Memorial Day at the Lake

Uncle Anthony, Addie's Godfather, was in Chicago for Memorial Day so we had a weekend full of events with Dan's family. Friday night the boys and Grammy and Grampa were able to see the Blackhawks beat the Redwings in hockey. Quite a game - and evidence the Hawks are going to be good for years to come.

Saturday morning we headed to Michigan to Dan's parents' lake house. While it was beautiful out, a crisp 75 degrees, the water was a little too cold for swimming. However, Miss Addie did not seem to notice. She played on the shore of the lake for hours - digging up sand and placing it in her bucket; "tap tap" tapping her shovel to get the sand off; and floating around in her yellow innertube. Once again, we have proof she loves the water!

The boys had a good time challenging each other in ladder ball. While I only took pictures on Satuday, when Dan and Pete were victorious, I can attest to the fact that Matt and Anthony were the victors on Sunday. They are very competitive, which is fun for spectators!

All in all, it was a relaxing two days at the lake, and a great start to summer!

Addie's BFF

My best friend from Notre Dame Maureen and I have luckily shared a lot over the past 11 years. We both lived in the cutest dorm Badin. We were roommates at a house a stone's throw away from our favorite bar Corby's. We both moved to Chicago two years after college graduation. We both married guys from our brother dorm Carroll. And we were both blessed with first-born daughters.

This has also luckily given Addie a friend for the past year. In fact it is so cute now because Addie can say "Evie" and the other day when Maureen and Evie came over, we swear Evie was saying "Addie" Despite being six months apart, the two get along famously.

As you can see from the photos, I bought a $7 plastic pool from BabiesRUs, and Evie came over to enjoy the warmth and sunshine with Addie. The two had a wonderful time - splashing each other and playing around. I'm so happy summer is finally on it's way!

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!