Chicago

PR and I had a day off together on Friday. That doesn't happen too often anymore. We made a quick trip to Chicago to visit Daniel and family.

A highlight was an outing to the Garfield Park Conservatory. A beautiful and relaxing place!
These azaleas descended from those at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
This one descended from Great-great Grandma Lily, who was born in 1893.

We got all rested up, and really enjoyed our time with Josiah and Ella.

Egg-nappers?

These guys were hiding out in my refrigerator, thinking all danger had passed. Somehow, some bandits in Oklahoma kidnapped them.

Check it out

Reiley Turns Four

Happy Birthday, Reiley!

Scooby-Doo cake

A two-wheeler!Don't forget the water bottle

I wonder what Karina is thinking...

Waiting for Daddy to bring home the balloonsFinally!More balloons.... and Lukie helping...

Uncle Mark, preparing the Scooby-Doo poster

Luke, waiting for the guests to arrive

Balloon timeMaking faces

Get all four of 'em, big boy

Kate helping with the wrapping paperMadison helping with the ribbons
Pinning the collar on Scooby-Doo

Reiley: "It even comes with its own pirate!"

Now, WHO would give a four-year-old a drum set?!!
(Papi and Vovo, guilty as charged)

Kate: "Papi, dance with me!"

Papi: "And Madison, too?"

"OK"

Now, that's a party!

Easter, 2004

Happy Birthday Reiley!

Can you really be 4 years old already?
We love you, buddy.

Going... going...

...but not fast enough.
My exciting life: watching the snow melt. Now, I don't want any of you "southerners" sending me pictures of your green grass and spring blooms. Deal?

Looks Who's Walking (Two)

Kate has decided that walking is fun!Let the games begin...

Josiah-ism

I just had to give you a good Josiah quote. Check it out over here.

Luke-ism

After a treat at Culvers, Jason went to pay the bill and Karina started getting the girls bundled up to leave. Two-year-old Luke marched up to Karina and declared, "Mommy, you have a violation! You're not ready to go." (Too much television?)