Grandma aka "Ninny" Comes to Town

The kids get super excited when their Ninny comes to visit them.  They get loved on and they love having her sleep in their house and just spending time with her; they did not leave her side the entire time she was here!  We had fun walking around the city, into fun stores and eating yummy pizza.  We look forward to her coming back soon.  Wish we had family that lived closer but when they do come, we really cherish their time here.  Here are some pictures she took while here.  The ones of Ninny and I were taken by Alyvia (did a great job!).

Getting pushed by Ninny

You would never know she was Grandma!  

She is happy ALL the time!

We could be sisters!

Trying on hats in the shoe store: Ander's was a bit big and Alyvia is in mid twirl.

Riding along in her Sling  (so comfy).

Me pushing my "crew".  It was hot and I was tired!

Good Bye Grandpa Bill

I have not had to deal with any immediate (to me) death since I was in the first grade and I thought that when the time came I would be completely fine, boy was I wrong.  I am usually a very controlled person, good at keeping my emotions under control and hiding them well.  When my sister called to tell me the news that Grandpa Bill had passed I was a well of emotions.  We knew the time was coming, he was 91 and lived an amazing live, but that still does not make it any easier.  I am sad that I did not get to go and say goodbye to him and even more sad at the times I could have gone and saw him and did not.  This is a great reminder that live is precious and to not take it for granted (very cliche, I know).

All growing up I wanted to grow up and become an adult and do adult things and now that I am an adult I am beginning to realize that it is hard work.  There is so much to deal with, so many responsibilities, people counting on you and never really a break to just exist.  I want to curl up and lay in bed for a whole day but alas the kids need to be fed and the house needs to be cleaned so maybe another day.

Love you Grandpa Bill.

Anderson and Grandpa Bill eating togetherl on his 90th Birthday lat year.

A Day at the Beach

Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous day.  Another day when I remember why I love Chicago (remind me this when it is January!) so much.  I was a bit spoiled to grow up in Elk Rapids, MI where the water is crystal clear, the beaches are full of sand and there are no floating diapers in the water (eww!).  The Chicago beaches are average and most of the time filthy and over crowded (we recently ranked #6 for worst beaches).  I decided to brave the beaches and try a new one and we are in love!  Foster beach is smaller but cleaner and less populated than the rest and it did its job of entertaining the kids and allowing me to get some much needed sun.  Overall a really good day!

Anderson, Jack and Alyia exploring the water.

Building sandcastles. 

Amelia was content just sitting on the blanket playing with a wipe (who needs toys?).

Future Bay Watch star!

Thinking about going for a swim.

She got bored with the wipe so I gave her a bite of my apple.  Such a GOOD baby!