Chicago Baby!!

Chapter One




It was really amazing. I'm not sure if I can describe the feeling of being in a beautiful city with yourlove, sans children...We hit Chicago for a perfect weekend, the weather was a perfect 75 Degrees.
When I am in a large city, I feel so

A L I V E

All of the energy bouncing off everything and everybody, all meshed together among amazing technology. (Since living "off the grid", I have a new appreciation for civil engineering.)
I was literally skipping down the street. (okay, maybe more like a skip in my step.) So many cafe's and shops. A huge crowd gathered for a glimpse of Bono, who was in town for concert. They were still there an hour later as we walked by again.

And I went on so many dates! Breakfast dates, lunch, and of course dinner dates.
walk with me to the museum dates, theater dates, ball games... well, It does a woman good to go on dates!
Also, I got to have a night by myself in Chicago, (Toby was working one of the nights). I went and saw Julie and Julia...I would have never seen that in the theater. The theater was at the top of a sky scraper. I rode the largest escalator I have ever seen. Of course, it was next to the glass windows all of the way up.
My knuckles were WHITE! Kind of Scary if you have heights issues.
Then I went shopping in some fun funky stores that were HUGE. We stayed right on Michigan Ave. and enjoyed a "shi shi" hotel experience.

Again, I cannot reiterate how much fun we had together!

so, finally, pics...

As soon as we arrived, we went to breakfast!



This was after our wonderful breakfast! Who doesn't feel like kissing after eggs benedict?



The lobby of our hotel...so nice that after the red-eye, they had a room available at 6:30 a.m. Thank you Marriot on Michigan Ave.... I heart you. I really do.




We strolled the streets of Chicago. I love how art and sculpture are integrated everywhere!



see what I mean?? just beautiful.



We went to the greatest Italian restaurant, pretty small in size but the best "real" Italian food. (ha ha mom!)




We had the best conversation, and we were laughing so hard..



Also, my ravioli were about the size of my fist...



My VERY handsome date




Hello capaccino!



And what better way to end our first day with...

Seven Seven Seven






A fun filled day that included swimming, presents, and of course, pepperoni pizza and a "chocolate cake with a yellow ducky". I thought the ducky was an interesting call, seeing as she hasn't expressed unusual interest in such things, but alas for the last month or so, she was firm in her desire for a yellow ducky cake. Allrighty then...




Why on earth we are lying out in the empty kiddie pool instead of the perfectly good lounge chairs is beyond me.




It was a fun day for everyone, and we even had our fun Aunty Stacey here to help us celebrate! As anyone who knows Stacey can attest, she brings the party up a notch!



This is the only pic I have of Stacey the entire day. Since 95% of my pics of Soph's birthday didn't work, do you mind sending me copies of yours, Stacey?



We also played a fun/frustrating co-operative game. I'm not sure if any of you have ever experienced those, but the point of the game is to work together for the common good of the garden. a concept that was a little over the head of the four year old who just wanted a turn and a two year old who just wanted to eat the cards for crying out loud. The seven year old thought it was great but that the other players were dragging her down. In the end, the adults were the only real invested players. So we painfully made it to the end...(it does get more fun with each time you play it, so that is good news.)



Sophia is such a treasure to us! She brings so much to our family, and I am loving watching her grow! She started a new school a couple of weeks after it started (which is never easy) and has just adapted to the challenge beautifully. She is ready to be challenged and learn in so many ways, and loves to let her opinion be heard. She is so funny, and helpful! and Sass! (that can be challenging, but it is great to see her challenge your point of view occasionally.)

We Love You Sweet Sophie!

 

I have been so busy the last few weeks..All I can say, is that I love my life. I am one very lucky woman. My best friend came for a visit...




My little girls were in heaven, they love Stacey so much! There was much dancing, swimming, and giggling....



We even got to take a girls day to go to Kona for beaching, lunching, shopping...fun fun fun


it was such a wonderful treat to have her here! We love Stacey, and love every time we get to see her! Thanks for being so wonderful!!!

SOPHIA TURNS SEVEN....
(I will be doing a post later highlighting the details....just know, I still can't believe she is seven!)

Sophia and Avery have their first day of school. Then Soph started a new school two days later and Avery is staying home with me..It was a big decision for our family, and so far, so good...

Toby spoiled me with a trip to Chicago! (again, I will post pics later...to many for one post....)

Also, I turned 35..I am officially middle age. If I were to ever desire a belly button ring, it may now be considered a mid life crisis...

Toby and the girls surprised me with a weekend trip for my birthday...(you guessed it...photos to come)

Anyway, my eight year anniversary is next week, so I'd better get caught up here, as I see that there is still so much to blog about! too bad my computer took forever to upload photos tonight, now I'm too tired to finish!

The end.