My Birthday Dinner

Tomorrow is my birthday. This year's birthday has proven to be a little challenging for Chris since I'm waddling around the house ready to pop out a baby any day now. However, in Chris fashion, he pulled through with flying colors. He surprised me with a dinner at Graham Elliot -which has been dubbed Chicago's first "bistronomic" restaurant--a hip and contemporary take on fine dining. We saw the chef compete on Top Chef Masters this week and knew we had to go. He is known for foie gras coated with pop rocks so you can see he has a sense of humor. Chris secretly made reservations that night. We were not disappointed. The atmosphere was very clean but warm and relaxing, food was unique in a great way and he had friendly staff = memorable dinner.

Swim, alas

After two cancellations due to RAIN, M was finally able to go to her swim class tonight. She goes to the park a couple of blocks away from us. She's the smallest one in her class, but she was awesome....a superstar. Natural talent, I say!

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins was M's dance production. She played the part of a Red Admiral Butterfly in "Mrs. Lark's Andrew Escapes and Finds Willoughby" on Saturday (once I figure out how to download the video from our camcorder to this site you will be in for a real treat!)

Luckily, her class went early in the production. After her part, her class joined ALL of the other kids in the back of the stage where they sat and watched the entire performance. All of the kids were terrific. Just a hoot. I do have a confession to make though. Towards the end of the production, Chris and I were flipping through the program frequently in hopes that the show was almost over. No matter how cute the kids were (and they WERE), we were beginning to lose it!

Over the last few weeks I have noticed M dancing around the house with some rather interesting moves that I didn't know where she got (hopping around the house flip flopping and sticking her tush out and shaking it, as one funny example). You guessed it....she got it from the show. She must be paying attention, huh!

M had an awesome time, we had an awesome time and many more recitals to come. Afterwards we treated ourselves to some Hole in the Wall ice cream.

Cirque Shanghai

Cirque Shanghai---an acrobatic spectacle. Chris and I saw this show a few years ago when it first came to Chicago. M was an infant at the time. We took again this afternoon with PopPop. The first time we saw the show Chris and I thought it was pretty good. They have definitely come a long way----better acrobatics, costumes, etc. Fun. It's at Navy Pier so go check it out.

Dress Rehearsal

Today was exciting on two levels....it was dress rehearsal for M's dance recital debut which is tomorrow and PopPop flew in from Atlanta to visit and attend M's recital. Chris typically takes M to the classes, but this afternoon I was able to join him and PopPop for the pick up. It was really amazing how many "butterflys" are going to be in the dance. The kids were lined up along the walls of the long and narrow hall waiting for their parents. I was amazed at how well behaved these kids were. They had been at rehearsal for 3 hours--tired and hungry. This says a lot about the school! Can't wait for tomorrow.

M and PopPop--the squeeze.

The Library Card

Today was another milestone in M's life.....she got her OWN library card and eagerly signed up for a reader's club. For each book she "reads" she receives a sticker to put on a piece of paper. After she has a certain amount of stickers she takes them to the library and she wins little prizes. Bribery at its best!

For those of you who thought she was all me.....well, she didn't get her love of the library from me. That is all her dad. She could hardly contain herself when she showed me the card tonight. My wish is that she continues her love of books and reading even when the boys start coming around.

Tickle Tickle is the first book she checked out with HER card! She even gets a certificate to commemorate the occasion.

She is already planning her visit to the library tomorrow.

Summer Fest

meow!!

This weekend was Summer Fest in Forest Park. The festival featured live music, a beer garden, food court, antique market, local merchant sidewalk sale, children's events and activities, pony rides, a giant slide and more. The pony rides are what really attracted us since M luuuuuvvvvvsssss horses. This was her first ride and I think you can tell it was a hit!

We were also treated to acrobatic performances by the Jessie White Tumbling Team. They were amazing. Check out these guys if you get a chance.

(and a shout out to the sponsor)

Quote of the Day

Chris: How's that mango, M?

M: It's really juicy......it makes me wiggle (M throws down a sweet wiggle!)

Grad Day

Today M graduated from Level 1 to Level 2 gymnastics. I don't generally get to go to her classes so today was extra special for both me and M---seeing her in action and attending her medal ceremony. All of the kids were really adorable. Her favorite exercise was hanging on the bars and wrapping her feet around the pole.