Summer Stay-cation 2010

This year is the first time since I started working full time that I have taken 11 consecutive days off. The nice thing is - Larry took the same week off. We had a great time going to the Gramley's trailer, Mom and John's in Peoria, and hanging out around town. Except for the fact that Ethan got the flu on the second day of vacation and Larry caught it the third. Bummer. All-in-all, I was grateful to spend the time with my family - sick or not.

Our good friends, the Gramley's (Chris, Stacie, Dylan, and Connor) have a cabin in Lee County. It's not too far and the area has a pool, fishing lake, and tons of activities. We had a blast riding their scooters, swimming, and just hanging out. It was so relaxing. We managed - er, shall I say, the kids managed to find a stationary train, which has now been named Blackie the Train in Amboy at the Amboy town museum and a whole Thomas section at the local pharmacy. We went for old time soda's and malts (which were delicious by the way). Of course there were tears shed as we left the pharmacy empty handed.

Ethan recouped quickly, but Larry took longer since he's older I suspect. We just took it easy for a few days. The following week, we went to Peoria to spend a few days with Mom, John, Rhonda, Allie, and Chelsey. It was fun going to dinner on Thursday just us and the Johnson's. Rhonda and Gang arrived later that evening. Friday, we went to the indoor water park and Ethan had a blast watching Chelsey on the big slide, and playing in the pool. Larry taught him to hang on the side of the pool and kick, and now he is just all about that. We made pizza's on the grill and laughed with each other. Saturday was time to go.

Ethan and I ran errands on Monday - he was such a trooper, and entertained everyone he came in contact with. We went to the All Aboard Diner as a reward and he could hardly stand it, he was so excited. That place is ridiculous! It is every train-obsessed kids dream!

Today, we went to visit Dad at work, and see Toy Story 3. We made it about half way through and he decided he could not sit still any longer and needed to go home immediately.

Happy Happy Birthday Birthday...

Today was an awesome day. We got to help celedbrate our friend, Cavan's 4th birthday at Chuck E Cheese. Ethan had a few melt-downs, but pulled it together to eat pizza and have birthday cake, of course. Then was re-energized once the sugar kicked in and danced away in front of the blue screen. He gave Chuck E Cheese a five and hug. I think he is the only kid to do this because the character didn't really know what to do and it was a little bit of an awkward moment.

Then, we headed over to celebrate Dylan's 6th birthday at the Gramley house. Conner is only 2 1/2 months older than Ethan so it's been fun to watch the boys grow together. Ethan did not eat at all at the Gramley's as he was too busy playing, but he sure did eat birthday cake! He kamikazied off of the play swing set to the ground and when I asked if he was okay, he said "Ma, please get away". He was sort of the weird child in the bushes. I thought something was going on over there, so I asked if I could help and he says "please leave, Ma".

Hopefully - we'll ALL sleep well tonight!

Today was an exciting day. We met Ethan's friend from Gymboree, JD and his family (Tricia, Dan, and Addy Kane) at Adler Planetarium for the Walk Around with Elmo and One Sky, Big World show. We thought there would be a traffice problem since the Taste of Chicago started this weekend, so we left early for the 10:45 am show. And I am no in any of the pictures because Larry refuses to document that I am actually in this family and Ethan's mother. I am the one snapping the pics.

...New Baby...

Congratulations Pete & Christine who welcomed their new baby girl with their two sons Tyler and Jake.

Sunday Aug 10th at 12:59 a.m.
Allison Kyline Foster 7 lbs 14 0z 20 in

New Baby!

Our good friends Steve & Heather Sokasits just welcomed in their first baby,

Lia Sokasits born on July 21 and 4:39AM. 5lbs. 3oz. and 18.5 inches

Cassidi Carter

Can you believe I used to babysit this beautiful not-so-little girl? What happened? I know I am getting older, but when did they?

Shilo (hello - Neil Diamond, Jerri went to this concert with us) and Cassidi Carter were the cutest, sweetest little girls in the

neighborhood. Jerri and Don lived behind us (or we lived behind

them?) in Provo, Utah for years. During those many years, we played a lot and Jerri even worked with us at Dad's company. I was very fortunate to be included in their lives. Shilo and

Tyler were the same age and I think even in the same kindergarten class.

Cassidi was just married last month and Shilo now has 2 children (11 and 7... is that right?)

Family Fun

Ethan and I met our close friends Stacie, Dylan, and Conner at Odyssey Fun World just to hang out.

We had lots of fun - but maybe Stacie had more fun than the kids?

Just kidding. Thanks Gramley's, we had a great time!

Gramley's

Yesterday was our good friend Conner Gramley's 2nd birthday. Hanging out with the Gramley's is always so much fun: Chris, Stacie, Dylan and Conner.

Chris and Larry were in the army and college and the fraternity together, so they have been friends for a lOOOOOOng time - you know, cause they're old!

Not to state the obvious, but Conner is only a few months older than Ethan, and we have been putting them together since birth

here they are at just a few months old


And this is just yesterday - High five.


Yes, that is Larry, clapping... I am taking the picture, saying "cheese", so Ethan is pretending to also take a picture. Conner, is like - what the...

Congratulations, Piwo!

Piwo's graduation celebration was sort of a two-parter... it's well-deserved because it's been quite a year for all of us.

Our very close friend, Greg Piwowarski (affectionately known as Peevo) graduated from Northwestern University on June 21st. We all met up after the Cubs game on Saturday and commencement at Murphy's Bleachers in Wrigley-ville, I love the City! It was the first time in a long time that Piwo was actually able to relax!

Yesterday, our newlywed friends, Michelle & Joel Riley hosted Piwo's graduation party in their awesome new home! Thanks, Riley's! You are SO generous! We missed the friends who couldn't make it, but we had a lot of fun too. We continue to build and strengthen our friendships and memories. Thanks, y'all!

Merry Milk Days, Harvard

Every year Harvard, IL has Milk Days. Harvard is a small town, but largely a dairy community. Milk Days is a very big deal, they have cattle shows, a parade, a breakfast, a run, a carnival and parties - it's all weekend and they even paint the main street white. In the middle of town, they have Hermelda (spelling?) the town mascot.

My very great friend, Debbie, is from Harvard and grew up on a dairy farm. Holbrich Holsteins. Debbie's family is awesome, they have been like a second family to me through the years. But Debbie and Larry knew each other first - at ISU (Illinois State Univ). I have been fortunate to join Debbie during such events.

This year we took Ethan to see the parade - he wasn't too big on it, but he did really enjoy the marching bands, and the best part were the fire trucks and paramedics. He waved to the firemen, and fire dogs, and wailed along with the sirens. After that, he sort of lost interest.

We were also joined by some other of Debbie's "city" friends, of whom I've also had the pleasure in getting to know over the last few years: Sheri, Kevin and Lilliana Albrecht and their friend Joe.

Girls Night Out!

And boy, was it a night, or morning... "oh yes, it's ladies night, and the feelings right. If you hear any noise, it ain't the boys, it's ladies night".

Wow! So, my very fun and close friends and I went "out" doing up Chicago nice and right last Saturday. Let me just say first - we are not 25 anymore girls, even though we think we can still party like it's 1999!

Carla, Debbie (Debbie's friend Jessica), Stacie, and I went dancing at Manor Chicago. We had decided that is had been far too long since we all went out together (I think we decided at least 3 years - am I right?). We had so much fun! I am so grateful to these girls!


Me and Stacie

Super Bowl

It's all anyone can talk about - the Super Bowl. However, for me, it's different. Some of you Midwesterner's know how bad the snow was last night. We went to our good friend's, the Gramley's to partake in the festivities along with some of our and their close friends. For us "girls" it was chasing kids - even though there were only 3. I have Ethan, 16 mos but acts like he's already 3 and Stacie's two boys: Dylan, 4 and Connor 1 1/2 yrs. Boys will definitely be boys. I didn't get to see so much of the game, but heard it while running up and down stairs... but the best Super Bowl ever. One thing though. At half time, I decided to leave because the snow was really coming down, and I had to get Ethan to bed and ready for the next day and week. I, of course, wore heels on very fashionable boots (not designed for the snow, mind you). Now, I always watch the forecast because - hello - I have to know what to wear! No mention of this much snow, only flurries and rain. So, I was surprised and anxious when it was so thick and heavy. As I was leaving the house, I slipped with Ethan in tow. I started laughing as Ethan patted me on the shoulder. I got up and took 2 steps and fell again. This time, Ethan growled at me. Needless to say, my back is killing, I've had a headache all day, and my phone was somewhere buried under inches of snow in the Gramley's driveway, only to be discovered very early this morning, when Chris went to snowblow his drive! Believe it or not, it survived all night in the snow and freezing cold!

This is Ethan and Connor - Playing...

My very dear and long-time friend, Sammy, is opening a new import/yoga/wellness store. I am so proud of him. He has been so successful in life and in the mortgage business. I first met Sam in Utah working at Western States Mortgage. We were both processor's, and Sam and I quickly became good friends. He now lives in LA and is more than just thriving as you can see:

(Sam is the only guy here)

http://www.yogaplantation.com/

Signature line...

Baby -

My good friend, Ryan's first little girl... Grace K Johnson 6.5 mos

In Memory of Jeff Duck

Happy Birthday Jeff Duck: 1973-2007 today