A Perfect Summer Evening

A new outdoor table and a "farmers' market" salad....perfect night!

Quick Trip to Mad-Town

Friday we took a road trip to Madison for a wedding. It was an "adult only" wedding so Chris attended the wedding. M and I went along for the ride and enjoyed some shopping, pasta and the hotel pool.

It was great just us girls. On Saturday we woke early to visit the awesome Farmers' Market outside the capital. It's huge and has just about anything you could image... the normal veggies, cheese (of course, right), flowers, honey...but also maple syrup, lots of bakeries, beef jerky and sausage sticks, jewelry, clothes, arts and crafts.....I could go on and on). I think the highlight for Chris and M was a beef stick they shared (not my cup of tea, but they enjoyed it!).

And, as with most of these road trips this is M on the car ride home just outside of Chicago.

Peonies

One of my favorite flowers is the peony. I think they are just so beautiful. Despite the fact that they only bloom for a short time in Spring/Summer, I planted a plant last fall. It survived...yippee! And, it bloomed this week. I'm torn, should I cut the flowers and put in my house or keep them outside on the plant? Hmmm....

The Green Machine

Memorial Day Parade

Dinner and the Clumps

We had a pasta dinner over at our friends tonight. Ang attempted something that Chris and I are not quite brave enough to do---making homemade pasta for a dinner party. She is a very brave soul (and I'm happy that she is!). She made homemade tagliatelle with a bolognese sauce. While she was worked up over the pasta clumping together, the rest of us were digging into second helpings. It was delicious...clumps and all!!!

What can I say, the girl loves her parmigiana reggiano...

Block Party

The ice cream truck conveniently stopped by our block multiple times...


Hot dog dinner :-))


S'mores time.....

An Eagerly Anticipating Big Sister

She's a butterfly...

It is extremely important to me for M to have opportunities that simply were not available to me as a child. At the same time and equally important is my job to ensure that M is well balanced and grounded. One of those opportunities that I didn't have was dance (although, I was such a tomboy I'm not sure I would have agreed to take dance classes even if it was available, anywho!!). M has been taking ballet classes for the last year. It's not just about the dance. I believe this teaches her many other life lessons. And, to be honest, there is something special about seeing my little girl in a tutu and ballet shoes. Whether she chooses to continue ballet when she gets older is completely up to her to decide. However, her having the opportunity is awesome!


M's first dance recital will be June 13th. She is really excited. We got the papers last week....she will be a butterfly. Can't wait!

Jammin' at the Race

Seeing Yellow

Over the weekend M had her first school bus ride. She really thought she was a big girl!!

Tri Season Kickoff

For the last few years, we have taken a road trip to Galena, IL to start Chris' tri season. This weekend was that trip. We always have a great time in Galena. The town is very charming and the drive is just as impressive--filled with tons of rolling hills and farms. We always see the normal farm animals.....cows, horses, sheep, goats, etc., but this year we saw buffalo as well. My first thought when I saw the buffalo was ---I was wonder if there is some buffalo mozzarella close by....no luck!

This year our friends, the Pfour, joined us. Brian is also a triathlete and ran this event for the first time. Chris finished in 1:45 and was happy with his results. Great job, boys!

Mother's Day

My sweeties treated me to an extra few minutes of sleep this morning, brunch, lots of really cool art projects, a huge card from M (and yes, she wrote the letters all by herself with Chris calling out which letters to write and where....this 3 year old never ceases to amaze me), relaxation and ice cream from Hole in the Wall to end my day. I had the best Mother's Day. I'm a very lucky and grateful mommie!!!

The Original Ladies Man

This is my Uncle Freddie and as you can see the real ladies man!!! We all fall for this guy and who wouldn't. Look at that cute little face. Love you, Uncle Freddie!

Happy Birthday Chris!!

Chris's birthday was on Thursday. I surprised him (with the help of Brian...thanks again, B) this morning with a sweet new mountain bike. I think this is my first time ever pulling one over on him! We had a few friends over for a BBQ this afternoon to celebrate the big day. As for the weather, today was another Chicago "psych" moment. Just when you think summer is here to stay for a little while...bam, you have a cool spell and today was one of those cool spells. But, hey, the rain held out so it could have been worse. I tried out some new recipes....some I will keep, some not so much. Thanks guys for a great time! (A special thanks to Amanda for her help in the kitchen!)

Goodnight Moon in SC

While we were strolling the streets of downtown SC last weekend, we kept seeing statues of little mice in random places. We knew there must have been a reason and discovered that it was the city's tribute to the classic American children's book, Goodnight Moon.

"Goodnight room. Goodnight moon. Goodnight cow jumping over the moon. Goodnight light, and the red balloon..."

M thought that was really cool. This book was her favorite when she was younger. It has since been bumped by ABC's books; however, occassionally she pulls out this oldie but goodie for her nighttime reading!

Atlanta/SC: Final Day

She partied her little heart out and now she is out like a light.......... but not letting go of that lollipop!

Greenville: Day After Wedding Breakfast

After almost 2 years behind schedule, Aunt Sharon and Uncle Gary finally were able to move into their new downtown Greenville condo a few months ago. It is absolutely stunning. The finish work and attention to detail was spectacular.....it even has an elevator inside the condo. They hosted a breakfast for close friends and family after the wedding. I could get used to the luxury! Fun.

Greenville: Rehearsal Dinner

Chicken leg, anyone??

Greenville Days 2-3

Greenville, SC is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and I believe exceeds expectations. Its downtown area is a very sweet and charming community which has recently undergone a regeneration. We enjoyed the Saturday morning farmer's market, Racing Duck Festival, impromptu street bands, old fashion general store, fried okra....