Chicago

What to say, what to say? We just had THE BEST time together for our 10th anniversary trip to Chicago. Great city, great food, great company. We had such a relaxing time and were so grateful for the opportunity to just be Geof and Laura for a few days. It's so easy to get distracted from one another with work, three busy kids, activities, etc., so it's nice to be reminded of the fun things that make you love each other. And who knew that we can indeed talk about something other than the kids over dinner?! We weren't even disappointed when the trip came to an end, because the whole week had been just perfect. No disappointments and recharged for the next 10 years! (and there would be those sweet little faces waiting at home. :)

my handsome date for A WEEK!



evening view from our room at The Drake

re-lax!




Signature Room at the 95th (Hancock)



one hot and spicy vacation!

10 years married, looking forward to a lifetime

"When you're good to mama..."

We did not see the musical Chicago while away in the windy city, but the trip indeed was good to mama. I will be sorting through the pictures for the rest of the summer, but I think this picture sums up how I feel about my getaway with my sweet wonderful Geof. Let's not wait 8 more years to do it again!

Long Weekend with Friends

Yesterday we spent the day at the beach. Something we have never done before as a day trip, but something we will definitely do again! All the more fun with friends squashing into the van with us and coming along for the ride! We found a great public parking area right by the aquarium complete with shaded picnic area, bathrooms and showers and beach access. Free and easy! Hi-Hat also overcame some fears of the waves and was having so much fun with his little buddy playing in the waves. Funny part of the trip was that we realized Fancy had taken off her bathing suit at home before we left, so when I went to take her sundress off there was nothing there! She had to do the beach in her dress, but it didn't seem to put any damper on her day.

Today we had some friends over, with the plan being to tie dye t-shirts for the 4th. We thought the kids would really like tying and squirting dye on their own shirts. Not so much. But Heather and I had a great time! We have the hands to prove it. This afternoon we tried out Loco Pops downtown ('cause we can't get enough of locally made frozen summer treats!), and they were so good that we treated ourselves to seconds! I can highly recommend the chocolate mint, which has crushed candy canes mixed in. I do not highly recommend the lemon sage, unless you are buying boutique hand soap. :) Then a quick jaunt over to Pullen Park, but I think the kids had had enough of sun and sand, so we just rode the train and came home. Yes, we ALL rode the train. The train goes through a tunnel. This is a BIG deal. Second fear overcome in two days for Hi-Hat - waves and tunnels! Yippee! Now if I can just drag him out to the fireworks tomorrow night, but I'm not holding my breath.

Happy 4th!