Lillian Sings Continental Soldier

Do YOUR ears hang low?

Christmas Eve Snow Storm

It was freezing cold on Christmas Eve, but that didn't stop us from playing in the snow. We were the first people at the playground - pristine snow everywhere - and it looked like an army had marched through when we left. 

Lillian Singing

November 2017 Bulls Game - Simon Performs Before Game!

Simon is in an after school activity (which he is not a fan of) but which allowed him to perform before a bulls game this year!  The whole family went and had a blast at the game. Simon won't be in Big Dream Drama anymore, but we'll definitely go to more Bulls games as a family. 

2017 Cub Scout Regatta

Simon and Alan have been really enjoying Cub Scouts this year. Simon participated in his first regatta! 

Take a look at the video - Simon came in second for his age group! 

Winners from all age groups.

Harry Carrey's Sports Museum

We went down to Michigan Ave to do some returning and had a great day downtown as a family. We happened upon a sports museum and had a blast playing with all the kid friendly exhibits. Next time you're in the city, remind us to bring you! 

Basketball hoop building - 6th birthday

Gaga and Papa got Simon a basketball hoop for his birthday. They spent some time building it together and Simon got the first three shots in! 

Simon's 6th Birthday Party

Simon is 6!!!

What a fun day! We had a Soccer/Mario party. Simon was FAST and the mustache picture was hilarious and everyone had lots of fun.

First baskets into his new basket ball hoop!

Western Nature Presrve

We had a great morning hanging out with some ducklings, riding bikes and hanging out in nature at the Western Nature Preserve. It's not too far and has great bike path for the kids to practice on.

Color Run 2017 - Simon, Colleen and Emily

Colleen, Simon and I ran the Chicago Color Run this Sunday morning. It was Simon's first 5K and he was a little nervous about the crowds and the idea that people were going to be throwing 'color' at  him. Once we'd gotten into the race a bit and past the first color station he started really enjoying himself. He'll definitely be up for more 5Ks in the future, for anyone who wants to run them with him!

We brought some color home to share with Lillian.

After the hose cleanup!

Lillian's Ballet Class 2017

We put Lillian in a ballet class in October (which is the first month she was eligible). She has her very first ballet show in June and this past weekend they had a parent observation class. They normally do not allow parents in the room while the kids are practicing.

I took a bunch of videos which are all after the jump, but the first one is the practice of her class's dance for the show. Lillian is 4th from the far end and you can see her better in the mirror.

Swimming Update

Simon's transformation the past couple months has been amazing. By the end of his lesson this week he was swimming back and forth across the class section with his face underwater the whole way, no floats. I'm so excited for this summer. We'll definitely have to figure out some swimming plans! 

Snow play with Lillian

Lillian was so delighted by the snow this morning. We were already running late, but I had to let her play in the snow a bit before we headed off to school. 

Lillian's Singing Minnie Mouse

Lillian found the Minnie Mouse that KD got her for her 1st birthday. She was delighted and running around signing and singing. I looked for an old video of her playing with it when she first got it, she was obsessed for months, but I couldn't find it. Here is one of her playing with it now at least. If anyone has a picture of baby Lillian with Minnie send it to me!

Swimming Lesson Update

We have been taking swimming lessons for 2 months now on Saturday mornings. The kids have changed a lot. Lillian started loving the lessons and has recently turned into a grouch who won't even try most of the time. Simon started terrified of putting any of his head into the water and he's awesome about trying and learning now. We're working toward a goal of swimming by our early April visit to Arizona! 

Looking cool in his goggles.
Simon is the kid staring at me in blue long sleeves.

February Pictures

Lots of laughter and some fun dancing this month.

We had a thunderstorm last night. Lillian was scared of the thunder so we cranked up some Michael Jackson for a dance party. They are still to little to look for my sneaky plans behind the plans! Here's a video of the dance party. Had to get Lillian's hair do and outfit on camera. To be clear, that is not how we sent her to school - she got spilled on and this is a set of backup clothing. And Ms Lina did her hair in 5 different ponytails and only a couple managed to stay in until dinner.

Eating Milano Cookies for the first time.

Home made cotton candy and a play date!!