Life of Henry & Miles

A Birthday Party & Cake Pops

2012-01-19T09:07:00.000-08:00

Had a great time celebrating our friend, Gracie's 1st Birthday. Such great company and a smily birthday girl she was! And Henry and I gave a first go at making cake pops. I think they turned out pretty great if I do say so myself. He had a great time helping and was begging to turn around and make more the next day, ha!

While the dad was away, we did play

2012-01-10T10:26:00.000-08:00

While dad was at CX Nationals this weekend kicking butt and taking names, I thought to try out this indoor playground I'd heard great things about. The kids had a great time! A few of the slides were too big for Miles to venture up by himself, but he quickly found ones he was comfortable with and went on them over and over. We had a great time and was a good place to burn some energy. Henry did a great job encouraging Miles when he needed it and also gave his bum a little boost in the jungle gym to help him climb. Notice in the video how Miles goes right up the slide again, not wasting a bit of time. He loved it.

Alpaca Hat

2012-01-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

Here is Henry showing us the alpaca hat his teacher brought back for all the kids from her trip to Peru over the holiday. Its the softest hat ever and so colorful. Both boys really love them. We googled Alpaca together so I could show them some pictures and give them a little more info on where they live and what they do in Peru and how important they are to their people.

Holly and Jolly

2011-12-25T11:45:00.000-08:00

Henry helped light the swedish angel chimes this year.

Miles thinks the chimes are pretty neat!

A new sled, haven't had a chance to give it a test ride yet....no snow!

Everything in front of him is sugar.

Lucy's cute pjs match the boys and that is the baby doll bed we got her that our friend Debbie painted to match her room, so cute!

Daddy Daycare

2011-12-20T11:40:00.000-08:00

Brian took the kids and their 2 friends on a hike during winter break. Fun time!!

Happy Birthday Henry!

2011-12-15T08:24:00.000-08:00

5 years old today. Quite the smart little guy he is turning in to. He loves to sing along to anything. He really enjoys any and all things craft, drawing, cutting, pasting. He writes and spells til the cows come home. He really enjoyed his friendship party (he called it). We had 16 kids all join us to paint some pottery. Everyone really had a great time. It flew by and I wish we could have bottled up that cuteness and energy of a room full of 3-6 year olds just painting their own artistic hearts out. Everyone loved picking out what kind of pottery they wanted to paint and the color paints to go with it.

So Happy Birthday to my first born, we love you Henry!!

Santa Breakfast

2011-12-13T20:11:00.000-08:00

Downtown. Macy's. Hand-in-hand. Metra ride. Taxi. El ride. Face-painting. Balloon animals. And even a tad bit of shopping! (can you believe it)....such fun Henry and I had. Enjoying each others company, talking about our day plans over a milk and coffee at the train station.

Last race of the year.

2011-12-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

Brian took 5th at the IL State Championships yesterday! So glad for him!! He raced an amazing, strong race and couldn't be more proud of him. And we were all happy to have to not have to brave this race in frigid temps like we have in the past. Boys hung out with Uncle Craig and stayed cozy at his place nearby.

Boys are looking forward to birthday festivities and Christmas of course. Henry was a huge help in decorating everything this year. He particularly likes rearranging the stockings nearly every day and commented on the cursive letterings on them, claiming his name was spelled wrong. Those lower case n and r still do look deceptively alike. He has made some of his own Christmas cards to a few select recipients and even received a letter back from Santa last week.

Henry-ism

2011-11-29T13:11:00.001-08:00

Assisting with some Christmas Tree decorations last night, Henry found a picture of his Nana & Papa circa 1995 and said "Awwwe, this is Nana and Papa when they were a mommy and daddy."

Uhhh, sort of, well really not really. Oh gosh was not up to the task of educating the child in aging last night.

Goodbye Fall

2011-11-22T19:12:00.000-08:00

Mom enjoyed a fantastic girls weekend away with a few friends a few weeks ago, dining out, shopping, spa, wine-tasting at a winery, and sleeping in!

The boys enjoyed some last tastes of fall weather, a birthday party to attend, and cheering dad on at a race.

Henry is really enjoying writing his letters and wants to write words and sentences all day long. He is very excited about the birthday approaching and each day asks how many days until the big day. Miles loves helping in the kitchen, cracking eggs, pouring liquids, and stirring. Saying more and more words, his name sounds like My-O. And Henry sounds like Hey-Eee.

Soon I know the babbl-ish words will just be gone one day and must remember how cute a 2 year old speaks.

First Field Trip

2011-10-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

Totally enjoyed participating with the boys' first school field trip. We enjoyed the super slide, I even went on it:) Watched some pig races, visited a petting zoo, rode a train, had lunch, rode a tractor ride, walked thru a fun house and picked out pumpkins to take home. It was so great to see the boys interact with their classmates and their teachers. It was also great to see the boys still want to hold my hand amongst their friends. Something tells me that action won't be reality forever.

School pictures

2011-10-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

These are snapshots of the actual school pictures, so quality is compromised, but I think they are pretty darn cute.

Halloween's a-comin

2011-10-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

Tried out our costumes at a local park district event this weekend. Henry the pirate did his own make-up and Miles was the skunk.

Bedtime

2011-10-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

CX Race Day

2011-10-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins!

2011-10-02T19:39:00.001-07:00

Nature Walk

2011-10-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

Basketball!

2011-09-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

Henry had his first basketball practice this week. There were a shocking 25 kids in the session. I was so pleased to see such community interest and involvement. Parents can sit and watch on the bleachers which is nice since at pre-school age often classes don't allow parents to watch. He really enjoyed the first practice and I'm happy to just have him try out different activities.

No Arachnophobia in this House

2011-09-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

Boys kill spider and...

Finally Miles says Henry. It sounds more like Hey-eeeee.

Funny Henry

2011-09-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

While listening to Queen's "Another one bites the dust", Henry walked away singing..."Number one bust the dust". So now that is sort of our vacuuming song :)

14,110 feet

2011-09-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

Pike's Peak. Elevation 14,110 feet. Beautiful. 37 degrees. The end of our fun Colorado Springs fun and the beginning of more mountain adventures up the Poudre, Denver and Ft. Collins.

Tap the Rockies

2011-09-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

Headed to where the elevation is NOT sea level. Looking forward to some R & R, some wilderness adventures, and some great friend and family time.

Will miss the kiddos, but they will enjoy their grandparent time greatly !

Lazy Beach Day

2011-08-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Great beach and great company were shared last week. We were invited out to our friends place at the lake and had such fun! The boys had their first friend sleepover and they all slept pretty great, Henry woke up last :) Homemade waffles were enjoyed, ice cream and snow cones, hamburgers from the grill and beer. If you could wrap up what summer is in 2 days, we had it all. Oh and Henry even got his nails painted by his little friend, blue! He doesn't want the polish to ever come off!

First Medal

2011-08-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

Block Party!

2011-08-09T13:02:00.001-07:00

Boys loved playing in the fire hydrant.

Pie eating contest--Brian won!

The kids wanted a turn. I think they each had 3 bites.

First Harley ride for me!

Yes it was fun, very fun!

Birthday Week

2011-07-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

We had a lively birthday day celebration for Miles. Lucy, Aunt Amanda, and Nana were over for some lunch and backyard play time. More presents were torn open and enjoyed by Mr. 2 year old. His doctor visit has him right on track, 28 pounds and due for another cardio-gram checkup with the pediatric cardiologist. So we are hoping everything checks out ok with the pulmonary valve stenosis when he visits end of the month.

We also sadly said good-bye to our amazing nanny. A part of our lives for 2 years, she was so great with the boys and I confidently said good-byes to them everyday I left for work because I knew they were in good hands. Here they are with the toys they happily picked out that she bought for them her last day. We hope she will be able to see us again soon!

First Father & Son MLB game!

2011-07-31T17:32:00.000-07:00

Henry loved it! They took advantage of all the kids activities at the Sox park. I told Brian that just because he has allegiance to his Tigers, doesn't mean Henry should. Born in Chicago, he should choose what he wants. And if he wants a second team backup plan well then Tigs may have themselves another fan. But for now we will embrace Chicago.

Happy Birthday Miles!

2011-07-27T06:23:00.000-07:00

2 years old! Whoa what a cutie he is! He cracks us up. He lightens up the room. He loves balls, cars, animals, dog food, making messes, dirt, and being naked. Just to name a few. We love you Miles and whoa we want to bottle you up just as you are.

Camp!

2011-07-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

Loving the cake

Is this happy birthday song actually for me?!

Check out the bathing beauties behind them...mom didn't frame the shot so well.

The park Naturalist came by with a walking stick insect and a raccoon skin to show.

Enjoyed some great R and R camping this weekend. Got a great beach day in. A birthday celebration for Miles. Camp fire and beers. The kids slept like rocks through a giant thunderstorm, mom and dad not so much. We stayed dry thankfully. Much bike riding and even some racing.

Ralph concert

2011-07-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

Boys really enjoyed another Ralph's World show this weekend. Picnic fun and some dancing lessons for Lucy!

Home Depot Coaster project

2011-07-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

Likely one of many more. A set of coasters was the project this month. Such fun to watch them working together.

Pool Play

2011-07-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

Barbershop Quartet

2011-06-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well not exactly...only 2 got haircuts, but there are 4 in this picture :)

Angelo from Italy gave Miles his first pro haircut. Not a baby anymore...that's for sure.

Race Day

2011-06-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

Henry's first race!! He did several, the 440 and the 50 yd. dash. He received more ribbons than I did! He was very excited and I'm glad he enjoyed himself. Great weather, great course. I hadn't tried the Reed's lake run before and was looking forward to this one. Never saw the lake on the course, but the scenery was beautiful and I shaved over 2 minutes from my last 10k.

Triumphant

2011-06-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

My friend Maya and I decided to try a train into the city outing with all the kids. Great behavior, great weather, and some belly busting laughs were all enjoyed. We took a train, a water taxi, and walked. The kids tent at Millennium Park was great this year, we really enjoyed the Forest Preserve area with turtles, tadpoles, water bugs and tiny toads to see. The fountain was a refreshing break. Lunch was civilized and yummy and super easy for me, as Miles slept thru it in his stroller. The kids all listened well for safety and held hands cutely. I decided the only thing we missed was toting our own little adult beverage for the train ride home which we so deserved. We'll remember that detail next time.

New Buffalo Beach

2011-06-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

Spent the day with our friends in New Buffalo. Kids really enjoyed the beach, the chilly water, and their friends. Great weather, great company and great moods....except when it was time to say our goodbyes. :)

Graduation Day Photos

2011-06-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

Ride home

2011-05-31T12:15:00.000-07:00

A couple of quick shots while taking a break on our drive back home after the holiday weekend.

First camp of the season

2011-05-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

4 Wheelin'

2011-05-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

Garden

2011-05-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Cherry, Roma, and BeefSteak Tomato plants, Califlower, Lettuce, Leeks, Shallots, Poblano pepper, Anaheim pepper, Carrot, Rainbow Swiss Chard and Zucchini.

Hope they all work out! Have confidence in the tomatoes, lettuce and chard. The root plants I'm not so sure of, so we'll see. Not sure how the soil will treat those or if my bed drains well enough.

Dinos and the Mosquito-Beetle

2011-05-14T19:42:00.001-07:00

Henry said his favorite of the day was the mosquito-beetle. I think he made that up, I don't remember seeing one today. Miles for sure liked the dinosaurs, as he can ROAR like one and that is just the cutest thing and we could listen to him all day. Both kids did great, Henry didn't want to leave combing over the map making sure we saw EVERYTHING. Great day for all and our brains sure got a workout answering Henry's MANY questions. Thank goodness for those little documentary movies in the museum that are basically written for 5 year olds as I was able to refresh my memory of history and Henry got some slightly better answers than we can give him about dinosaur extinction. ;)

Graduation Day

2011-05-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day

2011-05-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

After some nudging from my mother-in-law, I've retitled this post and going to give some details of what is probably one of best Mother's Days of all time. 2 boys, some bikes, a beautiful spring day, and a playground we've never visited all created some great memories. Kids were all smiles, one even slept in my bike seat. Henry couldn't get enough of 2 wheel riding and even ventured onto some single track for the first time ever. Best quote of the day from Henry, "This is a wonderful day!". There were witnesses to this statement, so I'm not making it up. I know not all Mother's days will be like this one, I know they will roll their eyes at the mere mention of family time. I know I won't get another perennial plant as a gift with the exclamation, "Happy Mother's day! This is the kind of plant that will bloom every weekend!" But I'll take what I got this year, some boys who really dug their mom, their bikes, and a playground.

Ridin'

2011-05-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering what Henry does every day now...well he's still on the bike.

Playing Nice

2011-05-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

Boys are really beginning to interact with each other nicely. Its mostly Henry calling the shots and Miles following along. Here outside they were playing with some garden stones and filling up their trucks. Its nice to sit back and just watch, though Henry still calls out "Mom come play with me!"

In other news Henry is full of questions where things come from. Yesterdays thoughts included:

"Where do dinosaurs come from?" (Looks like a trip to The Field Museum is now on my list)

"How do they make tvs?" (Uh its from a factory and made of plastic, glass, electronics, and lights)

"How do they make crayons?"

"Where do people come from?"

First of all, I want to know who the THEY is? Where is their book of answers when we need it?

And second, I got some cob webs to clear out of this 34 year old brain of mine if I'm going to be answering questions about crayon and television production (all before 8am). I should just start checking out those silly "Dummy books". "TVs for Dummies", "Crayons for Dummies". Of course I'd never let the 4 year old catch me reading those. Cause this mama is smart and that's how I insist he think of me :)

2 Wheels

2011-05-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

History

2011-04-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

Never will forget where I was with my 2 kids on my lap watching the beautiful history unfold. I explained to Henry that this is very special to witness 'Happy History'. A world watched today's event celebrating traditions, love, and family. How can you not smile at that?

Easter

2011-04-24T19:29:00.001-07:00

Easter = Day of Bliss for 2 boys who love chocolate and candy who have a mom with a love of chocolate and candy who just can't say no and the words "just one" mean absolutely nothing.

Hurry up Summer....we need to get outside....

2011-04-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

we need more things to take pictures of other than ourselves around here! Aughhh!!

Here are a few recent shots of the past week. The bunny Henry is posing in front of he made at his Easter party at school this week. Quite cute! He continues to really enjoy school, in fact he cries every Friday when he asks if its a school day and I have to deliver the sorrowful news that he doesn't go on Friday. He does not think Ms. Lois deserves a day off!

Miles cracks us up, he has added the word duck to his vocab. Loves Curious George, dinosaurs, and balls.

Henry's favorite food of the week is cookies, even though he has put down more spinach in the past week than cookies, and has been picking up words to songs and singing anytime, anywhere. Its very funny! The pottery pictures are the front and back of a plate he painted at a birthday party he attended. The ship and football were stamps. I think for a first pottery piece he did very well!

Big Brother. Little brother.

2011-04-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

Henry 21 months. Miles 21 months.

2011-04-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

Spring Weekend

2011-04-16T07:05:00.000-07:00

Henry's last day of gymnastics this week. The coaches ended class with an Easter egg hunt, all the kids loved it!

New summer matching pjs from Nana.

Walk in the woods this week.

We had a small glimpse of spring last weekend, enjoyed some 80 degree days. Those were not here to stay as I look out at the rain and have the heat on again today! Both boys enjoyed some Power Wheels time in the yard. Miles can't steer yet, so it funny to see him get in some situations he can't get out of yet. Was nice to see those bare feet in the grass and enjoyed several bike rides around town. Henry and I even did some grocery shopping on our bikes and we bought him his very own bike lock so we can ride to school and daycamp and lock his bike up there. So grown up! We finished up the gymnastics session this week. Now we'll take a short break from activities until summer daycamp starts.

Week with just my Miles

2011-04-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

Henry has been enjoying a spring break week in Michigan with all the grandparents. He was sick for half the week and has recovered pretty nicely thanks to the extra great TLC he received. Having one kiddo in the house is so easy! We've really enjoyed being able to give each other more attention. Here are a few cute pics from our week.

Madagascar Live!

2011-03-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to see Madagascar Live this weekend. Whoa that had a great time! Great music, great costumes, lively story that wasn't scary! Nana and Papa gifted the tickets to us so fore sure this was a treat. I'm still learning all the words to "I like to Move it", but I'm catching on, Henry is a good teacher.

Henry took this one of us. Happy.

Big Brother Bather Helper

2011-03-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

Miles' bath night. Henry said "I want to help. I'll wash him." OK, so I settled sat back to watch. As you can tell, he really enjoyed it, posing with the "cheese" face too. Sometimes these brothers don't see eye to eye, and sometimes they just tickle your heart with their adorableness.

Henry 4 year check up---2 months late

2011-03-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

So it was news to me when a good friend asked how Henry's 4yr. check up went. My reply was "what checkup?" So a few months late, 3 shots later he is still a healthy, happy, growing guy. He still has 3 more shots to get, I don't want to be the one carting him to that appointment...I don't know how we'll ever get him back to the Dr. after the tears that were shed yesterday. 38 pounds of tall and lean baby boy...uh big boy. He is enjoying his school 200% and has cried the last 2 Fridays when he learned he doesn't attend on Fridays. I enjoy hearing what the teachers have to report about him and Brian already got to participate in "Dad Night".

Sitting here watching more snow fall, we are anxious to get warm weather instead. Both boys had a bike ride last week in the garage and now every time Miles has to go into the car in the garage, he sees the Big Wheel and whines for it.

Winter Walk

2011-02-27T17:37:00.001-08:00

Henry shot this from the back seat, not bad right?

Miles got a tiny tuckered our and ended up riding on the way back.

Henry knows the way!

Fun, sunny day walking in the woods. Everyone did great! Nice to get some fresh air.

Lucy turns One!

2011-02-09T11:52:00.001-08:00

Super fun day celebrating with everyone! The boys had a great time, especially dug the cake and Henry was a great help tackling a few of Lucy's presents with her. Amanda made the cake all herself, she is becoming quite the fondant artist. I think Lucy will really like her first little rocking chair, so cute!

Healthy and Happy 18 month old

2011-01-31T12:08:00.000-08:00

25. 8 pounds and one happy, bouncing around the room toddler.

He was just too cute to not take a photo in this hospital gown! Henry said he looked like a girl in the gown. Ha!

Fun in the tub! Miles has the drawstring bag that keeps the tub toys high and dry on his head. Such the comedian!

18 months Henry v. Miles

2011-01-24T13:49:00.001-08:00

Thought I'd share both kids at 18 months. Definitely brothers, yet definitely unique in their own skin. Love my guys!

Dancing with Ralph's World

2011-01-23T19:29:00.001-08:00

Great concert for families this weekend at Comma. Ralph's World came in to perform. We saw his this summer at Ravinia also and he was a hit then too. Glad we got to spend time with friends and cousin Lucy. Fun was had by all! Was nice to have a different activity to participate in cause it definitely was too cold to partake in any fun outdoors. So we stayed in were its cozier. Thanks Ralph!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T20:01:00.000-08:00

The holiday train was the coveted toy of the day. Santa even set it all up around the tree so no time was wasted Christmas morning assembling it.

Oh Whoa more presents for me!

On to Michigan where we celebrated Christmas some more together with Lerias' and Lucy's 1st Christmas!

Henry was a huge helper making sure Miles didn't miss a thing.

So busy! We had a great time kicking back in Michigan, got to enjoy both grandparent sides, some sledding hills, a few playdates with mom's Michigan friends and super extended visit with Aunt Julie as she was stranded and unable to fly back to NYC. We really enjoyed this year's season. Henry, 4 this year is a fun age, full of anticipation and magic. Miles enjoys anything Henry likes. It flew by that's for sure!

Belly Laughs

2010-12-14T19:50:00.000-08:00

Make sure your audio is up for this one.

Macy's Santa Breakfast

2010-12-11T18:34:00.000-08:00

Henry was a little unsure of greeting this jolly old man. It took 3 attempts before he would sit on the chair next to him. He'd get close and then turn away hiding into me. So I'd let another family go past, then we'd try again...same thing. Eventually I think he wanted the take home toy so badly from Mrs. Claus that he finally did it.

The girls

Henry chose a helicopter, a Police helicopter specifically. Most children donned a Rudolph, Frosty, or Christmas Tree and mine chose none of that. But he was happy as a clam.

A fun time was had. We took the metra in, followed by a taxi to Macy's. Henry took home a balloon shaped Frosty and a cute face painted cheek. We checked out the State St. windows after the breakfast, strolled thru the Christkindlmarket where I pointed out the exact spot where dad asked mom to marry him and on over to the subway train. We saw and did a lot before noon today. A great time and am already looking forward to trying it again next year.

Jingle, Jingle, Jingle

2010-12-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

Camera shy boys.

Santa paid us a visit this week. Henry was surprised out of his mind and sorta shy. Miles cried. Oh, it was fun! Henry wouldn't sit on his lap but did manage to tell him one thing he wanted. Santa brought Henry a stocking pull of cute little toys, like a plastic dinosaur, playing cards, a mini magna-doodle and m&ms.

If this is anything like the mall Santa visit will go I think we'll get an interesting picture this year.

Bike Wives Rejoice: Bike Season is Over! Bike Season is Over!

2010-12-07T19:03:00.000-08:00

Over the Rainbow...4 years old!

2010-12-04T20:11:00.000-08:00

A 4 year old birthday party, can't quite believe it. A boy so quick on a bike. A boy who knows what he wants and when he wants it. A boy who is so full of love one second and the next tells me to relax. A boy who only want me to rub his back at night. A boy kidnapped by the Star Wars Storm Troopers.

He loved the first snow this weekend, asking every night if the snow would still be there when he woke up. Our backyard definitely shows the signs of fun that was had... sled tracks and snow angel shapes still remain. He really enjoyed his party, participating in games, quietly listening to the story, and taking turns. And a happy moment for me, when the ice cream parlor owners showed me the Amazing blue dinosaur cake that Henry special requested. A great day for all, though I really know how to plan birthdays....Miles' last party was the day after the great flood of 2010 and Henry's party was the first giant snow fall of the year complete with a 24 hour snow advisory. What the heck?!

Miles & Marco

2010-12-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

Over the Thanksgiving break I had a chance to catch up with a high school and college friend of mine. It had been way too long since seeing each other and we were anxious to meet each other's latest additions. Marco is 2 months younger than Miles.

Work off the Turkey Race

2010-11-30T19:00:00.000-08:00

Rockin' out to The Boogers!

2010-11-23T11:07:00.001-08:00

We had been looking forward to this show for weeks! And once again The Boogers did not disappoint! Miles enjoyed some colored hair streaks. Henry was thrilled he snagged what he called a Song Map (Set list) from the stage AND an official Boogers guitar pick. Great job Boogers! Looking forward to many car rides listening to their new album!

Watch daddy's bike race? Nah I'd rather play in the sandbox.

2010-11-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

Sitting still

2010-11-18T13:16:00.000-08:00

I thought both of these 2 photos captured both boys actually sitting still, content to observe and soak it all in. Its rare and you can't let them know you're taking pictures or the stillness vanishes.

Da Bulls

2010-11-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

So much fun was had at the Bulls/ Nuggets game! Henry cheered, hooted and hollared. Miles was so captivated by the Benny the bull remote controlled blimp. Hilarious! The Bulls Stampede is the drum / percussive show that played between periods. They really liked the uni-cycler half time show. Oh and Henry insisted the Pirate shirt/ vest be donned at the game, what can I say he's 3 and if that makes him happy, I'm not going to get in the way.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T18:06:00.000-07:00

Henry was very excited about the trick-or-treating part of the holiday this year. He only visited about 8 houses and then he was ready to head home. Miles really enjoyed walking around and checking out all the witches, Ironmen, and vampires. They both loved seeing Little Lucy the Ladybug and taught her a thing or 2 about trick-or-treating.

Sharing

2010-10-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

Henry was a great big brother today, giving many rides on the power wheels. He insisted Miles go first today for their flu shots. Miles was a super star, no tears...nothing! Henry got up on the table and SAME thing! No tears! I couldn't believe nor could the 2 nurses in the room. I think my kids were the highlight of those ladies' day!

Commute home Tuesday

2010-10-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

Spectacular

Weekend racing

2010-10-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

Brian spent the weekend out of town participating in a 2 day cyclo cross race. I spent Sunday morning doing a little 10k. This has been my 3rd year participating in this same race near our house. I love it. Weather has repeatedly been amazing, brisk, fall weather. Beautiful color on the trees and fun Halloween decorations throughout the neighborhood to keep your eyes peeled for. Nana, Papa, Amanda, Jay and Lucy were there to cheer! A fun morning for everyone with a great brunch to follow.

Well I'll be a monkey's uncle!

2010-10-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

This might be Uncle Shawn's blog debut! Here's my monkey and the monkey's uncle.

Happy Bob Slackert Day!

2010-10-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

Does your mailman have a day named after him in your town. Ours does! Bob has worked for our town for 40 years and even grew up in our town! He loves the boys, our dog and claims our house is his favorite! So glad that an entire community can recognize a great person doing a great job and always smiling.

Jump

2010-10-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

A boy, his leaves and a kazoo, that he walked around with it all weekend.

Multi-tasking

2010-10-16T18:48:00.001-07:00

Who says you can't do the yard work and watch your kids all at the same time?

Boo at the Zoo

2010-10-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

A little Halloween preview of our little dragon and monkey.

Such great fun they had we went the next day for a repeat day of fun!

Great Grandpa

2010-10-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

Bare Feets

2010-10-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

Both boys have sat with crossed ankles in this highchair. This morning I was afraid if I didn't capture it, the image would be gone in flash.

Big Brother. Little brother.

2010-10-11T07:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks Great Grandma for the matching pjs! The boys sure love 'em! Great to see everyone this weekend, we had a blast!

18 holes

2010-10-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins, Apples, a Race and a 7th Anniversary

2010-10-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

The kids loved the pumpkin patch we visited. Henry was so tickled to pick out a pumpkin just his size that he could carry. We all enjoyed some apple pie and hot cider. We have visited this same orchard when Brian's CX races have us taken us to the outskirts of town before. Brian really enjoyed his race and was pleased with his finish. The kids loved playing on the playground, though Miles is a handful chasing through the tunnels and bridges great playgrounds often have. We were lucky enough to have Aunt Babe and Uncle Jay babysit for us while we caught up with friends over dinner. Another filled to the brim with fun weekend!

Last shots of summer

2010-10-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

If we can wrap up summer of this year in a sentence, its definitely, "Miles ate tomatoes all day, everyday while walking around the backyard."

Thats it, nothing else was as cute, annoying, messy and nutritious as that single action that happened every day.

Another Weekend Whirl

2010-09-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

Block party!

2010-09-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

The fire department was kind enough to show off their equipment for our neighborhood block party this year. Henry really enjoyed checking things out.

Whipped after the weekend

2010-09-20T10:32:00.001-07:00

Enjoyed much 4 wheel Power wheelin' this weekend especially at the block party! The open road was a rare treat.
Ventured to the neighborhood Oktoerfest (in September I know what's up with that). Henry enjoyed several rides. It was so neat to see him more grown up, really enjoying every minute. It was really cool to see him do rides that took an adult to help him with last year. And no I didn't make him wear his helmet. He rode his bike to the fest and I guess forgot to take it off.
Miles just being cute while Henry napped we got to hang out just the 2 of us. He loves standing on a step stool so he can look outside. He loves standing on anything high for that matter, including the coffee table that I was lucky enough to get him off of that before things went bad.
And this was on the WAY TO Brian's bike race yesterday! Yikes tuckered out before we even got there to cheer him on. Notice the plastic beaded bracelet hanging out of his mouth. Cute!

Toddlin'

2010-09-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

Where have we been? I don't even know what vortex has sucked our time away. Henry started a gymnastics/ tumbling class this week that he is really enjoying so far. Miles has had a cold and is trying to cut his molars and its so painful for him, we've been dealing with unhappy baby. Here is cute Miles toddlin' along.

Vintage

2010-09-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

Miles 1 year

Henry 6 months

This stars and stripes was one of Brian's old outfits. I need to find the picture of Brian in it and scan it in. We decided this outfit is likely one of our oldest possessions. Pretty cool I think.

Henry and Miles dig. You will too.

2010-08-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

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Romp in the Park

2010-08-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

Bike Day

2010-08-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Henry 3 1/2, Miles 1

2010-08-26T16:31:00.000-07:00

We headed down to the Conservatory in Lincoln Park for what I hoped was going to capture the cute boys being boys surrounded by some brilliant color. And we did.

photos by: http://rebeccascampiniphotography.com/

He loves the dirt

2010-08-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

Cheered on Brian at the Palos Meltdown mountain bike race this weekend. Its now standard issue to bring Henry's bike which he loves riding around while the race is going on.

Checked out

2010-08-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Completely 100% checked out during our 40 mile hike last week. It was amazing to clear my head, not worry about a thing. Brian and I have done a few of these hikes, some years we've taken off due to little buns in the oven. But we definitely need to do these types of vacations every year. Unplugging is so necessary to be able to recharge and emerge ready to tackle anything. Sure we missed the boys, sure we missed good fresh food, and sure we missed a shower.

But its so worth the peace of mind that you get at the end of a week where the only decisions to be made were do you want to pause at this beautiful overlook or not? do you want to eat dehydrated cashew chicken and rice or jamaican jerk chicken and rice? do you want to swim first or put the tent up? Simple. Green. Refreshing.