Breakfast with Santa

This morning was our annual 'Breakfast with Santa.'  Two things made this year's trip even more special than it traditionally is.  First, Gran was with us.  Second, Miles won one of the raffle gifts.  He was very excited/proud.  Emery, while disappointed she did not win the price she had hoped to procure, was a terrific sport about it.  When Miles came back to the table having claimed his gifts, the first thing she said was, "Miles, I think it's really cool that you won."  I was very proud of her.

Scrabble

Gran brought "Scrabble" with her on this trip, and it's a perfect game for Miles right now.  While we all eagerly await the arrival of Addison and Oliver tomorrow from California, the two of them are having a great time finding double and triple word scores together.

Half-Birthday Cake

Gran made "good on a promise" she made to Emery, and that was that she too would enjoy a "half-birthday cake" like she made for Miles back in July. While we've happened to be in Missouri on the past two July 16th 'half-birthday's' for Miles, we don't typically see Gran on August 26, which would be Emery's half-birthday. But, since we're in the actual month, and Gran is with us in Downers Grove, Gran made one little girl very happy. Thanks Gran.

Chicago Day with Gran

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!

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 ...).

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!

Trip to Las Vegas - Gran's Birthday!

Columbia Day 7

Today was our final day of visiting on this year's Columbia Summer Vacation. Highlights ...

* Miles vs. Dad baseball game
* Visit with G-Bird and Papa
* Birthday Celebration with Gigi. Happy 92nd!

Columbia Day 5

Highlights ...

* Miles and Emery visited the 'Youseum"
* iChat with Oliver and Amy
* Reading with Gran

Columbia Day 1

We're enjoying a visit to Columbia, MO this week. "Base Camp" is Gran's house, and we are doing spin-off excursions throughout the week.

Highlights from today included ...

* Emery and I visited Gigi at Tiger Place
* A visit with G-Bird and Papa which included a cookie-picnic and Miles beating me in checkers for the first time
* "Mexican Fiesta" Birthday Dinner for Penny Rose, who turned two today. Thanks Gran for spoiling our dog!