Chicago - Pt 1

Back to my homeland!  We drove down to Chicago for a couple days to get some paperwork out of the way--those of you who know Cameron, know he has dual citizenship (Australia/USA).  Well, that follows bloodlines, and both the kids are eligible.  The only thing is we have to get to the Australian Embassy (closest one in Chicago) in order to get the paperwork filed.

SO...4 years after we first intended to get to Chicago, i.e Emmy is 4, we are getting to Chicago!

Today was Brookfield Zoo.  No family shots, but there are a couple cute ones of the kids, of course!

Here are the Lions:

 Next we found Snow Leopards...the little girl in the pink and blue loved Emmy.  Before we left this area, she grabbed Emmy's hand and wanted to walk along with her.  Emmy ate it up since her overriding goal right now is to parent everyone!

 Some Seals...

 And on our way out we got s photo with the name of the zoo: 

 Last photos of the day!

Pool Time

Although I didn't get shots in the pool itself-there were too many people there-here we are afterwards,  with snack in the screened in porch.  This shot is a perfect moment captured between them; this is truly how they are with one another.  

Emalyn takes to heart what it means to be a big sister and would love more than anything to watch Liam, guide him, and teach him.  Although he LOVES his sister, he likes it best when she just plays with him, not when she tries to parent him.  They have a bond these two, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Later that day we pulled out the wading pool.  Its just as much fun but without the chlorine and "mommy-on-high-alert" that a full on pool brings.  Here the kids were bringing me soup.  It was SO yummy...grass blades, dirt and all. :)

Happy Memorial Day weekend, folks!

Mother's Day Weekend

Playing on the deck stairs at Oma and Opa's.  Yeah, we don't have any stairs at home, so these are SO much fun!

Emmy striking a pose...actually she didn't want me to take any photos, so this was one of the best I got for the day!  That attitude seems to the the way right now.

Hope you had a great Mother's Day!

Easter

Since you asked, mom below you will find the only photos I have of myself. (Pay no heed to the fingerprints on the mirror...:))

I think I like the bangs...after being over 20+ years without them, they are a nice change!!

Spring in MN

 Two of my favorite photos so far this spring.

Score!

This wasn't a gift from Christmas...it was even better! My boss, who didn't have kids, chose to give his childhood wagon to us! His mom ended up refinishing it and that is why it looks so great! So thankful!!

Merry Christmas!!

Our Card this year; you may recall this post.

They're Big...

I can't believe it.

When I look up at that header and see those two kids....wow.

And yes, I've become like every other mom in the world watching their babies sprint towards their tweens...sickeningly nastalgic!

Christmas is almost here and it reminds me yet again, how my lack of internet at home keeps me from posting fun kid photos.

The photos are the best part, for sure.

I will play catch up. Promise.

And just in case I don't....Merry Christmas!! :)

We've been busy around here....

I still need to get some beads for the tree....we do a real Fraser Fir.

Smells divine this year. I would actually do an artificial tree, but we don't have the storage...

This one is LOVING the decorations.

We've not had too many negative encounters with the tree, but we do have to watch him quite a bit.

SO, so grateful I purchased non-shattering ornaments years ago.

Love tree bokah.

Blessed