Two Amazing Years!

Happy Birthday Gracie!

Fall Fun!

In the last few weeks, we had fun visiting the apple orchard and the pumpkin patch. Gracie loves to talk about her experience at the apple orchard. "I pick apples. Goat lick me. Camel walking." At the pumpkin patch, pumpkins schmumkins - it was all about the playground, and again, the goats. And, she saw her friend Mason from daycare. That afternoon and evening we heard "Mason pumpkin patch" 100 times. Sometimes she would throw in that Mason was in a stroller with her mommy. Life is good.

Sad to See Summer Go

We've been having a blast this summer. Fortunately, the river finally dropped below flood stage at the end of August so that Gracie could enjoy the boat rides and beach time that I had been telling her about all summer. She loves to go on Grandpa's boat! We're outside whenever we get the chance. Everyday after school, we walk to one of the 5 parks near our house. It's taken a couple months, but she's mastered blowing bubbles and picking up sticks in the backyard. She tests us every now and then, but she's really becoming quite a polite little girl, saying thank you, please and excuse me on a regular basis. Her favorite expressions right now are one more time, one more hug or one more kiss. She likes to sing Happy Birthday and Jason Mraz's I'm Yours (there's a Sesame Street version). We're having so much fun that we're trying to stretch summer out as long as we can. Here are a few shots of my favorite people.

Chicago

Mike, Gracie and I had a wonderful, long weekend in Chicago. Highlights included a visit to the Brookfield Zoo with friends, splashing in the fountains in Millineum Park, Rainforest Cafe, the beach, pizza, Shedd Aquarium, dinner with Christen, shopping on Michigan Avenue and the carousel and choo-choo train on Navy Pier. We also had fun singing and dancing on the car ride home. As Gracie likes to say, bye-bye Cago.

Summer Fun!

Tea Party!

Gracie's new favorite word and place - OUTSIDE!

We've been spending all our free time outside walking, at the park or playing in the backyard. The minute we pull into the driveway, Gracie says turtle, which means she wants to play in the sandbox. She also loves to run. She yells "ready, go" and runs from one fence to the other, over and over again. Now, we're looking forward to the pool!

Easter Weekend

We had such a wonderful weekend! On Friday, after a trip to the doctor for Gracie's 15 month checkup, my mom and I took Gracie to the mall for some shopping and to see the Easter bunny, but after three shots, she was tired out and fell asleep before we could meet the bunny. Friday afternoon, after Mike got off work, he met Gracie and me at the park to celebrate our 5 year anniversary. We started with a trip to The Butterfly House and had fun strolling and playing at the playground. Saturday morning, on the way to Mike's dad's house, we stopped at Purina Farms, and were surpised by the chance to take photos with the Easter bunny! Gracie was a little scared of the bunny and the large animals. We spent most of Saturday outside enjoying the weather with Papa Bob. Sunday morning, Gracie hunted eggs at church and at home, and she was a pro. However, after finding about 10 eggs at home, she was over the egg hunt. We spent Sunday afternoon with my family. I wish every weekend was this much fun!

Brian's Wedding

Gracie had a blast at Brian & Courtney's wedding reception. Even without a good nap, she looked beautiful, danced like there's no tomorrow and partied all night long (until midnight).

Gracie and her boys!

Gracie got to spend a week with her cousins Logan and Landon while Mike and I traveled to Jamaica for my brother's wedding. She loves those boys, and their dinosaurs, trucks and action figures! Special thanks to Emily and Jake for taking wonderful care of Gracie all week!

I love the park!

I love it when mommy and daddy take me to the park after work and on the weekends! I don't know what I like more...the swing or the slide. Wheeee!

Ready for sunshine and fun!