Goodbye Brownies...Hello Junior Girls Scouts

Anika has enjoyed being a Brownie for the past couple of years and she is so excited for the adventures that await her as a Junior Girl Scout. She was super excited when she drew the American flag paper which meant she got to carry the American flag in their last flag ceremony as Brownies. After that the girls had a flying up ceremony where they each received their Junior vests and wings. We are so proud of her and all her hard work!
I became an assistant leader this past year and have had so much fun watching her try new things and earn lots of patches. We can't wait to see what her troop leader has planned for next year.

Good Times with Grandma

My mom came out to visit and meet Declan for the first time. We had lots of fun while she was here. We had Portillo's Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago Style hot dogs and sandwiches at Potbelly's. We went to the focean to relax and play in the sand.


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We went downtown to Buckingham fountain, Soldier Field, Sears Tower Sky Deck (I know it is the Willis Tower, but we refuse to call it that), Navy Pier and Memorial Park.

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The kids kept her busy with all their games and I really enjoyed all the chatting we were able to do. She was able to watch Anika fly up to Junior Girl Scouts (post to come) and see her at gymnastics practice. The week went by so quickly; we were sad to see her leave and can't wait until we get together again. Thanks Mom for coming out to see us. You are already missed!

Father and Sons

Adam took Celtin and Lochlan to the Stake Father and Sons camping trip. Celtin loves to go and was so excited and even though this was Lochlan's first time he was also super excited. They slept in the back of the Tahoe and did some hiking and hung out around the campfire. I guess Lochlan got tired, but he didn't want to go to bed yet, so he snuggled up with his pillow and blanket next to the fire. Lochlan loved going hiking and had so much fun choosing which path to take. Now everywhere he goes he says, "We have to take this path." as he points down the grocery store isles or each time we turn down a new street. Declan had to stay home with the girls...maybe he will get to go next year.

I always send the camera with Adam and ask him to get a picture of them together. Last time he didn't take a single picture, so I guess even though he didn't get a group shot I should be happy he actually got the camera out to take these cute photos!

Projects

Both Anika and Celtin had projects due a month before school got out. Celtin made a paper mache Jupiter for his Solar System Unit and Anika made a model of the Shedd Aquarium for her Chicago Landmarks Unit. They had to do research and answer specific questions as well as choose additional interesting facts to share. They both did an excellent job on the projects and, according to their scores, the presentations. I wish some days I could be a fly on the wall to watch how it goes. We are so proud of them both!

1 Month Old

Wow, time really does go by so quickly when you have a newborn. I can hardly believe Declan is a month old. His is now up to 10 lbs 14 ozs and 21.5 inches long. He is still such a good baby and only cries when he is hungry...but if you don't feed him right away, he can throw quite a fit. Here are some of my favorite pictures of him over the past month.

Mothers Day

I love mothers day...it is a great opportunity for me to reflect on the many wonderful things I enjoy about being a mom. My kids and hubby always try to make the day extra special. This year since Declan was not quite a month old I wasn't going to take him to church so everyone just stayed home with us. The big kids and Adam made me some yummy strawberry, whipped cream crepes for breakfast. I am not even gong to tell you how many I ate-but they were superb. Anika and Celtin both gave me some wonderful gifts they made at school. They are such good kiddos and I love them so much. I also got a bag filled with all my favorite candies and cookies. Lochlan was so sure I was going to share, and how could I resist such a cute little monkey.

We packed up and headed to the Focean (aka Lake Michigan beach) for the afternoon. It was a little chilly so the beach was almost completely empty; just the way I like it. It was so peaceful and relaxing. We buried our feet in the sand, searched for rocks and just hung out together.

It was a perfect afternoon! I am so grateful for my four beautiful, kind, smart, silly (I could go on and on) kids and the opportunity I have to be their mother. We went home and ate Adam's delish steak sandwiches. Mmm Like I said... I love mothers day!

Hip, Hop a Hippity Hop

The frogs are back and my kids could not be more excited. They love trying to catch them and we all enjoy listening to them...although they can get really loud at times. Celtin found two stuck together and thought it was AWESOME, until Adam told him why they were stuck together! :) He quickly put them back and found another one. They had a frog race and I believe Anika's was the champion. Celtin's was pretty slow...I think it must have been worn out from previous activities! Lochlan decided to pick his up half way down an carry it the rest of the way and then he hucked it into the pond. Yes, we are easily amused...FYI-as far as I know all the frogs lived to hop another day and all my kids got showers that evening.