Chinatown, quarries and frog umbrellas

Who knew this quarry/nature trails/waterfall park existed on the south side? Not this north sider. However it was our destination on Sunday along with Chinatown (and a middle school football game that we stumbled upon - Go Bridgeport Hurricanes!). We've lived in Chicago for 11 years and this was our first dinner in Chinatown. Might be another 11 years before my tummy allows me to go back...

Between a really fun birthday celebration on Friday night, a sunny and relaxing Saturday and a rainy and exploratory Sunday, my first weekend as a 33 year old was just right.

Happy birthday to me x 33

First Day of School

Eloise started at her new school yesterday. And yes, it is FULL day school. Like 8:30 am until 2:45 pm school. Gasp. It's definitely an adjustment for all of us - for George because he misses his sissy and his nap time is altered and shortened for pick-up and drop-off times, for me because it is so quiet around here now and I am adjusting to being a day-time parent of one again (which actually means some downtime that I am not yet enjoying), and for Elle because it is a LONG day for a not yet 4 year old - but so far so great. Frustratingly, I am not able to enter the school to walk her into her classroom or help her with her backpack or coat. I may simply walk her up to the door, give my sweet girl a kiss, and send her on her way. Oh, I hope she loves it and that children start to let her play with them at recess...so far she seems to be enjoying it and even charming her teacher a bit. I love this girl.

walking her to school on the first day (with Daddy and George waiting in the car)

Family photo sesh

We finally did it - family photos! While we were so excited and keeping our fingers crossed for great weather and we were coordinated to the hilts, we were dismayed to discover that the children were not going to be on their best behavior that evening (no matter how many bribes or threats we could come up with). Worried about how this would translate in the photos, I was instantly giddy and relieved when I saw them this week. I knew that this photographer would be a great choice, but until I saw the photos, I didn't realize how great. She totally captured the kid's personalities, she captured our beautiful city, I love the vibrant colors, love the variety, and I am SO happy with the photos.

More to come, but here is a link to several photos on the photographer's blog.

http://www.inthisinstance.com/blog/hamm-family.html

Labor Day weekend = Awesome

Not only did we spend Saturday in Madison with our little Jane, Aunt Molly B, Uncle Dave, plus Reed-O and Matt, but we also had a full weekend in Chicago to celebrate and bring to a close another action packed and really fun summer. We spent the day at North Ave beach - including lunch at Castaways, obvi - and BBQed at home on Sunday, and took George to his first Cubs game on Monday. Now on to a short work week and Elle's last week of leisure before her new big kid school begins next week. Eeeeeek.

last day at North Ave beach for the summer

warm up break - hot in the sun, but brrr in the shade and wind

Cubs!

George watched the ball and pretended to throw along with the pitcher

Nice hit!

Hey Chicago what do you say, the Cubs are gonna win today

Thank you Hamma and Boppa for G's new football uni!

Meeting Jane

George meeting the youngest Hamm cousin

Aunt Natalie happy to hold Jane while she slept - snugly and peaceful

Ellebelle loves her new cousin

Jane's proud parents

Beautiful Hamm girls

Uncle Andrew, Jane and Ice Cube

Cousins

Daddy Dave

Oh, and I think that there was a football game on...but I only had eyes for Jane

Sweet, little Jane - we miss you already!

Downward Dog

Just a little after dinner yoga practice. DBJ.

Can you believe what a big boy we have? Baby no more.