Fun Times with Aunt Heather

 This weekend Geoff's sister, Heather, was able to visit with us.  Right now she's living in Normal, IL working as a principal until the end of the school year.

Even though spring still doesn't want to come, we're glad we at least had a sunny (and a tad warmer) day!

We had fun walking around downtown and enjoying the fun sights.

One of the many street performances

The WGN Building incorporated stones from all over the world

Having fun in Millennium Park

We made a pit-stop at Portillo's Restaurant for a famous Chicago Hot Dog and other yummy food!

Later we just hung out at home.  Hylie took some relaxation and lounging tips from her aunt before we headed to Giordano's for some pizza.

Thanks so much for taking the time to travel up to see us, Heather!  We so enjoyed being with you!

8 Months

Here's Hylie at 8 months!  She's been sick this past week, but a little cold won't keep her from smiling!

I don't know if she's trying to convince us she's outgrown her crib, but it's not going to work just yet!  It's typical to hear thumps coming from the nursery when Hylie wakes up, she loves kicking her feet on the wood slats.

Hylie's become a pro at sitting, but still doesn't really show signs of crawling just yet.  She's perfectly content with rolling around and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g her little body to reach her desired toys.

Unfortunately, our little girl likes to explore EVERYTHING with her mouth...including the carpet.

She's a cutie!

Baby Bib Fun

Geoff surprised Hylie (and Mom) with this fun bib

Mom & Dad Photo Shoot

These pics were taken back in February and I just realized I never posted them!  We sure love our little girl.

Easter Eggs

When we were over to Grant and Rachel's place we had some yummy Cafe Rio salad and enjoyed dying Easter Eggs!  Thanks for the fun time Grant, Rachel and Eli!

Writing 'secret' messages on our eggs

Grandma and Grandpa getting in on the fun

Easter Weekend & Family Visit

This past weekend was wonderful with the celebration of Easter and a fantastic visit with family.  Mom, Dad and Janna drove over from Pittsburgh and we were also able to spend some time with Grant, Rachel and Eli.

It was busy weekend full of visiting and traveling around Chicago.  On Easter Sunday, Mom saved the day and accompanied our choir.  It was so nice to be with so many family members at church.

On Saturday a friend of ours gave us an opportunity to have a tour at the Museum of Science and Industry.

 Our guide let us experience the Vortex--we got as close as you can get!

He also took us to a 'tasting' lab where we experienced "Miracle Berries"

I love this picture of Grandpa reading to Hylie

Hylie, Dad and Mom experiencing 80 mph winds.  Hylie took it like a champ!

Mom and Dad treated us to a delicious dinner at Olive Garden to celebrate Dad's second retirement

Geoff chatting it up with Janna

Hylie's Easter Basket!  I was so excited to have finished all her sewing projects in time with her taggie bean bags and Easter Dress.

Hylie and Grandma Easter Morning

Nap Time

 Obviously we have too much time on our hands when Hylie's sleeping...

Toy Terror

For Christmas Grandma and Grandpa Nelson gave Hylie a Dinosaur Toy that popped out plastic balls and played music.  Sounds like a pretty exciting toy for a baby, right?  Well, unfortunately Hylie takes after her mom when it comes to being easily startled and scared of too many things.  I was wondering how she would respond to an animated toy, so back in February when she could actually sit up and play with it, I took a video.

That's right, she fell apart.  We kept trying to get her more acclimated to the toy by having her play with it when it wasn't turned on, but anytime that switch was flipped, she lost it.

But this past weekend, Eli came to the rescue and showed her how much fun it is to play with the friendly little dinosaur.  Thanks Eli!

Our Little Spring Chick

We're still waiting for Spring to actually spring around here.  We've had some beautiful sunny days, but temperatures are just hanging in the 40's.  I was hopeful to take these pictures outside, but didn't want Hylie's little nose to freeze.