The windy city...

I had a great time in Chicago! Had no idea it was such a beautiful city! Spent the weekend hanging out with my friend, Annette, who lives in Illinois. She was a great tour guide...even if she was completely dependent on her GPS! We saw "Jersey Boys" on Broadway, attended the Scentsy World Tour, shopped, and chatted, chatted, chatted!!

This is a statue inspired from the painting "American Gothic". You can't tell from the picture but it is HUGE.

We were surrounded by stunning archetecture.

The ceiling of a resturant

We spotted these little puffball gooselings at the condo where we were staying. They were soooo cute! I tried to get close, but goosey here on the left kept sqwaking at me and I was afraid he was going to peck me to death.

And the food...

to die for Chicago style pizza!

everything we ate in Chicago tasted amazing!!

freckles...

I love their noses and cheeks of freckles...it makes their faces taste so much better when you kiss them.

Thank goodness they didn't get my ocean of freckles, but were blessed with just a sampling.

*Just a side note...

Yes, this is what I've been doing during Spring Break...taking pictures. It's not all bad for the kids though...we've gone to see Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D, ordered pizza, played Picturequa, played in the snow, had piano lessons, visited friends, and avoided cleaning (just ask Alex). I should be packing for my trip to Chicago tomorrow, but what's the rush?...

two hours later...

Created by elli

Oh, I looked out the window...

I've seen snow in April, but...

this is CrAzY!

At least Molly and Zelda are loving it!

Easter fun at Grandma's...

We had a great time Saturday at the annual easter egg hunt at Grandma Lynda's house. Nothing better than spending time with family! We shared good food, company, and laughs .

And off they go...

Ryker

Troy and Erin

Elli.

Maybe she doesn't know that her eyes could get stuck that way...

Lauryn

Colby and Riley

Troy

Christian

Rachel and Ryker

Ben and Elli

Ryker

One big happy bunch!

Scott, Marie, Erin and Christian

Alex, me, Rachel, Elli and Ben

Taylor, Amy, Riley, Lauryn, Colby and Troy

Jordan

Brett, Candace and Ryker

The sister-in-laws

Marie, Candace, me, and Amy

Alex and Erin...ohhh...

The kids created a band and delighted us all with their loud talent...

Thanks, mom...

You're the greatest!!

A thing of beauty...

Who knew that 1/2 a wine barrel could make a person so happy... without the wine no less!

I fell in love with this the first time it caught my eye. Still deciding what to plant in it. Any suggestions?

Rachel's award...

Last year we were invited to the school to watch Rachel receive an award from her 3rd grade teacher. Alex and I sat with anticipation wondering what kind of recognition our daughter was soon to receive. Then it was announced... Rachel Roylance... "most improved behavior". We looked at each other and said, "is that an award?!" Seeing the smile on Rachel's face let us know that yes, it is indeed, an award. Not to mention, one that she worked hard for!

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Another invitation came last week. This year was bound to be different. As I waited in the auditorium, camera in hand, I found myself getting a little nervous. And then the announcement came. This award goes to...Rachel Roylance... for "improving work ethic". Yep, that is an award. She was thrilled. And so were we.

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