Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Our long weekend is so needed and already off to a good start! We kicked off the start of summer with a trip to the dog park and river so Layla could go swimming. But, as our Friday night winds down, we are both so tired from a week full of walks to the park, big-boy food feeding sessions and more that curling up to a movie is just what we need.

Here are some shots from our week:

Milestones

It was a weekend full of milestones. We said hello to those two teeth that have been giving our boy fevers, sleepless nights and drool-filled shirts. Ethan has been busy testing out his voice with all kinds of squeals and sounds, but we finally got the much awaited full on laugh. It was great and we can't get enough. And finally, after two weeks of rice cereal, Ethan embraced the taste of applesauce, which went all too well. Next up, sweet potatoes.

May 17

May 17th. Fabulous May 17th. Five years we have been married....ten if you count dating. That's a long time that has gone by at lighting speed.

I think for the most part, we agree that life is like we thought it would be so many years ago, though we probably wouldn't have guessed we would be living in Minnesota, but would have guessed that by now we would have had least one baby. I think what we are surprised about is we still travel a lot, but don't see friends as much and we talk about poop entirely too much. (If you have children, you know what I'm talking about)

So to my beloved...I could not imagine exploring this thing we call life with anyone else. Over five years ago you became my true north - my compass that would always show my heart the way home. Today, you are still very much my true north with an added bonus of an amazing little man who makes my heart burst with love, joy and pride. I love you and I love our life together.

Ode to Mom

They say you learn by example and in my case I was lucky enough to watch my Mom in action for many, many years. Somehow she always had the drive and the energy to make my childhood fun and memorable.
Thanks Mom. You're the greatest and Ethan is so lucky to have you as a Grandma.

The San Francisco King!

Mike and Ethan met me in San Francisco after my event last week. San Fran is my very favorite city so I was so happy to spend 4.5 extra days there with my family. Of course, us being us, packed in a million trillion things into our days and sometimes forgot we have an infant that needs his schedule. He did great on the plane rides, sleeping in a weird place, and even dealt with the hills, winds, sun, and walking...lots of walking.

It was a great trip; we visited the wharf, rode the famous carousel at Pier 39, saw the seals in the bay, saw Alcatraz, ate fresh seafood, walked in Golden Gate Park, shopped...the list goes on...

When we did arrive back home, I must say I was glad to be home. It's been a busy 3 weeks, and it's not ending...my Mom arrives tonight to spend Mother's Day with us!!

The boats in the bay
Riding the carousel
Fisherman's Wharf
The rock!

Ethan got out his inner hippie as I hit the vintage stores of Haight Ashbury. We walked a bit in Golden Gate Park, but the wind was roaring and it was chilly. We also stopped by 710 Ashbury: Jerry's Garcia's house.

Sweet Home Chicago

The last couple weeks have been a whirlwind! We closed April with a much needed visit home. As are most of our visits, we were busy going from place to place, with lots to see and do.

We started off visiting Auntie Cissy, Aaron and Elena.

This was the first time the cousins met, and everyone had a great time.
Elena loved Ethan and they both share a common love for Spongebob!

The next night, Mike and I were able to enjoy an "adult" night as well as a full nights sleep thanks to my Mom for babysitting. Ethan had lots of visitors, and fun as all eyes and attention were on him.

Playing with Grampa:

Meeting Great Grampa and smiling away!
Four generations, how great.
It's not Chicago without Jake and Elwood.

We're Back...

We've been to Chicago and San Francisco...lots of updates and photos to come, but isn't this so cute?