Birthday Quilt

Emery and Miles were both given beautiful quilts - by the DGN Band -
when they were born. We've made it a tradition to take a picture with
them each birthday. Here's Emery on her first birthday (2005), and
again this year as she turns six.

Emery's 6th Birthday Party Video

Miles' 8th Birthday Dinner Party - Video

41st Birthday - U2 Concert

My birthday present this year was the opportunity to see U2 as they came through Chicago this past weekend. U2 is a band I've always wanted to see, but never had. It was really quite amazing.

From what I understand, this current tour - the "360" tour - is the most elaborate tour the band has ever put together. It's not hard to see why. The stage took five full days to construct inside Soldier Field this past week, and stretched high above the roof lines to the point that it was visible from Lake Shore Drive.

A video I shot is here.

Great time!

Drive By Birthday

The birthday wishes continued through the weekend, and are now spilling into the new work week. Tonight, just as I was tucking Emery into bed, someone started pounding on the front door. At first I thought it was going to be some sort of prank played out by some of my high school students. No, it was a prank played out by the Williams family (which does include now, a true "boneheaded" high school student). A lovely serenade of Happy Birthday!

41

Pictures from today's 41st Birthday.

Many, many thanks to family members and friends who have made it so special.

The big "present" comes tomorrow night when Kristen and I are attending the U2 concert in Chicago, but wins by both Northwestern and Michigan were a great way to celebrate September 12th.

Happy 40th Kristen!!!

Mackinac Island for Kristen's 29th (plus 11)

We had a very enjoyable trip to Mackinac Island, and enjoyed the Grand Hotel. As Kristen said, "Anytime you develop a new verb on a vacation, it's a good one." Our newly created verb is "porching." Defined as, sitting on the porch and relaxing a lot.

Other highlights included a bike ride around the perimeter of the island, lots of reading, and lots of eating.

Bithdays all around

We leave tomorrow morning on a trip I've planned for Kristen's 40th Birthday. I've been giving her puzzle pieces for the past 40 days ... and this morning she got the final pieces in place to answer the "Where will we go?" question. Mackinac Island, MI ... here we come!

A big thanks to Gran who has come to stay with Miles and Emery while we are away for the next three days. Last night we celebrated Gran's birthday - a little early. Kristen made an incredible gourmet lemon cake. Kudos to the chef!

Emery's 5th Birthday Video - American Girl Place

Click on the image above to see Emery's 5th Birthday video.

American Girl - Emery's 5th Birthday Party

Emery's 5th Birthday Party was a luncheon at 'American Girl' in Chicago. She invited three friends from Preschool, as well as Allison Williams, Gran, Mom and Dad. We had planned to drive into the city, but a snow-storm yesterday changed our plans. Instead we took the train into Chicago, and then taxi cabs up Michigan Ave. to Water Tower. This change in transportation provided an entirely new level of unanticipated excitement to the day!

Gran and Emery picked out a new dress for her doll (and matching dress for Gran's doll ...).

Pre-Birthday Gift Opening

Tomorrow is Emery's 5th Birthday Party at 'American Girl,' and today she was given a present from Gran & G-Bird that really made her smile!

Gran's Surprise!

Gran drove to DG from Missouri today, which was a BIG surprise for Miles and Emery. She's in town to join us at Miles' birthday lunch Saturday. Two years ago she had wanted to be with us at Miles' 5th birthday party, but snow prevented her from making the drive. Miles is very excited that she was able to make it this year!

Turning 40

Yesterday I celebrated the 1st anniversary of my 39th birthday. Okay ... I just need to own up to it: I'm 40.

It was a busy, yet fun day. The best part was coming home for a bit yesterday afternoon to see Miles, Emery and Kristen. This was the first year that they both showed an interest in picking out something specific for me. Emery gave me a Spider Man shirt that she picked out, and Miles wanted to give me a "swimming noodle." Emery also coordinated the party, and with Kristen's patient help made me "Princess Punch." Oh, and Miles was the official batter-tester for the brownies.

Happy First Birthday Oliver!

The Chicago Teague family sends the California Teague family all best birthday wishes to Oliver! Happy first birthday!!!

Trip to Las Vegas - Gran's Birthday!

Turning 40 - a bit early - with The Police

Kristen really surprised me this weekend with "Happy 40th Birthday" tickets to see The Police in Milwaukee, WI. I have always wanted to see this group, and it was a GREAT trip!

Columbia Day 3

Highlights included ...

* Hair cuts for Brayer and Miles at the Tiger Barber.
* Lunch at Addison's with Gran (Brayer/Miles/Emery)
* Lunch at Upper Crust with G-Bird (Kristen)
* "Going Bonkers" with the kids.
* An evening "Living Room Concert" by Miles and Emery (complete with behind-the-back drum "moves" by Miles and an original vocal by Emery)

Today was Miles' 6 and 1/2 "birthday." Gran made him half of a cake, with 6.5 candles.