Grammy and Pappy's Visit

We enjoyed a wonderful visit from Geoff's parents, Grammy and Pappy.  While they were here we had a great experience at the Lincoln Park Zoo, dined on some great Chicago food, the girls experienced the "El" train for the first time, explored Millennium Park, and we were just thrilled to be together and catch up.  It truly was a delight!

Eliana meeting Grammy and Pappy for the first time:

Excited to be experiencing a train!

But, the excitement wore off quickly...

 This picture makes me giggle every time!  Maybe we hyped up the train ride a little too much for Hylie, but she certainly was observant during her commute.  As we were leaving the train station, I heard Hylie spouting off street names in Chicago.  When I asked her where she heard all that, she said, "That's what the train said."  When I asked her what else the train said, she quickly quipped, "Doors open on the left at Addison."  Ha ha!

Enjoying the city skyline from the Lincoln Park Zoo 

Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean") at Millennium Park

A new play area is under construction at Millennium Park.  Some of the play zones were open for play, so we had to venture in and see how things were coming along.  I have a feeling we'll be looking for excuses to come back--what a park!

 The slides were extremely impressive--and fast!  Geoff had to sweet talk Hylie down, but once she got the hang of it, she sure enjoyed the ride!

 Check out this slide wide enough for the whole family to enjoy!

Geoff wasn't about to leave without trying the tallest and fastest slide on the lot...

He made it down with grace and speed!

 Thanks again, Grammy and Pappy, for the fun time and special memories!

Mother's Day 2015

How grateful and blessed I am to have the opportunity to be a mother.  I have two beautiful girls and a loving and supportive husband who bring smiles and laughter to me every day.

However, my blessings of mother started the day I was born to my wonderful Mom.  She always puts her children first, without complaint.  When I think of all the things each of her six children were involved in growing up, I stand back in awe at how she was able to support each and every one of us by attending ball games, taking us to lessons, helping us with papers, applauding us at recitals and concerts, writing my brothers on missions, learning new skills and needs for Janna, and being there to listen, teach, and watch out for us.  I don't know how she kept up with everything, but I didn't ever run out of clean underwear, always had a lunch at school, and we were always on time for church.  She continues to be such a wonderful and supportive mother through calls and video chats, visiting as often as possible, and making sure all her grandkids get spoiled to the max.  I sure love you, Mom and am tremendously blessed because of all you do and who you are.

Truly, I am the luckiest gal in the world.

Grandma's Done It Again!

Guess who got another beautiful princess dress made by Grandma?

Hylie was even MORE excited when she saw her little sister got a matching dress to wear with her!

Eliana's Blessing Day

On Sunday May 3rd, Eliana Grace received a beautiful blessing from her father.   She was blessed to be a peacemaker, to be knowledgeable, a friend, and missionary as well as gain a testimony through the Holy Ghost.

During the blessing, Hylie was sitting on my lap but slid down before it was over.  I peaked over to see her quietly walk up to the circle of priesthood brethren holding Eliana and peered between two Elders to see where her little sister was.  It was a sweet moment I hope to always remember.

I am so grateful for the priesthood power on earth.  I am blessed to have a loving husband who honors his priesthood covenants and takes his role of father with love and firm commitment.

Grandma, Grandpa, and Janna's Visit

Grandma, Grandpa and Janna came over for a visit this weekend, and as always, they weren't here long enough!

We enjoyed beautiful weather, went to Chicago's famous "Walker Brothers" for some yummy breakfast, played at the park, and just enjoyed visiting with one another.

Janna experiencing her first German Pancake 

Once Hylie finished devouring her breakfast, she started working on Dad's! 

 Guess who forgot to pack a hat?

 

Loving some chocolate covered strawberries!

And reading with Grandpa

Dad didn't leave without helping with some projects around the house.  He hung a new steel door for our garage (to replace the inside door that *surprisingly* didn't hold up to the weather well) and helped Geoff build and install our raised garden bed.  Thanks, Dad!

Eliana - 5 months

Eliana is becoming quite the chatter box.  Most of the time it is extremely cute--unless it's 3:30 AM and you really just want to sleep.  Ha ha!  Lately, Eliana has not been sleeping well in her crib.  She'll nurse in the middle of the night, fall asleep, but when I put her back in her crib she wakes up and just starts talking up a storm.  I usually can't fall back asleep as she spouts her soulful sonnets, so I usually give in and go back to hold her.  In just a few minutes she is out again, but then the whole routine starts over the second I put her back in her crib.  Hmmm...who needs sleep anyways?

Eliana is also getting more giggly and aware of her surroundings.  She's started grabbing at things and even gets a few things to her mouth from time to time--that is if her two little fingers aren't already there!  She's also found a taste for knuckles and will gnaw on anyone's hands that are near.  With the warmer weather coming around, Eliana's also showing a liking for the great outdoors!