Memorial Day weekend aka Daddy's birthday!

Eloise, George and I surprised Andrew with a Memorial weekend getaway to celebrate his 33rd birthday. We loved the village of Kohler and the Inn at Woodlake and American Club resorts and had a great time swimming, playing in the sand, eating cheese curds, exploring the Kohler-Andre state park, discovering waterfalls, drinking local brews - and simply taking advantage of spending a rare three days together. Happy Birthday, Buddy!

I've been taking Elle to swimming lessons and she was so excited to show Daddy what she has learned

she dives right in with her kickboard

kick kick kick

swimming buddies

george LOVES the pool...but we didn't get any snaps of him swimming

waterfall in Sheybogan Falls (an adorable little town)

Lake Michigan at Kohler-Andre State Park

my guys

a trail through the dunes at the State Park

Butt Crack Johnson

Birthday Boy at his birthday dinner (Horse & Plow)

I cannot remember the last time I laughed so hard. One of the most fun nights ever.

Fabulous shower with 5 Kohler shower heads. Eloise loved the shower but needed the
shower cap to keep the water out of her eyes. Kids, don't try this at home.

Daddy and Daughter at the little beach at our hotel

George also LOVES the sand. Our little beach baby.

Then and Now

Wednesdays Green City Market - Lincoln Park

We will not be going to the market today since it is thundering and pouring. However, in tribute to one of our favorite summer activities, I bring you this...

May 2008 - Eloise and Griffin (8 months old)

May 2011 - Eloise and George (3 1/2 years old and 10 months old)

Nonners!

My mom, aka Nonna, rode the rails to Chicago to spend a long weekend with us. We lunched at Fred's, nibbled Sprinkles, cooked delicious meals at home, watched a movie, strolled Lincoln Park, picniced at Oz Park, so on and so forth. Plus Andrew and I watched Eloise perform with her preschool at their Art's Showcase (photos to come). Thanks for coming, Nonners!

River Bank Run

Last weekend we went to GRaps for the River Bank Run. Uncle Jon, Poppy and Heather, and Aunt Veronica and Jason all ran the 10K race (in the rain!). Andrew ran the 25K and beat his time from 2 years ago, coming in around 1:56. Eloise loved watching the runners and cheering them on. Congrats to them all!

Hey Uncle Dave and Uncle Jon

do you like my one-piece guayabera? You can call me Jorge.

Happy Mother's Day

In a nutshell, I am particular. Somewhat guarded and occasionally difficult. Type A times 10. I have never been one for affection, yet I could wrap my arms around my Eloise and my George for every second of every day and it still would not be enough. I have so many wishes for our children. To always feel confident to be who they are. To surround themselves with kind, thoughtful, honest people. To avoid the drama. To stand up for themselves and for others. To know right from wrong and make smart decisions - and let the necessary life lesson mistakes be small, like wearing black shoes with a floral sundress. I hope that my Eloise doesn't lose her spirit. May she stay confident, curious, and larger than life. And it would be a dream for George to stay as happy and keep that smile always. The best gift is how much Eloise and George really love each other. I hope they remain best friends forever. Perhaps we're just lucky, but Andrew and I prefer to chalk it up to a parenting success.

We love our moms and wish them a very Happy Mother's Day today! My mom taught me about sacrifice and is, hands down, the hardest working person that I know. By watching her, I know that it is possible to do it all. Andrew's most valuable lesson from his mom is honesty. He remembers the lesson of never doing something dishonest, even if you know that you can get away with it. Andrew's honesty is something that I love about him the most, and I have my wonderful Mother-in-law to thank for that.

Happy day to all!

Feeling Springy

We had a busy, fun, warm, sunny, happy weekend. Andrew and I enjoyed a kid free Saturday morning and afternoon of househunting, lunch, and even holding hands. The rest of the weekend was spent going on walks, playing at our playgrounds, two different birthday parties, brunch at Nookies, Andrew went for a 10.5 miler along the lakefront with Elle in the jogger...you get the idea. How wonderful to dry off from the week of rain and feel the sun on our faces.

ordering toast and fruit at brunch

at a birthday party...i had this exact pram when i was a little girl.

george having fun playing at the party

so many friends from her class at this birthday party
drake, talya, the other tahlia, bella, isabella, spencer, ante, ruth, mia, landon
(fyi - the friend next to her is the one she once beat up - and vice versa...)

can you see how she's been signing her own name these days? she made this signature fancy with different colors. such a big girl.