Monday, June 23, 2014
Mother's and Father's Day 2014
Both Geoff and I enjoyed celebrating Mother's and Father's Days this year. We are blessed with amazing parents who touch us every day with their love, guidance, patience, and support. We are also blessed to be parents ourselves and love watching Hylie grow and develop. She is such a gem in our lives and we hope she will be as excited as we are to welcome a new little one into our family at the end of the year!
Camping Trip June 2014
A couple of families in our ward decided to do another camping adventure and we all had so, so much fun! Everything was wonderful: the weather (sunny and in the 70's), the food, and the company!
Hylie sure enjoyed being outside and getting as dirty as possible. While Geoff and I were setting up the tent, Hylie kept gravitating towards the pile of ashes in the fire pit and playing in rocks and dirt. She was in heaven!
Hylie also enjoyed lounging in camp chairs and literally being spoon fed by everyone!
Hylie started with pants on, then we rolled them up, and then her jeans were so weighed down and soaked, we just decided to let her go pants-free.
We didn't get much rest that night. The air mattress we brought didn't like to stay inflated and Hylie woke up a little before 4 in the morning. I was able to get her back to sleep while I held her and sat on the ground. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep from that point on.
.JPG)
Hylie kept sneaking into the bag of marshmallows and eating away. I decided to let her experience a TOASTED marshmallow, but her face let us know pretty quick she really wasn't digging that camping treat. Ha ha!
We knew it was a successful camping adventure when Hylie was passed out minutes after getting in the car to head back home!
Hylie sure enjoyed being outside and getting as dirty as possible. While Geoff and I were setting up the tent, Hylie kept gravitating towards the pile of ashes in the fire pit and playing in rocks and dirt. She was in heaven!
Hylie also enjoyed lounging in camp chairs and literally being spoon fed by everyone!
Playgrounds are such a hit with this girl!
The beach was no disappointment, either!
Hylie started with pants on, then we rolled them up, and then her jeans were so weighed down and soaked, we just decided to let her go pants-free.
Hylie was spoiled by a bunch of the girls who made her a personal 'lake'.
We didn't get much rest that night. The air mattress we brought didn't like to stay inflated and Hylie woke up a little before 4 in the morning. I was able to get her back to sleep while I held her and sat on the ground. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep from that point on.
Geoff trying to catch a few more zzz's early in the morning. Aren't inflatable mattresses great?
But who needs sleep when you can have S'MORES!
Hylie kept sneaking into the bag of marshmallows and eating away. I decided to let her experience a TOASTED marshmallow, but her face let us know pretty quick she really wasn't digging that camping treat. Ha ha!
We knew it was a successful camping adventure when Hylie was passed out minutes after getting in the car to head back home!
Friday, June 13, 2014
Zoo Fail
One morning when my family was still in town, Mom and Dad slipped away to get to the temple. I decided this would be a great opportunity to take Hylie and Janna to the Lincoln Park Zoo.
We got there in good time and I went to the information center to find out where all the 'hands-on' exhibits were that Janna could experience. They let me know of an animal presentation at 11:00 and then of the petting farm at the other end of the zoo. At the animal presentation Janna and Hylie got to pet a little boxing turtle.
Working our way across the zoo wasn't the easiest. When Hylie was cooperative, she sat on Janna's lap...that didn't happen as often and I would have liked and a lot of the time was spent trying to hold a squirming Hylie while pushing Janna, or trying to convince Hylie to stay with us as we walked through the crowded zoo.
Finally we got to the farm area and I went into a big red barn building thinking it would house the animals to pet. It was a big interactive area for kids, so I let Hylie finally run free while I signed to Janna the information they had posted about hatching chicks.
Hylie was getting more and more ornery as we grew closer to lunch and nap-time, so I knew we had to act fast and get to the petting zoo. I asked a worker and she directed me to the correct building. We went in and all the animals were behind a double fence, not reachable to any guests. Confused, I asked a worker where we could pet the animals. He let me know it was here, but they won't open the animals for petting for another hour. The minute he told me that, I just started crying. I explained the main reason we came to the zoo was so my sister could pet the animals, but he claimed he could do nothing about it. I knew I couldn't stay another hour with Hylie's stubborn and tired temperament.
I continued to cry as I pushed Janna and held screaming Hylie through the zoo, back to where we parked. About half-way to our car, I was able to bribe Hylie to sit back on Janna's lap, making it MUCH easier to get through. Just before we exited the zoo I asked Janna if she would like to use the restroom, which she did. So I went into the building with the large "RESTROOM" sign posted on the front. I didn't see them anywhere, so I asked a worker for their location. He saw Janna's wheelchair and said, "Oh, the restrooms here aren't accessible. You'll have to go back to another building in the zoo." I was not impressed. Luckily, we were able to get to those restrooms, but I must say, after this experience, I'm going to need someone to really convince me to give Lincoln Park Zoo another try.
Janna was a trooper the entire time, but I can't wait for her to come back and visit so I can take her on some other, more successful, adventures!
We got there in good time and I went to the information center to find out where all the 'hands-on' exhibits were that Janna could experience. They let me know of an animal presentation at 11:00 and then of the petting farm at the other end of the zoo. At the animal presentation Janna and Hylie got to pet a little boxing turtle.
Working our way across the zoo wasn't the easiest. When Hylie was cooperative, she sat on Janna's lap...that didn't happen as often and I would have liked and a lot of the time was spent trying to hold a squirming Hylie while pushing Janna, or trying to convince Hylie to stay with us as we walked through the crowded zoo.
Finally we got to the farm area and I went into a big red barn building thinking it would house the animals to pet. It was a big interactive area for kids, so I let Hylie finally run free while I signed to Janna the information they had posted about hatching chicks.
Hylie was getting more and more ornery as we grew closer to lunch and nap-time, so I knew we had to act fast and get to the petting zoo. I asked a worker and she directed me to the correct building. We went in and all the animals were behind a double fence, not reachable to any guests. Confused, I asked a worker where we could pet the animals. He let me know it was here, but they won't open the animals for petting for another hour. The minute he told me that, I just started crying. I explained the main reason we came to the zoo was so my sister could pet the animals, but he claimed he could do nothing about it. I knew I couldn't stay another hour with Hylie's stubborn and tired temperament.
I continued to cry as I pushed Janna and held screaming Hylie through the zoo, back to where we parked. About half-way to our car, I was able to bribe Hylie to sit back on Janna's lap, making it MUCH easier to get through. Just before we exited the zoo I asked Janna if she would like to use the restroom, which she did. So I went into the building with the large "RESTROOM" sign posted on the front. I didn't see them anywhere, so I asked a worker for their location. He saw Janna's wheelchair and said, "Oh, the restrooms here aren't accessible. You'll have to go back to another building in the zoo." I was not impressed. Luckily, we were able to get to those restrooms, but I must say, after this experience, I'm going to need someone to really convince me to give Lincoln Park Zoo another try.
Janna was a trooper the entire time, but I can't wait for her to come back and visit so I can take her on some other, more successful, adventures!
While You Were Sleeping Tour
Originally, to put together this post I was going to play the "While You Were Sleeping" DVD in my computer and 'screen shot' the various scenes we visited in Chicago...but the DVD we own is not compatible with our computer (huh?) so I'm left to depend on pics other people have posted on the web...
Our first stop was the train station where Lucy worked. I was shocked to see they still had a booth! (Most CTA stations have vending machines and card readers, no one really mans a booth anymore.)
Pointing to where the tokens (and eventually engagement ring) were placed.
We then headed to the bridge where Lucy and her boss would go to get hot dogs.
I was quite disappointed that there were NO hot dog vendors to be found, but Geoff humored me and we went to a hot dog shop where I was able to order a hot dog with "just mustard". I giggled when they got my order wrong, which is what always happened in the movie!
Notice the remnants of ketchup on the hot dog bun? Yup, when the guy realized he got my order wrong, he just scraped off the incorrect ingredients and squirted on the mustard, ha ha!
Next, we went to the boardwalk where Jack and Lucy fell in love on their long, romantic walk back to her apartment. Geoff certainly did his research...when we were walking to our other various destinations around the river, I never saw a spot where you could walk right along the water...sure enough, Geoff led us right to the location!
I was nervous about our final destination: Lucy's apartment. As we were driving there I kept asking Geoff: what if they knocked the building down (the film was done 20 years ago!) or gated it so the public couldn't access the grounds? Well, none of my fears were realized and Geoff and I got to pose in the 'leaning scene' with Jack and Lucy! Oh, was I giddy!
I was even able to convince Geoff to 're-enact' the slipping on ice scene before we left.
Thanks, Geoff, for the best birthday adventure! It was so wonderful to spend this fun afternoon with you.
Visit from Dad, Mom, and Janna
At the beginning of June we were lucky to have Mom, Dad, and Janna join us for a week. Most of Dad's visit was spent working around the house...I hope that won't be the case in any future visit! But the work he did is absolutely wonderful and much appreciated.
He gutted out our entire mud room and left us with: closets properly framed, put up new (and in-tact) paneling, installed a gorgeous ceiling, trimmed everything up perfectly, and pulled wires through the wall that previously were just exposed conduit. We now get to paint and do a few finishing touches, so pictures of our new mud room will be revealed upon completion. :)
Other projects Dad accomplished included: installing better air in- and out-take pipes to our heater so during bitter winters the air intake doesn't freeze over, installing a bathroom pedestal sink, patching up areas of dry wall, fitting vent covers, trimming a pesky gap in our basement where the ceiling and wall met, and installing a check-valve in our floor drain. Did I mention Dad was busy?
We made him stop one afternoon so we could treat the family to lunch at Texas De Brazil, a Brazilian Steakhouse. We ate a lot of yummy food (aka meat) and walked away with full and happy tummies. (Don't worry, they had a pretty fantastic salad bar that Janna was able to enjoy!)
While they were here I got to celebrate my 35th birthday. What a treat it was to be surrounded by more family! Mom made yummy taco salad for dinner--my favorite! We all gobbled that down and then I had to head out to help run a mutual activity at church. When I got back, Hylie was in bed, but we went ahead and had some delicious strawberry shortcake for dessert.
That night we all sat down to watch my favorite chick-flick: "While You Were Sleeping". I can't tell you how much I love that movie and now I love it even more because later that week, Geoff took the day off so he could take me to different sites of Chicago where the movie was filmed! Aaah! I was giddy about this adventure for weeks when Geoff told me his plan. It was such a wonderful trip--thanks to Mom and Dad for watching Hylie so we could enjoy our time downtown. Warning: next post is going to be pretty cheesy!
Hylie had a lot of fun with Grandma. On Sunday afternoon, Hylie snuggled up next to Grandma and listened to her read story after story. After the family left on Monday, Hylie heard the door open when Geoff came home from work. Normally, when Geoff comes home I ask Hylie, "Guess who's here?" This time, instead of saying "Daddy", she said "Grandma?" We all miss them so and are looking forward to seeing them in July!
He gutted out our entire mud room and left us with: closets properly framed, put up new (and in-tact) paneling, installed a gorgeous ceiling, trimmed everything up perfectly, and pulled wires through the wall that previously were just exposed conduit. We now get to paint and do a few finishing touches, so pictures of our new mud room will be revealed upon completion. :)
Other projects Dad accomplished included: installing better air in- and out-take pipes to our heater so during bitter winters the air intake doesn't freeze over, installing a bathroom pedestal sink, patching up areas of dry wall, fitting vent covers, trimming a pesky gap in our basement where the ceiling and wall met, and installing a check-valve in our floor drain. Did I mention Dad was busy?
We made him stop one afternoon so we could treat the family to lunch at Texas De Brazil, a Brazilian Steakhouse. We ate a lot of yummy food (aka meat) and walked away with full and happy tummies. (Don't worry, they had a pretty fantastic salad bar that Janna was able to enjoy!)
While they were here I got to celebrate my 35th birthday. What a treat it was to be surrounded by more family! Mom made yummy taco salad for dinner--my favorite! We all gobbled that down and then I had to head out to help run a mutual activity at church. When I got back, Hylie was in bed, but we went ahead and had some delicious strawberry shortcake for dessert.
That night we all sat down to watch my favorite chick-flick: "While You Were Sleeping". I can't tell you how much I love that movie and now I love it even more because later that week, Geoff took the day off so he could take me to different sites of Chicago where the movie was filmed! Aaah! I was giddy about this adventure for weeks when Geoff told me his plan. It was such a wonderful trip--thanks to Mom and Dad for watching Hylie so we could enjoy our time downtown. Warning: next post is going to be pretty cheesy!
Hylie had a lot of fun with Grandma. On Sunday afternoon, Hylie snuggled up next to Grandma and listened to her read story after story. After the family left on Monday, Hylie heard the door open when Geoff came home from work. Normally, when Geoff comes home I ask Hylie, "Guess who's here?" This time, instead of saying "Daddy", she said "Grandma?" We all miss them so and are looking forward to seeing them in July!
Our Little Thumb-Sucker
At the end of May I went to the doctors for some standard pregnancy screening. We were grateful to hear that our little one is coming along healthy and strong. The doctor working the ultrasound asked how sure I was of the due date and stated that because of how far along and how big this baby was, she was going to recommend to my OB that the due date be moved up. A few hours later I got a call from Dr. Drachler and he let me know I'm no longer due on December 4th, but November 25th! I'll take it!
We also found out that we have a serious thumb-sucker on our hands!
Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar?
I had made a batch of cookies for a Young Women event, and the next morning Hylie was pretty quick about finding the leftovers while my back was turned!
I found it quite amusing that Hylie had to take a bite out of EACH one, instead of just gobbling an entire cookie...
I found it quite amusing that Hylie had to take a bite out of EACH one, instead of just gobbling an entire cookie...
ABC Park
Just to prove we're not ALL work, here are some shots of Hylie busy at her favorite park. We're lucky to live just a few blocks from this fun place and any time I ask Hylie if she wants to go to the park, she lights up and gets so excited to head out to what she calls the "ABC Park".
Afterwards it's cute because for the rest of the day she'll talk about "Hylie swingin'" or "boy in the sand" (she rarely talks about playing with the other girls...only the boys!) or "Hylie in the tunnel". We're glad she likes the park so much and it's fun to watch her get more and more brave at each visit and try to do different things on her own.
Afterwards it's cute because for the rest of the day she'll talk about "Hylie swingin'" or "boy in the sand" (she rarely talks about playing with the other girls...only the boys!) or "Hylie in the tunnel". We're glad she likes the park so much and it's fun to watch her get more and more brave at each visit and try to do different things on her own.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)