First Train Ride and Trip to the Windy City

My cousin John got married a few weeks ago in Chicago. We decided to be adventurous and take the train to Chicago. All the festivities were within walking distance of our hotel so it was the perfect opportunity. We got to the train station in plenty of time and the train was delayed but the kids were so excited they didn't seem to mind too much. And we met a very interesting character to keep the adults entertained.

Once the train arrived the excitement grew because the train was a double decker! The seats were very spacious and everyone seemed to be comfortable in our 4 seats. We took a little walk to the viewing car and snack car to pass time but quickly realized we got very lucky with our placement in the train. There were some more interesting characters. Of course Molly fell asleep with about 5 minutes left of the trip. So it was a little tricky get our massive amount of luggage, a sleeping baby, and the two boys through Union Station to cab but we manage. We're SO city:).

VERY nice cab driver

First cab ride

Fell asleep 5 minutes before we arrived at the hotel, heavy load

Once we got settled, we got all dolled up and headed to the rehearsal dinner at a delicious restaurant. One of my favorite parts was our walk there. Andrew, Kiersten, and Matthew held hands and took in all of the sights and sounds of the city. When we arrived there was a huge window that they loved looking out while the adults enjoyed cocktails and appetizers. The wait staff was extremely kind and made the kids their very own pizza. Once we sat down for dinner the kids were full and tired THEN Matthew fell out of his chair and hit his head on the concrete floor. That was our cue to bolt. Drew (SUPERMAN) carried Matthew and Molly back to the hotel while Andrew and I waited for the stroller. We got the kids in bed and then I headed back to the restaurant to listen to the speeches then headed back to the hotel for some much needed sleep.

Walk to Rehearsal Dinner

View from Rehearsal Dinner

Friday morning we had breakfast with grandma at the corner bakery and then were literally going to wait for the LEGO store to open. On our way we noticed that the American Girl store was open so we made the boys go in (unwillingly) but Molly ended up with a Bitty Baby. Then we headed to the Lego store and waited outside the doors along with about 20 other people. Everyone had a great time and ended up with some cool stuff. When we walked into the Lego store we were hot and wondering where the cold front everyone was talking about was. THEN we walked outside and it was cold and windy! What a difference an hour can make. Since everyone had been up since 5 we rushed back to our hotel to warm up and take naps. Then it was time to get ready for the big wedding. The wedding was absolutely beautiful. My children were not on their best behavior but hopefully everyone was more focused on the bride and groom.

After the wedding we got the kids set up with a babysitter in our hotel rooms and then headed down to the reception. Everything was beautiful! Drew graciously missed the first course so he could help the sitter get the kids to sleep. Since they were in an unfamiliar environment we felt that would be best for everyone. We had so much fun at the dinner portion of the reception. We were at a table with my cousins and it was just a blast. THEN the music started and the band was UNBELIEVABLE! We danced the night away. Drew and I did not want to leave but we knew it was the smart thing to do when the band took their first break at 11 since the kids would be up at 5 again. We later found out that the bride and groom chose the date of the wedding based on the availability of the band. It was so worth it! The adults without kids danced the night away and then continued the party at a bar near by with bottles of champagne and vodka that were on fire. It sounds like they had a great time.

The bride and groom

Saturday my dad wanted to take the kids to breakfast. We met him at a cute little restaurant next to our hotel. After breakfast we tried walking around a little bit but it was FREEZING. The bride and groom graciously hosted a brunch at a very cool bar in the city. It was delicious and so fun to hear everyones stories from the night before. Drew headed back to the hotel with the little 2 to nap while I went with Andrew, Pete's family, and my mom to the Shed Aquarium. We weren't the only ones with that idea, it was a rainy cold day in Chicago, go figure. After the aquarium we went to my aunt and uncle's house for an after wedding BBQ. We had a great time. My uncle has an amazing fish tank in his office, his pride and joy, that the kids loved. The food and company were once again great. Oh and we took a taxi to and from their house which the kids were so excited about.

Waiting for a taxi after the Aquarium

Molly and Matthew got to enjoy an aquarium too

Then it was time to load up and head home. We made it to Union Station on time. We didn't have a double decker train for the ride home. It wasn't exactly the luxury we traveled in on the way there but we survived. There was an extremely interesting character sitting behind us on the way home. I'm thinking he walked from the bars to the train station. Luckily after yelling some obscenities and yelling, "I NEED A FOOT" he passed out...not kidding. We were happy to arrive home but sad the fun weekend was over.

Raise your hand if you partied like a Rock Star

Bye, Bye Binky!!

Matthew caught what Molly had the day after Mother's Day. He stayed home from school, was pretty stuffy and had a fever but was in good spirits. He was especially happy when we built a fort. That night as I was laying him down he had his pacifier laying next to him because he couldn't breathe with it in. I had the great idea of taking it away from him and just seeing what happened. After I did it I felt like a horrible mother. Not only is he sick but the one thing that soothes him has been taken away. Oh and we were leaving to go out of town so he would be in an unfamiliar environment without his security. He did great that night and I promised him we would get a big reward after he gave his binky to the garbage man. He threw it in the trash and said, "bye, bye". After we took Andrew to school we went to Target and he picked out a Handy Manny Construction set and was very excited. The next few day he cried a few times wanting it to sleep but I must admit it has been much less painful that I anticipated. The big negative is: He takes MUCH shorter naps and wakes up REALLY early. Matthew has always been my GREAT sleeper. Now I know why...Drew and I were tempted to give all 3 a pacifier after this experience (in hopes of the kids sleeping later) but we know in the end our dentist will be happy;) WAY TO GO MATTHEW!!! (Next step...potty training, and no that doesn't mean a train with potty on it).

Mother's Day 2011

I had a VERY special Mother's Day week. Monday, Matthew's class had a special Mother's Day Celebration/May Crowning for Mothers and to honor our Mother in heaven. Matthew prepared a special snack of fruit kabobs and vanilla wafers. After our special snack he gave me a book of pictures he made for me and then we went outside and he put a flower in front of Mary's statue. After everyone put their flowers in a vase the kids sang two songs. I was so proud of him he actually sang and did the motions. A few times during the celebration he asked me where dad was and then afterwards when he realized dad was with Molly but had to go back to work he got very upset...hence the picture of him screaming with his "mother" after the "mother's day" celebration.:)

Wednesday was Andrew's special Mother's Day Celebration. We did the flower and songs first and then went back to his classroom for a delicious cookie decorated by him. He gave me a framed picture of a drawing of me and fun facts about me, that he answered...quite comical. Drew had a meeting that he couldn't miss so my wonderful brother drove around with Molly.

Here is what Andrew said about me:

My mom is the most wonderful mom in the whole world. She is as pretty as a flower. My mom is 17 feet tall, and her favorite food is chili. In the good old days when mom was little, she used to play on the computer. I think mom looks funny when she tells funny jokes. I wish my mom would play Legos with me every day. I wouldn't trade my mom for my bedside tables. Happy Mother's Day!

line leader

notice the beautiful corsage he made me

Friday Drew and I went to the Cardinal game with one of Drew's clients and his wife. It was a beautiful evening and we were fortunate enough to have "green" seats for the game. The Cardinals played great and we enjoyed our evening out as adults. The kids did very well for the sitter and most importantly were all asleep before we got home.

The Saturday before Mother's Day Andrew had a baseball game. This game he got all of his hits without the tee!!! After the game we got FroYo again and then I went grocery shopping for Mother's Day brunch at our house the next day. When I got home I picked up Molly and gave her a kiss and...she was on fire:(. She really wasn't acting sick besides a runny nose but I knew I couldn't risk having my nieces, especially Natalie over with Molly having a fever. So after spending a fortune at the grocery store, I called my family and let them know we would have to cancel. My mom said she and my dad would still come over and help us eat some of the food.

#1 fan!

So Sunday Drew went to mass first at 6:30, what a saint! Then I went at 8:30. When I got home Drew had everything ready! The sandwiches were made and on nice trays, bacon was cooked and sitting out, the pastries were out, waffle batter was ready for the waffle iron and the ingredients were chopped for the omelets. All I had to do was make mimosas!!! It was a very relaxing and delicious brunch with my parents. Drew and the kids gave me a beautiful frame and a monogrammed wine bottle koozie and my parents gave me an orchid and a NICE bottle of wine. After we ate the kids played out front for a while. Then grandma and poppa left for golf and the kids went down for naps. After naps Andrew had a "make up" baseball game so we got to enjoy our second Pre K game of the weekend! Mother's Day evening was very low key but fun. Thanks for a wonderful Mother's Day family!!!

Andrew made this while he was waiting for his clock to turn to a 6

Busy Weekend

We had a very busy but very fun weekend a few weeks ago. Andrew had his first baseball game. He looked so cute in his little uniform. He plays in a league in which all the teams are named after MLB teams. He is on the Twins (there are 2 sets of twins on his team). It is coach pitch and if they can't hit it after 6 pitches, the tee is brought out. That was the case for Andrew the first game. Everything we have been working on went out the window, but hey he can only improve from here right? In the first inning he was the "pitcher" and did a great job. He actually fielded a grounder and threw it to first. After the game since he did such a great job we went and had FroYo and the kids (and adults) loved it!

One of Drew's friends and his family came over for dinner that weekend too. We did the simple hot dogs and hamburgers and had a great time. They have two girls who are 3 and 5 months. My 3 were in love with the baby and Matthew drove the 3 year old around in his Gator. It was very cute.

Sunday was a very special day. It was Natalie's baptism. Drew and I have the honor of being her Godparents so it was extra special for our family. The mass and baptism were beautiful. Afterwards we went to Christina's family restaurant for some delicious food and fun. Thanks for such a special day John, Christina, Josie, and Natalie!