Catch up, BIG TIME.

So we've been up to a lot since August.  I got so far behind on posting that this is a smash up of all the highlights....kinda:)

Daddy and the kids playing the piano together.....one of the kids favorite pastimes lately.

 (this is all out of order, so i appologize, but bear with me) in September we went to the Clayton Art Fair and picked up a few new pieces for our walls.....Alicia LeChance....we love her stuff.

 We all went down to Forest Park for a picnic dinner and for the Balloon Glow.

 We didn't stay for the balloon glow though, there were too many flashing lights....not good for epilepsy, and plus the kids were falling asleep....well, really just Ainsley.

 I had a friend have an awesome baby clothing sale at her house and got lots of adorable stuff for Ainsley.  Before this sale I was fearful she'd just always be mistaken for a boy in Finn's old clothes.  Now she has some dresses, pink and purple:)

 She was very excited. AHHHH!

 our little monkey.

 Falling asleep in the car is her MO.

 or stealing Finn's helmet.

 asleep again.  teething has put her in a place of refusing to nap and then sleeping everywhere but her crib....it's still cute at this age:)

 Enjoying some of the warmer days in the sandbox.

 Enjoying the front porch sitting after a long morning at school.

 AHHH! again. We think this is her favorite face to make.  it's a good one, it makes you smile, or say AHHH...future dentist?

 I love when Finn laughs, it's a full face participation laugh, from his eyes to his mouth.

More sandbox.

Patrick and his buddies (Sam and Andy) participated in the MS 150 in Columbia this year.  Good work, and well done.  I think they might still be waddling around after that one.  But they plan to do it again next year if you want to donate:)

so it's been what over a month since we've posted....sorry. life got away from us, in a good way.

Patrick and I made it to Chicago for our (early) 5 year Anniversary trip.

Here's some cool street art that Patrick found in an alley.  We saw a documentary on the guy who composed it:) cool huh?

Chicago Library. 
here we are in the park.outside the art museum....we spent so much time in there, it's a really great museum, lots of classics.
at gino's east....yes we brought books....after 5 years you get tired of talking:) hehe.
at the hotel bar:)
out for a run by the lake and through the park.
one of those silly boat tours:) yes we are that cheesy, but it was really fun.
i love this picture (even the old red fleece-it's grown on me)
the tribune building.
out for a breakfast! tempo diner, one of my favorites!
the skyline.
so that's what we've been up to.  These are just the pictures from my phone, so once I download Patrick's there may be more to come.  Hope you feel caught up:)

Okay, I've officially joined the club!

The club I never thought I'd be a part of-or even want to be a part of. If you had asked me even 5 short years ago I would have said no one wants to be in that club they are forced into it. But for the last year I've been dreaming if the day I finally get to join. Planning what I'd wear in my first picture, what my hair would look like, every little detail. Well, yesterday it came true....

I'm finally part if the mommy, minivan club!!!





I put in my Econ major hat and strutted out to the car dealership and negotiated my way to my dream van (2011 Honda Odyssey EX in polished metal) I have to say I played hard ball and got a better deal than I thought I'd get-it gave me such a rush. I have bored and taunted Patrick with details if my research and negotiating strategy for the past couple of months and I think my preparation paid off $$$ big time.


So if you this hot mom of 2 in a new minivan gimme a honk. If I can figure out all the gadgets I'll roll down my window and wave back:)

Oh and just to show "I ain't no dummy" I made sure I turned the car in before I filled up the tank. (and yes I did get a full tank of gas with the new van)





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Happy Friday

Today we got our new couch. But I wasn't so sure I wanted it to come. I was really enjoying having to pile into one chair to watch sesame street. Cuddle-TV-Time is my favorite time of day, any day.


We did get the couch but as you can see one of the pieces came in the wrong color. I made them leave it bc they can't bring the real one until next week. So this week our house looks eclectic.


Finn is enjoying his iPad on it. Notice he's smiling at the talking kitty not me:) priorities.


Ainsley and I have claimed the corner seat.


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First Day of School

Ainsley wasn't sure about this whole "first day of school" thing going on . She made sure I knew she was NOT going. Good thing we have a year to work on her:) I think she would have been happy if it was her, personally, but I think she wasn't happy Finn go to go somewhere fun without having to bring her along.

So Finn had his first day of preschool for the year today. (he started back on his birthday in March), but this will be his first full year of preschool. So, first day of school with all the otehr first day of school kids. I'm pretty sure he was excited because in the car he kept saying "hi" in his high pitched voice and reaching out to hold my hand....which is his normal behavior for when he's happy and excited about something:)

He's in the duck room this year, and as far as I know he liked his first day. He was beet red when he came out the door smiling at me.....so I know he got some exercise. I think tomorrow he'll be rearing to go, because this kid loves school and learning new things.

I have posted multiple pictures because of course as his mom I had a hard time picking which one I liked best. enjoy. (and yes, I did cry, but I waited until I got to the car, unlike when he started in March and I cried in the hallway outside the front office)


I think he looks like the disgruntled teenager in this one....like "mo-om seriously are you done yet?"
(ps. the wet spot is from spilling water while brushing his teeth, not anything else.)

Do blondes have more fun?

So about two weeks ago I wanted a drastic change and almost shaved my head. But I first thought about having to grow back all my hair and that seemed to daunting. I've always wanted to shave my head, but have never had the guts to do it. I have a friend who did it during rush our freshman year in college and I always envied her boldness. But when it came down to it, I chickened out. Maybe it was a good thing.

I still had to do something different with my hair so here goes. Yesterday I changed it up.
Here's the before.

During.


After. Yup, I went blonde. I wanted to see for myself if they have more fun.


I also got some hot pink feathers. And I have to say blondes do have fun, but no more than brunettes. I do feel like I can get away with forgetting things more maybe or saying things like Jessica Simpson used to-jk. that part is definitely fun:)


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