My Poor Daughter

Any suggestions on how to do hair? I obviously have no idea what I'm doing.

Chicago Vacation

Last week Richard and I took our first vacation without children and it was wonderful! My sweet mother flew out to be the baby-sitter and we sure appreciated it. We didn't do anything big: with a small budget, limited time, and I will admit, this being our first time going away overnight, I didn't want to go too far. Anyway, Chicago was the perfect option for us. We spent three days away and came back rested, refreshed, and somewhat missing our children. :)

Richard got us a steal of a deal on our hotel using Priceline. We stayed at the Millennium Knickerbocker, a four star hotel right downtown for only $60 a night!

We visited the Museum of Contemporary Art. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought and found that some modern art really can be quite interesting. Here's the display outside the building.

Here's a picture of one of my favorite pieces. Peacock feathers!

And my least favorite. Art. Really?

They had a traveling exhibit on the top floor entitled, "Art, Love & Politics in the 1980s". This was actually pretty interesting and also somewhat disturbing at the same time. But, here's one display, sorry its blurry.


Each TV was playing a different station and over the top of each one in big, black, bold letters were written words like, "Self-censorship", "People with Aids". Richard noticed that the TV on the top right was BYUTV! It reads, "No Criticism". Made us chuckle.

I had to take a picture of this. This was great! But, what was it doing in this museum? I think it was misplaced.

On our way out we stopped in the gift shop and found this great literary work.

We also ate on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building. I loved it! Richard, not so much. As many of you know, Richard is terrified of heights, but he was actually the one who suggested this idea. I was so proud of him! But, as our reservation time got closer, Richard got more and more nervous. Here we are waiting for the elevator to take us up 95 floors! I love Richard's expression. :)

And here I am at our table. It was all Richard could do to take this picture. We were at a table with four chairs. I sat right by the window and Richard sat on the other side at the far chair. He wanted to be as close to the middle of the room as possible.

Here are the views from up there. It was a cloudy day, but probably better for Richard. They said that on a clear day you can see four states.


One last picture, that's a tall, tall building!

We also walked up and down the Magnificent Mile every day going into just about every store. But, we did what some would claim to be impossible, we only spent $5 there! I have friends who are shocked at this, but its true, we left with a $5 Garfield shirt for Marshall from H&M. :)

It sure was nice to get away and just enjoy each other without kids to take care of. Thanks again to my wonderful mom for coming; we appreciate it and we love you!

Ah...I'm already planning our next kid-free getaway. :)

Visit From Grandma Laura

We were lucky enough to have a visit this last week from my dear mother. She flew out here one day post-stomach flu and took care of our kids for three days so Richard and I could have a little getaway. More on that little trip later, but for now, here are some pictures from her visit.

Marshall adores Grandma Laura. He woke up at 5:45 am the day she arrived and was bouncing off the walls until we left for the airport at 1:30 that afternoon. Let's just say it was a long morning for me and we were both glad to have some Grandma Laura time.

The next day was Valentine's. We all slept in, had a hot breakfast, and exchanged some little presents before Richard and I took off.

Marshall has the craziest smiles.

While Richard and I were gone my mom ventured out with the kids to the library and to playgroup. She did a great job keeping them entertained and on the go.


The day after Richard and I got home my mom and I took the kids to Monkey Joe's and spent our afternoon making cookies. A perfect day.

Marshall is looking way too old for my liking.


Look at that face, just put a hearty belly laugh with this grin. Love it.

Thanks for the visit Grandma Laura; we love you!

A Trip To The Dells

A few weeks ago I was ambitious and threw my kids in the car on a Saturday afternoon (sans Richard who was working) and drove two hours to the Wisconsin Dells for a 30th birthday party bash for my dear friend Karisa.

Marshall had the time of his life. Can you tell?!

Bridget, on the other hand, not so much. This came as a huge surprise to me as this girl would play in the bathtub all day if we let her. Maybe she takes after her dad.

It was such a fun, fun evening. We went to Kalahari, that is one huge and amazing indoor water park. (I am currently in the process of talking my family into a mini-family reunion there this summer!)

We partied hard with swimming, lots of water slides, and dinner; all in honor of the big 3-0 for Karisa! Those McAllisters sure know how to throw a party!

Marshall is still talking about this fun adventure. Just today he said, "Next time we can take Daddy with us to that huge water park." Yes, that is definitely the plan. Get ready Richard!

Thanks McAllisters for such a fun evening!