FloFam

Trip to Michigan

2011-07-29T14:42:00.006-05:00

We headed up to Fennville/Saugatuck, Michigan for a family reunion for my mom's side of the family last weekend. We rented the cutest cottages that were brand new this summer and they were so creatively decorated. (check out their website: www.dollybrookresort.com)

We found the best beach (Pier Cove) right by the cottages that had a stream the kids could play in! Milo has become so much more independent at the beach and loves to explore!

Lila is always the most adventurous one!

Before the reunion we went blueberry picking at a small organic farm. The blueberries were perfect for picking and so mush easier than strawberries where you have to crouch down.

The reunion was great and it was so nice to catch up with family we have not seen in a long time. My aunt and uncle hosted at their cottage on a small lake and the setting was beautiful and the kids had a great time!

My mom with all of her siblings in birth order, it was so great that all of them made it out!

My mom had the idea to make these goldfish cupcakes and Kim and I helped the night before. Who knew that this "little" project would be so labor intensive, but fun!

A boat ride on the lake

The highlight of the trip for me was Milo swimming in the lake. He had on a life vest and used a noodle and kicked and floated for over an hour!

He was pretty proud of himself!

On Sunday we went to another beach with the Leeuw and Little families and Milo had fun playing with his friends. Here he is pulling Owen on a sled, which is apparently a great beach toy...who knew?!

This hole in the sand entertained Milo and Owen for a LONG time!

We had a great long weekend and mini-vacation!

Cleveland...well actually Chagrin Falls

2011-07-20T22:06:00.002-05:00

Eric's parents recently moved to Chagrin Falls, OH just outside of Cleveland and we went out for a visit last weekend. They live in the cutest town which has a little main street within walking distance. Here is Milo at the farmer's market.

The falls, which were really pretty and Milo had a blast exploring with his Papa!

Eric and his dad let Milo use Eric's old Playmobil pirate ship and I am not sure who had more fun with it....Eric remembered every detail of it and he and his dad were intensely focused on setting it up just right!

We had a great weekend and it is so nice to have Eric's parents closer!

4th of July and Lucy's 4th Birthday!

2011-07-09T07:54:00.005-05:00

As we do every year, we headed up to Wisconsin for the 4th of July and to celebrate Lucy's birthday. We had gorgeous weather and had a great weekend!

The strawberries we picked were delicious and we made desserts and jam and it seems the kids enjoyed a few too....

Milo "helping"

Touchdown Lila!

The pool my parents set up in the yard was a huge hit and the kids spent hours in there!

We hit the kiddie amusement park in Green Bay again, could these 2 be any sweeter?!

Go speed racer!

Milo sporting an 80's look while painting a bird house.

The view from the deck...note a naked Lila trying to play T-ball!

I can't believe Lucy is 4! But she does act like a little girl now and is so clever and makes us laugh all the time! Here she is with her Hello Kitty cake Kim made (I helped a little).

She kept saying she wanted to "smash" her cake, this is what she meant...

Milo too of course

Bonfire on the 4th.

Wouldn't be a fire without a s'more.

First sparkler...can he hold it any further away?

3 Years Old!

2011-06-08T16:15:00.007-05:00

I know it sounds cliche but how can my baby be 3 years old already?!? I remember the day he was born and all the pain and nervousness I felt...I was overwhelmed with the responsibility before me and now I am overwhelmed with love and adoration for my son who has taught me so much. He has brought such joy into my world and it never ceases to amaze me that love like this can exist. Milo, you are so inquisitive, nurturing, creative, kind and funny...you make me laugh everyday! You love to care for kids smaller than you and you speak in the sweetest, loving voice which makes me SO excited to see you as a big brother. You are going to be such an amazing teacher and friend to your brother.

I feel so blessed that God chose me to be your mom and I also feel blessed that you are the person you are, my precious Milo Jude.

Excited for the Blueberry Ice Cream pie Mama made!

Milo's Birthday Party

Opening his new grill from Puppy and Grammy...he was thrilled!

Construction Zone party!

While opening presents he wanted to read the books he just opened, that kids has his priorities straight!

Decorating his cake was so fun this year!

Memorial Day Weekend in Kewaunee

2011-06-01T08:33:00.005-05:00

We had a great weekend in Kewaunee, it was a little chilly but so nice to be out of the city! My parents put in new stairs down to the beach so Milo enjoyed playing in the sand.

A T-ball lesson

Lucy was very excited to go on the hammock.

Another walk on the beach

We celebrated my dad's birthday and my mom had the great idea to let the kids decorate the cake, they LOVED it!

We went to a dairy farm and learned a lot about how the whole thing works which was very interesting, although it does make me want to drink less milk and really know where my milk comes from.

Our attempt at a group shot

Milo was thrilled to be in the tractor, no pictures of the meltdown when he had to get out!

We didn't have time for a fire so we improvised...good idea Don!

On Monday we headed in Green Bay (don't worry we had Milo's Bears hat) and went to the kiddie amusement park, you can't beat 25 cents per ride! They had a blast!

WI Dells Waterpark!

2011-03-15T17:05:00.003-05:00

We went to a indoor water park in the Dells over my birthday weekend. It was time for a change of pace and some crazy fun for the kids. Our room had a giant tub and the kids played in there whenever they were not at the pool.

A walk by the river.

Watch me!

Calling "room service"

Ready for the pool an hour before it opened!

Conservatories and Car Show

2011-03-05T11:43:00.002-06:00

Enjoying the Garfield Park Conservatory

Milo went to the Auto Show with Eric and his cousin Tony. He had a great time and loved jumping into ALL the cars and always had to put on his seatbelt.

At the Oak Park Conservatory looking at the clipboard of animals and plants to find, it was a huge hit!

Cousin Bath

The Mardi Gras mask Milo made in art class.

Christmas overload post!

2011-01-03T16:57:00.007-06:00

Watching Papa and Grandma pull up on Christmas Eve.

Goofing off with Papa, I mean Santa...

Opening his stocking from Papa and Grandma

Dancing around on Christmas Eve at Puppy and Grammy's house

We decided not to torture the kids trying to get the perfect shot....so here you go!

My mom made costumes for a nativity "play," Milo was a shepherd, Lila was an angel and Lucy was Mary...SUPER cute!

This is how Milo spent most of Christmas morning...his favorite gift was his "piano horn"!

We stopped in Elk Grove on the way home to look at the "reindeer."

What angels

...maybe not....

I went to Minnesota on the 26th for a family get together, it was first time all of my cousins have been together in years, it was so nice to see everyone! We surprised my grandpa and I think he was excited to have everyone together like the old days!

Nikki, Nate and Teddy visited on the 27th and Teddy and Milo had a BLAST together!

Teddy, our little chef

Little Drummer Boy

We took the boys sledding and they loved it, even after falling off a few times!

Opening a gift from Uncle Tony and Lori...the train set was a huge hit!

Hanging out with our good friends, Patrese, Nicole (Charlie and Drew) and spending some time with little James!

My boys all dressed up for NYE!

Happy New Year!

Christmastime is here....

2010-12-17T15:28:00.003-06:00

The Christkindl Market...a new tradition!

On the way back from the market we planned to take the Santa train like we did last year. Let's just say it didn't go quite as planned! We waited for 20 minutes and when the train arrived it was exciting and we saw Santa and got candy canes...then the train stopped and everyone had to get off because of a possible fire...then we waited for shuttles, got crying pictures of kids and Santa (see the Vander Griend family blog) and boarded the shuttles with cranky kids covered in candy canes, then on another train and a short walk home! Maybe that is a tradition that will end this year! ;)
A shot before the chaos.

We had a Christmas festival at our church which was very fun and they even had camel rides!

and donkeys...

it was a fun time!

Helping with the lights

First snowfall!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-30T16:19:00.004-06:00

Milo helping me cook for Thanksgiving...he LOVES to help cook and always pulls his chair up to the butcher block whenever he sees me pull food out!

Thanksgiving at the Vander Griend's

The kids table, Lucas, Asher, (Kim and Don's nephews), Milo and Lucy

Milo's reaction after he saw the train under the tree!

He loved putting the ornaments on...he is his mother's son!

Last days of Fall

2010-11-19T09:16:00.002-06:00

Cliche pictures of boy playing in the leaves

Navy pier Children's Museum with Puppy

Halloween

2010-11-01T14:46:00.007-05:00

Zoo Boo at Brookfield Zoo

Lil Pumpkin

Oak Park Farmer's Market

My view on the walk to the parade in Oak Park

One proud Firefighter!

At the fire station after the parade. Milo loved "driving" this truck.

A little treat

Helping out with gutting the pumpkin

Sorting pumpkin seeds while Papa does all the work...does this kid EVER have his tongue in his mouth!?!

Ready to trick or treat with this handsome construction worker!

Trip to Texas

2010-10-25T15:18:00.002-05:00

We visited Eric's mom in Houston (his Dad had a new job in Sacramento and it was his first week) and it was probably our last trip out there.

We went to a little amusement park in front of the aquarium and Milo LOVED the train. It took you into a tunnel through a tank filled with sharks.

First ferris wheel ride, I held onto him WAY too tightly!

A bike from Papa and Grandma that he is still growing into!

We're back...just in time for some Fall fun!

2010-10-20T13:23:00.004-05:00

So, it's been awhile...I will blame IPhoto for the hiatus! ;) We have changed how we store pictures on the computer and instead of learning the new way, I stopped blogging!

In September we visited our friends in Michigan and made our annual trip to Crane's Apple Orchard.

Nothing better than Michigan apples...

Milo loves his sunglasses and will often ask for them in the car after telling us it is "too bright."

A trademark "Milo face."

At our annual trip to Goebberts

Is there anything cuter than kids in a pumpkin bin?!?

Milo LOVED playing on the train and he and Lucy were enthusiastically yelling "All Aboard!"

The Animal Land at Goebberts is beyond amazing, here is Milo feeding a giraffe with Puppy, they also had kangaroos, zebras and camels. As Milo would say "pretty cool huh?!?"

Summer Fun!

2010-07-29T09:21:00.004-05:00

4th of July Weekend

2010-07-08T09:13:00.005-05:00

We had a GREAT holiday weekend. We had Eric's side of the family over Friday night for dinner and enjoyed some fun in our backyard. Everyone was in town to celebrate Eric's grandma's 75th birthday! Here Milo and Teddy are enjoying a treat!

Eric's cousins, Paige and Sarah

We headed up to Kewaunee on Saturday for our annual 4th of July and Lucy's B-day celebration! Grandpa and Aunt Nancy joined us which always means a good time. We went to the "Shrimp Dump" in town and it was a beautiful day!

I can't believe Lucy Rae is 3! We had so much fun celebrating her and she loved opening her gifts!

My sister is a great mom, Lucy used to be afraid of the Count on Sesame Street and then chose to get over her fear by "loving" the Count (she calls him Count Dracula!) so Lucy requested a Count cake and Kim came through! Lucy was THRILLED!

Yum cake!

We went to a kiddie amusement park for her birthday and it was a BLAST! The rides were either 25 or 50 cents, not a bad deal! Milo and Lucy loved the rides!

I think Milo thought he was really driving this boat.

But by far the train ride was Milo's favorite, big surprise!

Playing with the jeep fire works, instead of taking them away I took a picture!

A couple "fireworks" for the kids before bed. Don and Eric had fun setting off more after the kids were in bed, including these awesome latterns that lit up and floated away over the lake.

Milo LOVES fire trucks so we had to take a few pics by this old Kewaunee engine.

Puppy and the grandkids

Raspberry picking

Birthday Boy!

2010-06-16T17:16:00.005-05:00

Milo was totally into the birthday thing this year, he loved opening presents and whenever he saw anything cupcake or cake related he would say "birthday!"

As was the tradition in my house growing up, we brought Milo a present when he woke up.

A little yogurt for breakfast in his new present!

Auntie Kim, Lucy, Lila and Mary joined us at Legoland for some fun.

Cupcakes from Auntie after lunch.

That night we went to Super Dawg for dinner (the Choo Choo restaurant was closed) and had a great time!

Goofing off while opening presents.

On Saturday we had a small party, we started out at a pizza place where Milo made his own pizza...sort of.

The cake made my Mama, Auntie Kim and Titi Nikki

Yum!

Milo loved his conductor hat and loved to tell everyone what a conductor says "All E-board!"

Uncle Nate (who made it just in time for the party after driving in from Boston) and Teddy

I do not recommend this mode of entry to a moon bounce but Milo loved it!

I can't believe my baby is two, we had so much fun celebrating him!

2!

2010-06-08T14:21:00.003-05:00

I will try to get through writing this post without crying, but I am not promising anything!

Two years ago today my life was forever changed. I had no idea what I was doing or what this tiny baby would be like.

I had no idea how difficult the first few months were going to be or that 2 years later I would say that everyday just makes me love him more than I ever thought possible!

Milo, you bring so much joy to this world. You light up my life and make me feel love I never knew existed. You look at the world with such wonder and curiosity and it makes me view the world differently. I experience life differently because of you. You have taught me to, once again, find joy in the simplicity of life, an ice cream cone, a swing at the park, a horse grazing on the side of the road. Thank you for all you have brought to my life and all you have taught me. Thank you for just being you, my funny, kind, joyful, inquisitive and amazing son! I love you more today than on the day we met 2 years ago!

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-06-03T12:50:00.003-05:00

We were planning to go to Boston over the weekend to see Eric's sister walk in her law school graduation ceremony, however we never made it out on our stand-by flight...so, off to Kewaunee we went!

The weather was BEAUTIFUL and Milo enjoyed his fist time at the beach this season!

Kim and Don bought a bouncy house on their way up to use for the kid's birthday parties. We thought we would try it out! The kids had a BLAST and loved it when we would go in with them! They kept going down the slide head first and landing on the grass...crazy kids! Milo kept saying "Mo bou-cee house!"

Lila's pool

A little dessert after our BBQ

Cuddling after their bath

Story time with Puppy

Milo's favorite "toy"

2010-05-24T14:02:00.001-05:00

This pretty much sums up how Milo feels about the vacuum....

Mother's Day

2010-05-11T17:34:00.005-05:00

The makings of a great Mother's Day....a Martini and a little bouquet of Lily of the Valley (my FAVORITE flower) from Lucy!

Milo enjoying MY smoothie on the way to church

We planted a tree and some shrubs in the backyard and Milo was a big helper!

Learning some planting tips from Puppy

A treat with Auntie

We had so much fun planting and playing the yard, a taste of many good times to come!

Goofball

2010-05-04T16:14:00.003-05:00

Trying on some 3-D glasses

Say "Cheese" Milo

His new way of reading books (I mean on his tummy not without pants!)

Dance party in Mama's sweater!

You are my Sunshine.....

2010-04-25T23:06:00.002-05:00

Here is Milo practicing a few songs. Pardon the slurred words I think his tongue is numb from the popsicle...oh and pardon my obnoxious singing!

Totally random fun times...

2010-04-12T09:25:00.007-05:00

Milo's favorite treat!

We took the kids to their first concert a few weeks ago. Our favorite kid's musician Justin Roberts performed and it was so much fun!

Milo was mesmerized and sat on our laps in the beginning, but in the end he was right next to the stage dancing!

We took Milo to the zoo last week and he seemed to really enjoy it. This is his latest thing, whenever he sees someone with their eyes shut he says "ssssshhh, nigh nigh"

He loves to try and say "snake", I hope he gets over his interest in snakes really soon becasue we will NEVER have one!

First popsicle from the ice cream truck. I love how Milo points to his ear when he hears something, and then he'll say "train" or "airplane."

I took my dad to the Shedd Aquarium the other day and he got to see the Fantasea show that the kids love (although they look less than excited in the picture).

When Eric was in Vegas we took the kids to an animal farm and park. The farm wasn't technically open for the season yet but we walked around outside and saw goats, a mother horse and her calf, geese, ducks, turkeys and a deer.

Easter Weekend

2010-04-05T12:15:00.006-05:00

Milo and Lucy (by Milo and Lucy I mean the adults) decorated eggs on Saturday but mostly enjoyed the stickers.

On Sunday morning Milo opened his Easter basket and enjoyed some goodies. He stuffed 4 Whopper eggs in his mouth before we could stop him and refused to give them up!

After church we took some family pictures on the lawn.

About the best shot I got of the 3 cousins....total goofballs!

An Easter egg hunt at Grammy and Puppy's house...

Children's Museum and First time Ice Skating

2010-03-29T09:01:00.005-05:00

Eric's parents have come in town a few times over the past few months to spend time with Milo and help us with little projects around the house. They also bring their awesome camera so I wanted to share some pictures from their visits.

Here we are at the Navy Pier Children's Museum.

We took Milo ice skating for the first time a few weeks ago. He actually did OK and seemed to enjoy it, at least for about 15 minutes!

Key Lime Cove

2010-03-21T20:12:00.002-05:00

We headed out to Key Lime Cove the other day for an overnight, something I thought I would never do, but I am sure glad we did! The kids LOVED the indoor waterpark and had an absolute blast! I remember loving to go to hotels as a kid because going to the pool was such a thrill. I had so much fun just watching Milo as he explored everything and his joy was contagious!

My parents got Milo and Lucy little robes and Milo loved wearing his!

Milo went down the water slides over and over and over and squealed with delight every time!

The lazy river, which was great when we needed a little rest.

Hugs

A little lunch by the pool

"Don't even think about touching my ice cream!"

What a GREAT time, we will definitely be going again!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T09:13:00.002-05:00

I was so excited to find out that there was a St. Patrick's Day parade right in our neighborhood!

We had a great time listening to the bagpipes and watching the little Irish dancers, Milo was enthralled!

Goodbye Winter...Hello Spring?

2010-03-13T09:29:00.004-06:00

So long Winter...

Waiting for Spring 2009...

...2010

Our first spring yard work!

Birthday Fun

2010-03-09T13:46:00.004-06:00

We had a great time this past weekend celebrating my birthday. This is Milo about 10 seconds before he dove in for some cake!

We drove to Michigan on Saturday (without Milo) to have a fun night away and to celebrate with our good friends, Beth and Bob, who both just turned 30!

On Sunday we had dinner with my family and our good friend Marla.

This picture is just to show off his cute coat....

Celebrating with my boy...

Just because he is so cute....

More, more

2010-02-24T18:16:00.001-06:00

I was having some potstickers for lunch the other day and Milo looked interested. I let him have a taste and he loved the sauce. He pulled out all the stops in the cute department to get "more, more."

4 Day Weekend with Dada

2010-02-15T23:30:00.004-06:00

I had a nice 4 day weekend at home with Milo and Kristin. Here is a little of what we did.

Ate toast and jelly with a spoon.

Had a Valentine's Day breakfast with toast dipped in yogurt.

Fed Play-Doh to baby (his new best friend by the way!)

Ate a Valentine's Day cookie that he and Lucy made at their V-Day party.

Trained for the Olympics. Go Team USA 2030!!!

Ate an ice cream cone all by himself (big surprise!)

Made cupcakes with Mama.

His first trip to Japan (well Mitsuwa Market is close enough). He loved the Japanese pickles and ramen noodles.

And no we did not just eat... here is video proof that we did a few other things!

Cool Kid

2010-02-08T08:53:00.000-06:00

Keeping busy in the cold...

2010-01-26T14:15:00.005-06:00

So now that Christmas is over it just feels like endless winter in Chicago, so we are trying to make the best of it!

A few weeks ago we had a big snow storm and we made a mini-snowman, the snowman's lovely attire is compliments of Kim via the best Christmas gift ever: a snowman making kit!

Milo helping

A walk around the block

Eric's parents got us a Shedd Aquarium membership for Christmas (anyone in the area let me know if you want to go, 4 adults can get in for FREE!). Here is Milo taking in the Fantasea show!

Meeting a penguin.

We also have a museum membership to keep us busy so we took Milo to the Children's museum on Navy Pier.

Here sat there and filled every hole with a screw, so cute!

First time painting

Proud of his artwork

First Haircut

2010-01-07T16:04:00.001-06:00

Before: (yes, we poofed it up a bit!)

During:

After:

Christmas in Chicago

2009-12-31T13:32:00.005-06:00

We celebrated Christmas in Chicago on the 26th and 27th. On "Christmas Eve" Kim and Milo made birthday cupcakes for Jesus, Kim and Don's idea!

Christmas would not be complete without the matching PJ picture. (Don't worry I already bought the PJs for next year!)

Lucy checking out the tree in her beautiful dress.

Milo loves to say "Ohhh-Whoo" when he is really excited!

Honestly, this was the best shot we could get of the kids in their Christmas best. Note Milo and Lucy being bribed with snacks while Lila just sat there like an angel!

Opening his stackable train

"Christmas Day" dinner at our house. It was so fun to host now that we have enough room!

Opening stocking stuffers, which took most of the day!

Here is a video of Milo and Lucy enjoying Milo's new piano.

Christmas in Houston

2009-12-28T10:29:00.007-06:00

We went to Houston on the 20th for Christmas, we flew stand-by and were so excited to actually get on the flight! Grandma and Grandpa had the whole house decked out and had all kinds of toys for the grandkids, needless to say, Milo was in heaven!

It was great to enjoy the nice weather, we made a few trips to the park. Milo LOVES his grandpa and was always looking for him if he didn't see him!

Milo loved "cooking" with Grandma and liked to hide in her pantry.

Nikki, Nate and Teddy joined us on the 22nd. Here is a special pancake Grandma and Grandpa made.

We checked out the Houston Children's Museum which was a hit! Milo loved grocery shopping.

Teddy crawling up the stairs.

Milo had a fever and was extra cuddly, which I LOVED!

Christmas morning, Milo loved his Thomas the train whistle!

The boys

Milo had so much fun with all of Grandma's Christmas decorations, most lit up or played music!

What a wonderful Christmas!

Weekend with Friends

2009-12-16T13:52:00.003-06:00

Our friends from MI came in town last weekend for a visit. It was great to see everyone and GREAT to have enough room to host 4 adults and 4 kids!

Bath time with Kennedy and Owen

Group shot in matching slippers

Who is that cutie in the background?

Beth and Vera

Eric playing with Finn, Finn was hysterically laughing and saying "Say Where's Finn!"

Story time with count 'em, 5 kids on my lap!

Milo, Vera and Popeye

Christmas-y Weekend

2009-12-07T19:00:00.012-06:00

We had a full weekend and were able to get into the Christmas spirit, which is my FAVORITE time of year! I look forward to decorating the second I feel the crisp autumn air approaching! It is so much fun to share our Christmas traditions with Milo. Here he is helping us make some cookies.

He was mostly the taste tester!

We had some friends over for a Christmas lunch which was very fun, as it always is with these girls!

Mary's sweet little boy Cole

Later on we went to see the "Christmas train" which our brother-in-law Don has seen many times on his ride into work and said it was a "must see!" We had to rush to get there but it was super fun and the kids seemed to enjoy it.

I wish someone would carry me around on their back!

Lila all bundled up on Don's chest

Waiting for the train to come

After the train we went down to the Christkindel market in Daley Plaza where there is German food and cute little houses selling German glass ornaments. (Eric and I went Thanksgiving weekend too and got Milo an ornament which didn't survive the day!) We bought the kids their yearly ornament and Milo got his replacement train ornament.

On Sunday we babysat for Lucy and Lila while Kim and Don went to the Bears game.

Lila enjoying the game!

We were even brave enough to take all three kids to Legoland, which was really fun. They had a full room of Chicago built in Legos, pretty impressive!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-27T14:44:00.007-06:00

Our day started out with the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, as you can see Milo enjoyed it! His favorite part was the performance by the Rockettes, he didn't look away for one second!

Then we headed over to Kim and Don's, who are wonderful hosts!

It's impossible to get a picture where everyone's eyes are open and all children are looking...here's a good effort.

A beautiful table set by Kim

Lila was smiling like crazy, she is such a sweetheart!

Dessert...Milo loved the pumpkin cheesecake, turkey, not so much!

And yes, it's that time of year again matching Christmas PJ's!

What I am thankful for...

2009-11-26T09:45:00.003-06:00

a healthy, happy little boy!

Saying Good-bye to 3501 #3

2009-11-12T11:22:00.012-06:00

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind! We moved on the 30th and have been unpacking, organizing, painting etc. ever since! We LOVE our new house (more to come on that) but had a bit of a difficult time saying good-bye to the condo, Milo's first home! We had so many wonderful memories in that place and Eric and I were a little teary-eyed as we walked through it all empty and "said good-bye."

First some memories (I know I am so cheesy!)

Getting our first dog, Yuki

Bringing Milo home form the hospital

Summer fun on the balcony and window boxes

Christmas decorations

Last days:

Beautiful view of the trees from the third floor

A walk by the school

Watching the construction workers

Goofing around

A walk with Grandpa

So with that we say "So long" to West Wilson Ave. While we will not miss many things about the neighborhood...it was our boy's first home and we filled that home with love and memories!

Happy Halloween from Dino Boy!

2009-10-31T08:30:00.002-05:00

I'm gonna get you!

Adventurous meal

2009-10-23T14:41:00.005-05:00

First sushi...don't worry it's just a sweet potato maki!

Wanting to use chop sticks like Mom and Dad, I couldn't believe he actually ate the veggies on my plate (with his hands)!

Practice makes perfect!

Perfect Fall Weekend!

2009-10-20T08:33:00.016-05:00

I will warn you in advance that this post has an overload of fall pictures! YAY! I love fall and this past weekend we had a great time enjoying the nice weather, family and friends.

Lucy and Milo at a Chicago Park District Halloween event, after the event we painted the pumpkins. (well, Milo sat in front of the pumpkin while I painted it!)

Another Chicago Park District pumpkin patch

Of course Milo enjoyed running more than anything else!

Finally he stood still....

because there was a jazz band playing and he stood there staring, totally mesmerized by the music!

We went to the Brookfield Zoo Boo on Sunday night and it was really neat. We met Kim, Don, Lucy, Lila and my friend Tichiya and her son Kamden. The zoo had a Dinosaur exhibit that was pretty cool, they were huge and moved and when it was dark they lit it all up. The ironic part was that our little dinosaur was totally scared of his own kind! He was clinging on to me and whining!

Milo the dinosaur

Dinosaur on the loose!

Kamden the dragon

Lila all decked out! Kim is as crazy about fall as I am!

One more pumpkin picture just in case you didn't get enough!

Beantown

2009-10-14T15:48:00.010-05:00

We went out to Boston this past weekend to visit Nikki, Nate and our adorable nephew, Teddy. They live in a suburb of Boston and we enjoyed many walks to Davis Square, Harvard Square and around town!

Here is how Milo entertained himself on the plane, thank God for the Classical Baby DVDs!

Teddy could not be cuter or sweeter! He is such a happy little guy and is loving his new solid foods!

The boys' first bath together.

We went to a Pumpkin Farm on Sunday and went on a hayride, saw some farm animals and had cider donuts! It was such a neat place with fresh produce and other goodies!

Photo-op

Our little farmer

We miss you already Teddy!

Home Sweet Home....almost!

2009-10-09T20:04:00.004-05:00

Here is a picture of the house, we close on October 30th and are SO excited!

Living Room

Back yard...which will be a fun project next spring!

It's October...let the pumpkin pictures begin!

2009-10-01T14:58:00.003-05:00

First spaghetti!

2009-09-27T18:46:00.002-05:00

Fall has arrived...

2009-09-21T19:27:00.008-05:00

We went to Michigan to visit our great friends this past weekend! It is always so wonderful to see them and their adorable kids! On Saturday night we went to downtown Holland and let the kids play in the fountains! Milo loved it and was running all over the place! Here's Vera going nuts with the water.

Two soaked little boys!

Milo after all the fun, he was exhausted!

On Sunday we went to Crane's Apple Orchard, which has become a tradition for all of us. Milo got to sit in this old high chair...pay no attention to the scary mannequin behind him, Crane's has some strange decor!

Kennedy and Owen enjoying their cider-sicles.

Bob pulling the wagon, the kids loved it!

Beth, Vera and Finn

Milo with his new favorite snack!

Milo's ready for some football....

2009-09-13T22:16:00.003-05:00

Labor Day Weekend, Parks and Family

2009-09-08T15:17:00.017-05:00

Over Labor Day weekend by Aunt Nancy and Grandpa Irv came for a visit. As always it was great to see them and we enjoyed a BBQ, time at the park, Millennium Park and a theater show outside by the lake.

This was Milo's first time playing in the sand, he wasn't quite sure what to think!

When Milo discovered this slide it was hilarious, he kept diving in head first (and I mean diving)! He LOVED it, he probably went down 50 times! He was squealing in delight!

Don and Mary wanted to join in the fun!

On Monday we went downtown to Millennium Park. Here's how Milo enjoyed his train ride there...

Running through the grass with Dad

Lucy looking cute in her shades

Family shot by the Bean

Checking out the water fountain

Aunt Nancy doing what aunts do best...sharing a treat!

What a fun weekend!

Our boy is growing up!

2009-09-01T15:36:00.003-05:00

Just thought we'd fill everyone on on Milo's newest tricks and talents!

Words: mama, dada, bye bye, hi, bubble, ball, baby

Animal noises: lion, dog (we are still working on these)

Body parts: loves to find his (and everyone else's) belly button

Personality: always moving, always exploring, (almost) always adorable!

(Oh and we were dying to put him in his track suit, so glad it got a little chilly!)

The newest member of the family

2009-08-28T23:04:00.011-05:00

About one week ago our little niece Lila Joy was born and I was thrilled to be able to be in the room! She is a little peanut and my sister has nicknamed her "little bird."

Lucy's first cuddles with her baby sister!

Proud Uncle

Milo and Lucy getting some energy out waiting for Lila to come home.

Milo meeting Lila...I am sure I am telling him to be gentle!

Lila Joy with her Aunt Kristin Joy

We love you sweetheart!

Enjoying our summer

2009-08-24T10:43:00.005-05:00

Don't worry, pictures of Lila to come......

Miffy

2009-08-16T09:14:00.003-05:00

Milo's favorite cartoon is Miffy. By favorite I mean he loves the intro song!

Wildman!

2009-08-13T16:10:00.006-05:00

I know I am a little biased but Milo has the most adorable walk...or should I say run!

He sticks out his chest and looks like he is strutting his stuff!

Milo's one true love Part 2....

2009-08-04T10:10:00.005-05:00

We went to a BBQ at our friend's Mary and Geoff's house last weekend and Milo was being hilarious once again with his ukulele!

He kept rockin' out by playing laying on the floor. Here's Mandy giving him some tickles!

Mary holding Tichiya's little boy Kamden, Milo just wanted to stick his finger in Kam's mouth.

Playing some music for our neighbors

The only time we can get the thing out of his hands is when he is doing housework!

Milo's one true love...

2009-07-26T11:45:00.003-05:00

This video is pretty much the way Milo spends his time these days, walking around the house with his ukulele! If we try to take it away he screams in protest!

J'adore Quebec!

2009-07-15T18:26:00.013-05:00

This is the first post with no pictures of Milo, I apologize in advance! Eric had a conference for work in Quebec City, Canada so I tagged along. Uncle Don and Aunt Kim watched Milo and he had a great time...thanks guys!
Quebec is so beautiful and quaint, it reminded me so much of France. Here is a cute area (Petit Champlain) we went to for lunch.

I had so much fun taking street shots, it was so pretty!

We found out about Cirque de Soleil performances that took place 5 nights a week...you will never guess where...under the highway! It was AMAZING, three "floats" start in various parts of the city and converge uder the highway where they was a full stage with lights and music. The show was about an hour and a half long and it was free....it was so incredible!

At a market, we had a picnic of bread and cheese...so good!

A man and his beer

The window boxes were so beautiful.

Our last day we were walking in town and there was a tightrope walker (with no net), he is tiny and to the left of the building! We saw the "rope" earlier in the week but didn't think we'd actually see him up there. You'd never see this in the U.S.!

We had such a nice trip (my favorite part was sleeping in everyday!) but we missed Milo so much! It didn't help that there were kids/babies EVERYWHERE...seriously I have never seen so many kids! It's good to be home.

4th of July and Lucy's 2nd Birthday!

2009-07-06T18:24:00.015-05:00

We went up to Wisconsin for our second annual 4th of July/Lucy's Birthday celebration! The weather was beautiful and we had a great time! On the 4th we went strawberry picking which is so fun and the kids were in heaven given that they both LOVE strawberries!

Take note of Milo's strawberry beard!

Probably not our safest moment as parents, but we had to let the kids see a few fireworks before they went to bed! They had a nice view from their pool.

On Sunday we had a nice pool party outside for Lucy's birthday!

Milo was bringing his Uncle Don a nice refreshment...don't worry the bottles are empty!

Lucy loves to give Milo kisses and he just sits there with his mouth open!

Lucy got a backpack for her birthday

Kim and I made an Elmo cake and Lucy kept talking about her Elmo cake all weekend in anticipation!

By far the funniest part of the whole weekend was Lucy and Milo eating the cake...good thing they were just in diapers. There was red icing everywhere and red handprints and red footprints...hilarious!!!

Happy Birthday to my adorable niece, I love you Lucy Rae!!!

Our latest cute shots

2009-07-03T07:47:00.004-05:00

"Swimming" in the pool on our balcony

Fun with bubbles and his favorite bath time toy...a plastic cup!

All day yesterday Milo wanted to climb in and out of this little wagon and then he would just sit in it and hold the handle...too cute!

Weekend with Lucy

2009-06-28T20:03:00.006-05:00

We babysat Lucy this weekend so Kim and Don could unpack. Here is a classic Milo smile at the park.

We went to a petting zoo and had a great time. Both the kids loved the animals and even tried to feed them. Although after we left Lucy kept saying, "Chicken scary!"
Milo made friends with a sheep!

Lucy caught a glimpse of the ponies and wanted a ride...she was so brave and really enjoyed it! Afterward whenever we asked her about her pony ride she would say "Go in a circle!"

We had a great weekend...but we are exhausted!

Fun with the Fam

2009-06-22T09:08:00.011-05:00

After Milo's party we had a great time hanging out with Eric's side of the family. Nikki and I decided to trade boys for a little while!

How big is Teddy?

Making music with Uncle Nate

A doting grandma

We decided that Milo needed a swim and found this metal tub in great-grandma and grandpa's back yard...it turned out to be a hit!

He loved his "toys," measuring cups and tupperware!

He threw the cups out over and over and then loved to retrieve them.

Thanks grandpa for the great pictures!

Celebrating Milo!

2009-06-16T11:49:00.014-05:00

On Saturday we had Milo's 1st birthday party and dedication! We decided to combine it into one event as it seemed fitting to reflect on the fact that Milo is a gift from God on his 1st birthday! At the dedication Eric and I made the commitment to raise Milo to know Jesus through our example.

Eric's parent's brought some of Eric's old toys to share with Milo, here he is inspecting his dad's toy train!

I had so much fun making Milo's monkey cake (along with Puppy, Grammy and Grandma)!

Helping the birthday boy blow out the candles.

He was a big fan of his first tastes of chocolate...can you blame him?!?

The damage is done...looks like we fed him a mud pie!

An impromptu bath!

Milo amidst all of his presents. He loved the ukulele from his parents, he wouldn't put it down!

Lucy helping her cousin with his gifts.

Playing with the train

Testing out his new ride

Cousin Teddy made his first flight to be there for Milo's party! They are buds already and Milo even grabbed his face a few times!

Letter to my First Birthday Boy

2009-06-08T19:35:00.006-05:00

Day 1

Day 365

This time last year (7:41 PM) you were born and our lives forever changed! You caused your mama a good amount of pain (and everyone says you forget the pain, somehow I have not)! You have been the greatest joy I have ever experienced while also being my greatest challenge. Being a mom is not always easy but you are my greatest reward! On the days I feel like I am a bad mom and wonder if I can do this whole thing called "motherhood," I look at you and it all melts away!
You have changed so much this past year and I am often amazed at the skills you now have: babbling, crawling, walking, exploring...always exploring. And you are a total goofball, you constantly make us laugh with your expressions and silly noises! You are always moving and always see everything, you don't miss a trick! You love to yell, usually with joy, and you ALWAYS let us know what you want! You definitely have a distinct personality budding...full of charm and wit and strong feelings (just like your mama).
Thank you for all you have added to our lives. I feel like God chose me to me your mom and I feel so blessed. I love you Milo Jude and cannot wait to continue to watch you grow!

At the zoo on the big day!

Fun at the Park

2009-06-04T08:08:00.003-05:00

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-27T20:09:00.008-05:00

We spent the weekend up in Wisconsin with my parents, We had a fun time, we went to an art show in Door County, a winery in Kewaunee and an alpaca farm (there was a one day old alpaca...so cute)!

Trying to help dad mow the lawn

Anyone want to play whiffle ball with me?

Trying to keep the little guy warm on a walk outside!

On the go....

2009-05-17T17:56:00.011-05:00

So I was looking through the pictures Eric has taken lately of Milo on his iPhone and I had to post them, they are too cute!

Our lil gangsta!

This one is from months ago, but I just love it and I am getting all nostalgic now that Milo is almost a year old!

11 Months Old

2009-05-08T20:12:00.007-05:00

I CANNOT believe Milo is almost 1 year old!!! He has changed so much this past month and is moving around like crazy! He zooms from one end of our place to the other in a matter of seconds! He likes to give hugs, wave and here he is doing "So Big!" He loves to hang out with cousin Lucy who we got to babysit today while her parents looked for houses! YAY!!!

Milo pretty much just wants to do whatever Lucy is doing and she totally entertains him.

Milo is such a sweetheart and makes us laugh all the time....(even though he has been a little crabby lately with a double ear infection...YIKES!)

How cute can one little boy be?!?

2009-05-06T10:41:00.004-05:00

A boy on a mission

2009-04-30T15:32:00.004-05:00

Hmmmm...what's in here?

Going...

Going...

Gone!

Ice Cream and Cord Video

2009-04-26T13:05:00.004-05:00

Milo has been trying (and getting into) a lot of new things recently. These are two instances we were able to capture on video.

Weekend in Michigan

2009-04-20T14:41:00.008-05:00

We went to Michigan last weekend to visit our friends, Heather and Jeremiah and their kids Owen and Kennedy and Beth and Bob and their kids Vera and Finn. We did pretty well considering we had 5 kids with different sleep schedules! As always it was a great trip with great conversation! It was a beautiful day on Saturday so we went to the park!

Vera has gotten so big but she is as sweet as can be!

Reading time with Vera, Kennedy and Owen! Kennedy and Owen are so fun and it is so neat to see how different their personalities are! They are balls of energy and Milo had a great time watching the big kids!

Just the girls

I didn't get a good picture of it, but one of the highlights of the weekend were the cuddles I got from Finn...what a sweetheart!