Hello Summer!

We wasted no time with First Grade ending to getting on the road to start our summer vacation!  Jackson had a great year in First Grade with Mrs. Chapman :)

We picked Jackson up just a smidge early from school on the last day and headed for Evanston!  We were in a bit of a hurry to get there, because Larry, Michelle, and Madelyn were already there for a wedding!  We wanted to hang out with them as much as possible over the weekend while they were in town.

 Larry and me in our matching "Gilmore Girls" tshirts under the Northwestern Arch :)

We got to babysit Madelyn while Larry and Michelle went to the wedding they were in town for, walk around Northwestern's pretty campus (and grab some caches while we were there), eat at Herm's and some other fun spots, visit the Custer Street fair with the three cousins which was always one of my favorite things to do to start summer, play at the playground and celebrate Father's Day with three AWESOME dads!!! 

Post-Thanksgiving Hanging Out

A wee bit belated, but we gave Ellie her birthday present--it's more fun to give gifts in person :)

That helmet looks too good on him... :/

"Helping" Ellie check out her new present...

This could be dangerous...!

Such fun friends!  

Fitting in a little make-up school work with Bampa

High five!

Playing one of their favorite special games that Bampa keeps at his house :)

Oh my, Jackson just LOVES hanging with Madelyn!

Tummy time for all!

I love this baby girl!

Smiley snuggles

Nothing like watching TV and holding a baby

Jackson and Madelyn :)

Both the picture above and below tell how much fun we had--it was a tired ride home...

Thanksgiving 2015

We had a lovely Thanksgiving with our newest family member!  We spent the day cooking, watching football, snuggling, reading, and EATING!

A little football viewing...

Silly times with Uncle Josh!

In our family, we also add baked salami to the menu!  It's a favorite of Larry's, and the rest of us think it's tasty too.  Each

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Our selection of desserts: Pumpkin Pie, Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chip Pie and Browned Butter and Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Requested by and made just for Larry :)

Enjoying Cousin Life!

Madelyn is a casual observer for her first viewing of Pancakes with Bampa!
 

Maybe next time she can stand on her own stool...

  

Pouring...

  

 And, that was just too exciting to stay awake for!

  

Mixing...

  

Whisking...

  

 Cheese!

  

 Kisses while waiting for pancakes

  

And, some smiles too!

  

I just loved watching these two together!

  

Jackson had a GREAT time making up football plays with this bucket of guys!

 

 After lunch, it was time to head to Madelyn's Meet and Greet for local friends!  It was really fun to visit with lots of people at once who we like to see when we're in town!  There was yummy food, good chats and some gifts...like this gigantic giraffe!

  

Madelyn, meet Sophie!

 

 Michelle wins Best Aunt Award, hands down!  The boys were up early, as usual.  Not only did she take them off to the playground to enjoy the new snow that fell, but she wrapped Madelyn up too and took her with on the adventure as well! 

  

After playing in the snow, Jackson helped Mimi put together the playmat for Madelyn.

She loved it!

In the evening, we headed to Auntie Abbey's house to visit with her, Uncle Dan, Auntie Kelly and Auntie Dale, and to play with Rylie, Brooklyn and Max!

Our kiddo photo keeps getting bigger!!!

Good morning!

Graham (almost 3 1/2), Madelyn (2 months) and Jackson (7)

My lucky charm for Ticket to Ride...!