Uncle David's Graduation Weekend

My youngest brother David graduated from Saint Louis University this Spring. The entire family, and a lot of our extended family, traveled to Saint Louis to celebrate. It is still hard for me to believe that my baby brother David is entering the working world. I remember vividly when he was born!

Addie did well on the trip to Missouri, despite a nearly 2-hour flight delay that forced us to arrive after 11 pm. Of course she didn't sleep a wink on the plane! David did a great job of planning the weekend - picking restaurants and activities that would be fun for us all to do.

One of the highlights was a restaurant located right on a large lake in Saint Louis' version of Central Park. The lake had beautiful ducks that were quite friendly and up for feeding. Addie wanted to jump right in after her new friends, but luckily Papa held her back!

Addie also enjoyed an Italian dinner on "The Hill." As you can see from the photos, she helped her self quite nicely to a full plate of spaghetti!

All in all, it was a really nice weekend and a tribute to both David's hard work and my parents' generosity. Four children through college - I guess now they will be able to spend money where they want instead of always saving for us!

Addie gets a cousin!

My sister Elizabeth is due with her first child July 12th. I cannot wait for Addie to have a first cousin to play with!

Elizabeth's in-laws threw her a duck-themed baby shower that Addie and I were able to attend. Addie enjoyed all the ducks - and was quacking the entire time she spent in doors. Luckily Papa JR was there to take Addie for long stroll during the gift opening. I'm not sure she could have sat still that long!

Addie loved the cheese ravioli served for lunch and she (and I!) also enjoyed all the delicious desserts on hand for the day. It was exciting to watch Elizabeth open all the little onsies and newborn equipment. It will be a lot of fun to have a brand-new baby around this summer!

Derby Day!

While Addie did attend her Aunt Elizabeth's Annual Derby Party last year, this year she got to enjoy the festivities a lot more. She was able to sip on Winchester, Kentucky's own soft drink Ale-8 One, play bags with her Papa and Uncle Matt, and eat all the wonderful food prepared by her Godmother. Although she didn't win (and neither did Dan or I) any of the money from the $1, $5, or $10 horse pools, it was still an exciting race, and a fun day had by all!

Easter 2009

I find myself apologizing yet again for a rather late post. I am not sure how two weeks have passed since Easter and I have yet to write about the occasion!

We spent Easter here in Chicago with Dan's family. His brother Pete was in from Butler University in Indianapolis, along with his girlfriend Dana. Everyone came into the city on Saturday to our house for lunch, cooking baking and playing with Miss Addison. On Sunday, we headed out to Darien for lunch, and then went to Dan's Great Auntie Jo's for dessert. All in all, a busy but fun weekend.

On Sunday after lunch, Addie participated in her first real Easter egg hunt, and you can see from the video, she did quite well! We were all amazed how she was able to find colorful egg after colorful egg, and place them right into her basket. She even carried the quite heavy basket all herself!

Her favorite gift from the weekend was a large stuffed bunny from my Uncle Jim. As you can see from the photos, Addie loved to give the bunny hugs. She was sad to see him be put away with the rest of the Easter decorations, but alas I'm sure will be so excited for his return next year!

Fun in the Florida Sun!

Dan, Addie and I were very fortunate to take a mini-family vacation last week to Clearwater, Florida. Thanks to Uncle Matt, we stayed in a hotel right on the beach. It was a nice hotel, with beautiful views, great pools, and easy access to restaurants. We had a very relaxing trip.

Addie loved the pool and the sand - as you can see from the videos below. She adjusted quite well to sleeping in the hotel room with Dan and I - we were even able to watch March Madness and play cards as she slept.

It wasn't fun returning back to Chicago and 38 degrees, but I feel Spring and Summer must be right around the corner. There are lots of videos below - I hope you enjoy!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Finally we are getting a wonderful taste of Spring in Chicago. Today it was beautiful. Low 70s. Sunny. A warm breeze.

Addie and I took a walk to the park. It is so funny now that she can actually do the walking herself. Of course even a small trip can become a long journey as she stops to pick up every leaf, smell every flower, and kick every pebble. But as nice as it was out today, I didn't care at all!

I'm posting a few pictures of her in a her St. Patrick's Day green. Tomorow we're headed to Clearwater, FL for a mini-Spring Break. I can't wait!

Visiting Mimi and Papa JR in the Bluegrass!

I was lucky enough to be able to spend a entire week in Kentucky with Addie at the end of February. I never let myself think about missing home, but when I'm there, everything seems so relaxing and comforting. There truly is no place like home.

Addie and I mostly just hung out with Mimi and Papa, although we did have some fun excursions as well. Mimi took Addie shopping for some "gymnastics clothes" and she got two cute and very functional outfits for Spring. One day it was in the 70s, so Addie and I ventured with Papa down to the River Cabin and then to Boonesborough for some time at the park. Addie still loves the swings, and now can't get enough of the slide. Dan flew in on Friday night and we were able to watch Kentucky in an incredible game against LSU. Of course the Cats didn't earn the W, but it was quite an electrifying atmosphere at Rupp Arena.

All in all - both Addie and I had an adjustment period upon return to the Windy City. In fact Addie was so out of sorts, I took her to the doctor assuming she had an ear infection or a molar coming in. After a thorough check-up, the Doctor found nothing was wrong. "Has something changed in her environment lately?" the doctor asked. I explained our week-long trip to the Grandparents. "Well maybe she is fussy because she just misses Kentucky," the doctor concluded. So that was that - I guess it's safe to say we both enjoyed ourselves!

Addie gained some new favorites in Kentucky, too. Mimi gave her a little doll and Addie is obsessed. She loves to feed her a bottle, and is constantly giving her hugs and love pats. It is so cute! Her second favorite - Mimi and Papa's cats, Snuggles and Cuddles. I am posting some videos of her interactions with the cats. It was hilarious to see how excited she was for the little furry ones. Finally, from the pictures you can see that Addie loves Papa JR's pizza just as much as her Mom! With no meat, it made eating on a Friday in Lent quite a treat!