Yorktown fun

On a HOT HOT day, there's nothing like a trip to the mall. Jackson loved the train - he rode 6 times! And it was fun to see his friend Mason again, and Mason's mom, Rene. We took a break at Ed Debevics. The boys enjoyed the silly and obnoxious wait staff, especially when they all got up on the tables and danced to "Car Wash".

Check up time

Audrey had her 2 month check up yesterday. She also had to get 3 shots. She started shrieking hysterically as soon as the Doc picked her up, and she didn't stop until we got in the car to go home. (I really don't like Drs poking and prodding me either!) She weighs 10 lbs 5 oz., and I'm not sure what her height was - she was screaming too loud for me to hear! She's in the 50th percentile for both height and weight.

We're really having fun getting to know this new person. She's smiling and cooing, and just a joy every day!

Save the Spindle

Sabine and I have been volunteering (more Sabine than me) in the grass-roots effort to save the Spindle (aka the car-kabob, even though there was another sculpture by the same artist by that name) which is in danger of being torn down to make way for a Walgreens. Friday night we went to a little gathering at a local bar which made the YouTube "news". :) It's unfortunately a little dark, and it was taken with a little digital camera (as opposed to a real video camera). Oh, and the website linked to by the title was put together by Sabine.

Western Springs Picnic

Here are a few pictures from the picnic in Western Springs so everyone could see Sara, Tom, and Livy before they leave for Colorado.


It didn't take long for Livy to strip down and start playing in the kiddie pool. She especially liked splashing Aunt Bee while she cooled her feet.


Others, like Uncle Stan and Aunt Maggie, just cooled in the shade.


Even Tristan got into the fun, enjoying the cool hose water. Who's spraying him anyhow?


Livy, with a little help from her Daddy.


Audrey was staying cool with a little help from Aunt Maggie's sun hat.


Jackson and Livy had fun playing with the water table (is that what you call that thing?)


The rest of us just sat around on the patio enjoying the company.

Have a safe trip, Tom, Sara, and Livy. We'll miss you.

Learn to speak Jackson-ese

Turn on the dancing please. (what you say when you're in the car and you want the radio turned on)

A toot came by! (what you say when you pass gas)

Two toots came by! (what you say when you pass gas twice)

This is not cooperating with me. (what you say when any toy/device/blanket/utensil/tool/person is not doing what you would like)

Bite-a-the cerererereal please? (what you say when you want to eat your dad's cereal)

Audrey's happy. (what you say when Audrey's not crying)

Huggle me please. (what you say when you need a hug)

Huga-snuga-buga! (what you say when you really REALLY need a hug)

Mama kiss my boo boo. (what you say when you hurt yourself)

Look at that (car/truck/commuter train/freight train/digger/fire engine/concrete mixer/car transporter/bulldozer/cherry picker/loader) over there! (what you exclaim every time you see any of the aforementioned at any time, anywhere)

Boobahs! (what you say when your mommy is nursing the baby)

A visit to Grandma Jean and Grandpa Ron's House

Look out! He's sidewalk ready. (This used to be my tricycle)


Turns out Iowa sand is just about as nice as Illinois sand.


Reading with Gram.


A trip to the mall... Audrey wasn't as jazzed as I thought she might be.


Jack's ready - let's go!


And the mall isn't just about shopping.


Bella and Jack stay cool in the pool.








Audrey doesn't want to get her hair wet.


Uncle Matt finally gets to give Audrey a cuddle. It was a great trip!

A beautiful summer day

Jackson helps Lou mow the yard, then goes over to play with the neighbor girl. Boy, they grow up fast!