I get no love

Mom-I love you so much.
Em-Can I have a ring pop?
Mom-I love you.
Em-Can I?
Mom-I love you.
Em-Can I?
Mom-I LOVE YOU.
Em-I love you too. . .Can I have a ring pop.
Mom-No. ;)

Memorable Weekend

Emma and I had a great time in Chicago. For me, the best part of the weekend was on the train there. We had a great time talking, coloring, and anticipating all the fun. Aunt Rachael came and picked us up at the train station and we drove back to her apartment and realized that the power was out. Rach's building has a courtyard that you have to walk through to get to her place and it was sooo dark. We were all a little creeped out and there were huge sighs of relief when we made it in the door! We had a little candlelit pizza party--a nice way to start the weekend!

Emma took her sketchbook with her and drew a picture of Chicago. It was cute to see her vision of the city.Friday we walked around and went to the American Girl store, of course. When it finally warmed up a little we went to the Lincoln Park Zoo. All the animals seemed like they were so close. It was cool to see them like that but it's a little daunting to look a lion in the eye with only a little moat between you!It's been a long time since Emma and Aunt Rachael were able to spend this much time together. Emma was super excited so she got roudy quite a bit but I think Rach understood.The weather cooperated a little better Saturday so we walked along Lake Michigan and Emma played at the beach for a while. The water was absolutely frigid but, of course, Emma didn't mind. We also went to Navy Pier and rode the ferris wheel--Emma loved it. I loved when it was over. Emma's favorite was the swing ride. She rode it twice and probably would have ridden it all day if I let her!

There was this sweet little lily pond on the way to the lake. I would definately like to spend more time there the next time we go up.

Today was Emma's last day of school. She was very emotional and sad to say goodbye to Kindergarten. I am sad too, but more excited to be able to spend the summer together. I'm sure it will be a long summer and we will be happy for school to start again but I really miss getting to see her throughout the day. I know it will be a challenge to have her here while I am trying to take care of the kids but I think she will be a big help. She isn't allowed to watch tv except on the weekends so I am trying to come up with things for her to do while I am busy. Remind me of my positive outlook in a week or so...

Hooray!

Yea! 2009 American Idol!

And can I just say Kris Allen + Keith Urban=yum! Whoever thought of that duo deserves a raise!

Don't want it to end!

I am almost done with Breaking Dawn (4th book in Twilight series) and I don't want it to end! I am so in love with this story and the characters. I have been stealing moments to be able to read a page here and there. I stayed up way too late last night and I'm sure I will do the same tonight to finish it! I think I may start reading them again when I finish!

Taking the train to Chicago this weekend! Stay tuned...

Thursday...

Kris is in the finals! I'm so glad the one season I decide to watch American Idol, my fave makes it to the end! Hopefully he can pull out the win next week, but either way I can't wait to hear his first album.

I am into the third book in the Twilight series--Eclipse. I honestly didn't think I would get into these books but I am loving the story! I have been waking up early just to read more! I can't wait for the New Moon movie to come out in November. If you haven't read these yet-do it!

Any mini vacation ideas? I have a long weekend coming up for Memorial Day and Ryan will be at Summercamp. We aren't able to go to Sarah's cabin since someone rented it-bummer. We thought about going to Chicago -- Emma's favorite place, and there is plenty to do, not to mention free lodging at Rach's. The only thing is we'll be going up there in a few weeks to see Mary Poppins so I would be up for something different. I don't want to go too far since Ryan won't be with us. I guess I should make a decision since it's only a week away!

Mother's Day and More

I hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day! Emma and I celebrated twice! Her school hosted a Mother's Day tea for the Kindergarten classes. It was so cute-I got there and Emma took my arm and led me into the music room where all the children put on a little concert/play. Then she took my arm again and led me to our table and pulled out my chair. She was so sweet-she really got into the role of hostess! We had fruit and cookies with our drinks-very ladylike. I am so glad I was able to go but it reminded me how fast she is growing up. She is almost a 1st grader! On Sunday we went to Springfield with my family. We visited the Abraham Lincoln museum and then went to New Salem. Emma loved it-she is so fascinated by history and museums in general. I don't know where she gets it! We had a picnic lunch and walked around talking about how different life used to be. It was a very relaxing and fun day together!

Emma didn't want to sit and have her picture taken with Abe until after we went through the museum-he was a little intimidating. When we were walking to the car she said "I'm ready to sit by Abraham". I guess she felt like she knew enough about him by then-though she still didn't want to sit too close!Emma has really missed her aunts lately. We didn't get to see Rachael since she spent the day with Ryan and their mom but she had a great time with Aunt Alli. I need to spend less time behind the camera -I am really sad that I didn't get any pictures of me and Em together on Mother's Day. I need to remember to pass the camera to someone else once in a while!We ended up rescheduling the photo shoot for this weekend but it was a little windy and chilly. The kids did great anyway and we ended up getting several great shots! I think we will try again when it is a little warmer-and sunnier!

Everyone that has been around me lately knows I have been going crazy keeping a secret! My friend Cari graduated from ISU on Saturday. We threw her a huge surprise party and I can't believe it but it was actually a surprise!! She knew that her family was taking her out to dinner after graduation so they were able to get her to the restaraunt without tipping her off. After dinner we had an after-party at our house and celebrated all that she has accomplished. Cari was so grateful and kept saying how much it meant to her. The turnout alone was a testament to how much she is loved. There were over 70 people there! She is a wonderful wife and mother and was so happy to be going back to school even though it meant juggling everything else. I have always admired her ability to stay positive and enjoy the moment--she is a great example for everyone and an amazing friend. Congratulations Cari-we love you!!!