Letting go

Zachary had his first 'friend sleepover' last night. Is my oldest boy really ready for starting this new phase of his life now that he's almost done with the 1st grade? Or more importantly am I ready for this next step?

I kept asking myself those questions all evening long as I was wondering what he was doing? Was he missing me? Would he be sad at bedtime? Would he be able to tuck himself in?

Well, he came home this morning as happy as a clam, completely unfazed at what a momentous event this was for me, and jabbering away about what a fun night he had and how he stayed up till 10.30.

I am just so proud of the young boy he is becoming. He continues to impressive me with his academic achievements, positive leadership behavior at school, participation in his church Pathfinders program & sports.

It also melts my heart the endearing way Zachary dotes on his little sister. In the morning he wants to be the 1st one to go see her, always wants to be by her, help her, play with her, and makes sure she's safe as she explores her way around.

With all that said about the way he is maturing, I still don't know if I am ready to accept the fact he is close to going into 2nd grade & sleepovers are becoming a part of his social calendar!

spring

Has it finally sprung? My kids seem to think so and I sure hope so!

We had our first official weekend outside as yesterday we had a balmy high of 85! Unbelievable for April. But today we are back to our normal/seasonal high of about 60.

This past weekend was Lindsey's first real adventure outside, which brings with it all kinds of new things to eat (dirt, sand, grass), choke on (rocks, wood chips, leaves), puddles to sit in, etc...

Within a few hours of being outside she had taken 3 major tumbles, as a result of her trying to pull herself up on things that really weren't suitable. Which essentially means I can't turn my back on her for a minute.

Phew... I forgot what a hard age this is!

I sure hope this girl starts walking soon or its going to be a long summer!

Lindsey discovered our play house for the first time. She loved hanging out in there.

Zach playing around with two of his buddies after his first soccer game of the spring season. Mark has taken on the roll of head coach, which I give him credit for, as maintaining control of 10, 7 year old boys is quite the challenge. But Zach loves it that his dad is the coach and seems to be quite proud, so that makes it all worth it.

Lindsey's 13th months

Many faces of this now 13th month old.

She is slowly showing signs of walking. As she pulls herself up on anything and everything. She also cruises along the furniture. She continues to receive weekly physical therapy and will continue with it until she is fully walking. I'm just hoping that happens before we start spending all of our days outside!

weekend away

I managed to sneak off for a few days to spend a long kid-less weekend in Phoenix, where I met up with 3 college roomies; Elisabeth, Jane & Sandi.

They all flew in from different places (Arkansas, Colorado, & Denver).

We had a fabulous weekend of warmth, sun, relaxation, yummy food, cocktails, and many deep conversations! It was great to see the girls again, as many years have gone by since we have all been together. This was the only picture I remembered to take of all 4 of us.

I of course have to thank my mother in law for coming down from Wisconsin to watch my kids. And my parents for letting us use their humble abode in their absence!

Zachary turns seven

My baby is seven and almost done with the first grade! I know we all say this but he's getting so old.

We had a low key birthday weekend. Friday night we went out for pizza downtown Naperville at Giordano's. Opened a few gifts & ate some cake.

Saturday Mark took Zach, Cameron, and 2 friends from school to a movie & restaurant. They had a great time. And props to Mark for handling 4 boys for an outing!

getting ready to open a few gifts

blowing out the candles of my masterpiece!

Lindsey's 1st birthday

Lindsey turned on 1 February 12!

We had a nice weekend/get together planned with my Mom & Dad who had flown in from Phoenix, my sister & family came down from Michigan, and my in-laws drove down from Wisconsin.

Lindsey however was not impressed & was not happy being forced to participate in present opening & cake eating. The poor little peanut ran a super high fever all weekend and I ended up taking her to urgent care on Sunday morning, where she received antibiotics for an Upper Respiratory Infection.

We made the most of the circumstances and we managed to snap a few of the necessary pictures. None of which she smiled in.
Oh well, hopefully her 2nd birthday will be better.

Happy Birthday Lindsey Lou, we love you!

The Blizzard of 2011

Mark attempting to start the shoveling. It was so deep in some spots that the snow blower couldn't get through it.
We (mostly he) had to take off the 'top layer' to get the snow blower going.






Sitting on piles in the driveway.
I have never seen so much snow!
















Climbing the mountain of snow in the cul-de-sac after the plow came through.
They had a ball!















The snowplow had to help from a tractor to clear the snow in the cul-de-sac.