Laid Back

Summer is all about forgetting schedules and flying by the seat of our pants, that is exactly what we have been up to.

We have been to the Hamptons of the Midwest aka Lake Michigan...

We tootled over to Chicago to see our girl Heather....

and a few other places

We hosted a baptism party weekend in our home for our niece...

and we took a quick jaunt down to Silver Dollar City..

Now we have 8 days in our city until we take off again for the Hamptons (Lake Michigan)

pack, unpack, laundry, repeat

The Swing of Things

After being home for a little over a week, I am finally feeling a little settled and have most of our unpacking done.  I was just going through my phone looking at all my pictures and was either smiling or laughing at almost every shot.

On my way to Michigan I made a pit stop in Chicago for a couple of days.  

First up, a night out with no kids!!

I had dinner, many many drinks and many many laughs with Heather

crazy eyes=crazy fun

The next day after the tylenol kicked in, it was off to see the city with the kids.  First stop is always American Girl even though we have one here in STL.  I think my girls are on to me and know I will always buy them something.

A walk through Millennium Park

Shedd Aquarium

The stingray tank where you can pet the stingrays 

and our favorite, the beluga whale

Our last evening we took a sunset cruise down the Chicago river.

It was such a great way to see the city plus I actually did learn so interesting facts about Chicago.


I even managed a quick stop to Zara where I picked up some glitter shoes

We always have a great time in the windy city!!

And We're Off!!

Today I am off again, my first stop...

Chicago.

We have lots planned in the second city.  I have a dinner date with Heather

A stop at Shedd

to see the dolphins

and the beluga whales

A sunset cruise on the Chicago River

and a visit with my old friends

and

So excited!!

Scenes from the weekend

This past weekend, I meet lots of new babies...

did a little shopping...

with a little street entertainment...

ate some yummy meals...

a buckwheat pear and mushroom crepe

from here..

and enjoyed every minute of this city.

But it's Monday, so back to reality. 

Girl Friday

We are headed up to Chicago to hang with family and friends this weekend.  I am meeting my new  niece and the 2 little boys from Haiti a good friend adopted.

Nothing like babies to remind you that life is beautiful!!

Have a good one

One the Road Again

Heading back to Chicago to pick up the newest member of our family....

We are so excited!!  But still undecided on a name.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone and this one goes down in the books.  Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays and I got to spend it in one of my favorite cities so I knew I was going to have a great weekend.

What better place to spend black Friday than the Magnificent Mile...

the whole family loved it!

Friday night the kids were happy with room service in the hotel, and the hubs and I were very happy to end the day with a delicious dinner with all my in-laws and late night cocktail at the Redhead Piano Bar

Saturday we had an early lunch and lots of fun at the American Girl Doll store...

then stopped by the Lego Store and saw the amazing Chicago skyline made entirely of legos.

After lunch and a little shopping, we headed over to the Christmas Market at Daley Plaza...

we sat on Santa's lap...

and walked around Santa's village listening to Christmas music.

After being in the cold for a couple of hours, my mother in law and I headed to the Walnut Room with the girls to warm up with a glass of pinot noir and see the beautiful, great tree...

and the girls got some fairy dust from the Sugar Plum fairies.

After we finished our wine, we headed outside to see the windows.  I never tire of these displays...

This year's theme is "The Magic of Christmas"

After a great time in the city, on Sunday we headed out to the suburbs and we picked out this little nugget...

I will be back to get him in 2 weeks!!