we wiped our eyes and Rylan jumped out of bed to see for himself, we headed downstairs to grab our slippers and coffee to begin our day.  Easter baskets were opened- books, dvds- the lorax and the muppets, train for Ry and a few other little goodies.

The Easter Egg hunt was next...Makenna pursued it with skill and agility while Rylan received a little help from us.  They were both delighted to find little jelly beans and skittles hidden inside.  Both occupied most of their morning because if there's one thing my kids both have in common, it is the love for sugar.

We settled in for a great breakfast of pancakes, muffins and fruit, with a side of sugar.  Nana and Uncle Brad joined us for the day and we had a quiet day at home.

Quiet and relaxing with bits of play and lots of entertainment of course.

And that was our Easter Sunday. Happy kids who remind you all about the magic and time with family makes for a great day.

Somebunny magic/ Saturday Day #1

"Mom..when is it going to be Easter?" is a question I have answered many of times during the last week or so.

To our family, Easter is all about the magic of the Easter bunny, egg hunts and a good reason to spend the day(s) together enjoying, relaxing, consuming great eats and having fun.  So we kicked off  that fun this past Saturday morning when the Easter bunny arrived via helicopter to our local middle school.  

Now how cool is that???

Hello Easter Bunny.

The excitement of the white bunny landing was only surpassed by the growing thrill of finding the colorful plastic eggs.  We met up with our friends, split up in three groups and I took the two older girls to unleash their gathering skills.

Ready, Set, Go.

Success but sharing it with friends is the best!


On our way back, the girls spotted a face painting station which they couldn't resist before meeting back up with our families.

We said goodbye to our friends and left the school, heading to Whole Foods where we knew more Easter fun awaited.  Initially Rylan was hesitant to get too close to the bunny so Scott provided the necessary space, reassurance and comfort needed.  Before long , Ry grew comfortable, almost too comfortable, as he began jumping into other people's pictures.  Shy, our boy is not.

The store also had a few fun things for the kids to do. I love that our community offers so much for families. As a parent of little ones, I am always so appreciative of all the free things to do with our kids.

 Dyeing eggs naturally...

Decorating cupcakes with concentration. (love how one of Ry's ear is bent down..)


And with that we began the festivities. Makenna was especially excited that Easter had finally arrived. The kids had a blast, enjoyed the celebrations and eagerly awaited the bunny's overnight arrival to our home that night.

I'll be back to tomorrow to share Easter Sunday stories and photos!  The fun continued...