Labor Day Weekend in Chicago

We all needed to get away, and we did! I left the computer at home, and Pete booked a great rate at the Chicago Hilton & off we were to Chicago. We left Friday night, and we didn't make it to our room until midnight (the kids pretty much slept the whole way). Jo got a little stir crazy right before we hit the city, so I was in a very uncomfortable position while I kept my hand on her right arm (that was the only thing that kept her from screaming).

On Saturday,we went to Shedd Aquarium which we all agreed is an amazing place! The picture below is in front of the statue which Rosie & Anna thought was so cool. We couldn't use the flash inside but we saw everything: Kimodo Dragon, dolphin show, Beluga whales, sharks (Anna's favorite), turtles, seahorses, & much more. The dolphin show has the most amazing view of the lake - it is so incredible - I just wanted to sit there & look out the windows all day. We also had the best weekend to visit Chicago - sunny & warm & perfect. We did a lot of walking!!!

Who loves Mickey Mouse???

Jo loves Mickey Mouse (I wonder why?) She has to sleep on a certain blanket with Mickey Mouse, and if she sees Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, she starts dancing. Pete caught it in tape finally. She is so darn funny! Also, when Pete changes diapers, he NEVER puts their bottoms back on. I have no idea why.

Jo has also moved classrooms at her daycare. She is now in the Blueberry Room (appropriate for her since she lives on blueberries!) I will miss Margaret & Becky in the Apple Room so much. They were awesome teachers, but it was time to move on. Jo is doing great, but she is exhausted at night. Only one nap now & she pretty much falls asleep at lunchtime. I remember Anna doing the same thing when she was 1 year old & moved classes. My kids like their sleep!

Is that Nastia or Shawn Johnson?

I forgot to mention that Rosie finished the summer at the St. Louis Gym Centre camp. She had a great time, but she did tell me on the side that she missed Anna. I knew it!!! She said that there were a lot of things they did that Anna would have enjoyed. Anyway, the week went by very quickly - Anna had a 9th grader watch her at home. They walked to lots of places by our house & did tons of artwork. All in all, a good week for the girls!

Rosie after her show with her "sparkles." She can almost do a walkover & can't wait to do a back flip without any help. We're very proud of her & I love her confidence she continues to gain in all she does.

Back to School

Rosie & Anna started school on Wednesay, and I am just now getting around to posting these pics. We had a special sign on our lawn, and Anna was very excited to see it. She attended pre-K at St. MM, so she wasn't very nervous at all. She is really reading well and as you can imagine, wants to be reading the same books Rosie is reading. All in due time is what I tell her. No competition at all with my daughters! Our 3rd Grader & Kindergartner Back in 2005 on Rosie's 1st Day of Kindergarten
One more week & then the soft cast is only needed for sports. She may be able to do gymnastics when the new session starts. That puts an even bigger smile on her face!

Daddy with his girls

Caught them being goofy on the couch - it was too cute to not post!

No more cast for Anna

Yesterday, Anna had her cast completely taken off! She is very happy, and she has to wear a soft cast for one week. Each week for the next 3 weeks, she gets to wear it less & less. The best thing is that she can officially play soccer next week. We also organized closets, rooms & basically got ready for school starting on Wednesday. It has been too long since we just stayed home all day, and I had put some organizing on hold for most of the summer. I have lots more to do, but it helped to work on it all day long. Threw out & gave away lots of stuff to the Goodwill. The kids are going to Mary's for Monday & Tuesday - her sitter will watch them along with their cousins. They are very excited to be with Caty all day. Well, I better get back to my chores.....

Back to the grind

Back to work & back to our last camp before school starts next Wednesday. Soccer practice starts on Wednesday for Rosie, and Pete is coaching her. I am the information messenger for him because he is the worst about disseminating info to the parents. Soccer for Anna starts on Thursday nights, and I am just assisting with her team on game days. Pete & I take turns with sports because someone needs to be with Jo! Soccer is not my sport anyway, so it works out well.

On Sunday, we had a pickup soccer game with Drew, Ian, Paul, Gabby, Rosie & Anna. Anna should not have been playing with her broken wrist, and at one point, Drew stole the ball from her & she fell on her elbow. She was fine, thank goodness. I don't know why we let her play but how do you stop them?

Most of the weekend was spent watching the OLYMPICS! We love them and how exciting was the men's relay last night???? Pete & I were screaming for USA & they beat France. GO USA! I'm addicted to TV for 2 weeks - it's the only time that I don't mind the TV on for most of the day.