Talent Show

Over the weekend M had her first talent show.  It was a funding event for her after school program--all of the public schools in Oak Park.  I was really impressed with some of these kids.  There were 2 solo acts...dancer and singer... who blew me away.  Irving was represented, for sure!!!  And, M's class had a dance routine.  They were awesome!  The show was taped and I am told it will air on the Oak Park channel soon.  I'll update.



Makin' Daddy proud!



Mississippi: Spring Has Sprung

Mississippi: Spring Break

We spent part of M's Spring Break relaxing in Mississippi with family.  The girls had a blast doing what kids do best--simply PLAYING!  They got to run around aimlessly in a big fat yard, play in tents, in a jumpy thing, watch birds, ride a 4 wheeler, go to several parks...Chris and I even got to enjoy a few hours without kids which was fantastic and oh so needed.  Fun times for all!   

(And, yes, we do have every hair assessory under the sun forARose.  Unfortunately, she prefers the I-just-rolled-out-of-bed, natural look!)

My 90 year old grandma

Photo by M

Self Photo



Couldn't resist!!



The Guessing Game

ARose or M??

"Pasketti" Time

I'm guilt ridden again!  I realized tonight that we havent' taken that spaghetti shot of ARose yet (or pasketti as M used to say).  You know, the one that every parent is required to take or else revoke your parent card.  It's so true that the second kid is photo jipped ... Well, it's done!  Only a few months late!

Can I have my card back?

A Double Whammy

Here's a glimpse into our family this week.  But, poor sweet M, was hit the hardest--a double whammy!  We found out today that she has a really bad ear infection in both ears and that she has strep.  The first for all.  I guess she wanted to do it right for her first round of antibiotics.  What a trooper she is.  She never once complained about her ears or anything for that matter except for burning eyes when her temp would spike.  Thankfully, she's on the road to recovery.  (Even she would admit that being sick stinks....she tired of watching TV....what?!!)

Artwork by M

March of the Penguins

BOKA

Manhattan aged in rye whiskey barrel--Chris' first!

All of the awards

All of the accolades

Well deserved!!!

BOKA has been on my list of places to eat for a while now but we simply haven’t made our way to it yet.  Each year we get together with our good friends --the Kalnitz's-- during Chicago's Restaurant Week to sample new experiences. This year we picked BOKA and boy is my stomach pleased with the selection. We were not disappointed!! As soon as I set foot in the restaurant, I had a comforting feeling. The atmosphere was sophisticated yet warm and inviting—not stuffy in the least. I loved the nautical sail look and it was quite a clever design element since I think it helped with noise (there wasn’t any) and covered some exposed pipes (which works in certain restaurants but not the look they were obviously going for). If you are tall you may not be too comfortable sitting under the sails but no worries there are plenty of other seating options. Luckily, none of us had this problem.

The food was beautiful yet totally approachable and most importantly….delicious! The service was outstanding and what you would expect! This place is unassuming. We ordered off of the special prefix menu and enjoyed every dish….I kid you not. The Stars of the night for me were the scallops with foie gras (as an add-on), sautéed mushrooms (go figure) and chocolate flourless cake with ginger ice cream, meringue and candied fruit.

We’ve also tried Girl & the Goat which is part of the Boka Group, 2 for 2 with extremely high marks for this group!!

Highly recommended!

Irving School Fun Fair

With an impromptu tea party to follow.