Chicago Scenes

There was so much we wanted to do on our trip, but it's hard to fit it all in a short weekend. We strolled Lincoln Square and Andersonville, had a sandwich at Costello's and enjoyed brunch at M Henry with our former neighbors and their gorgeous daughter, Naomi. (Their tomato plants were pretty gorgeous, too.) June was a good travel companion, but we left Max with Grandma and Grandpa for this trip.

Little Park, Big Park

When we were house-hunting, I really wanted to find a house that was within walking distance to a park. In Chicago, we could walk to several parks, and I loved being able to venture out with Max without having to jump in the car. We found a house just down the street from Sherwood Oaks Park, just off the Jackson Creek Trail. And if we are up for a little bit of a walk (about 10 minutes), we can head out to Olcott Park, which is much bigger (and more toddler-friendly). Here's a peak of one of our almost-daily outings.

Gearing up in the double-stroller (I highly recommend the Maclaren Twin Triumph!) ...

Sherwood Oaks Park

The Trail

Olcott Park

Feast

Bubbe was here this week to help out with the kids, and we all had a great time. The weather was beautiful, and we made a couple of trips to the park. One of my favorite outings was a trip to Feast, a newish bakery cafe in town, where we sat outside for coffee and pastries. The kids were so good. Max liked watching the cars go by, and June just liked the fresh air. Danza and Henry were able to join us, too!

Visit with Santa

Max did not enjoy his first trip to see Santa. He happily watched as Harrison talked to Santa, but then cried and clung to me when it was his turn. This was the best I could do for a photo -- Harrison and Max (and Henry) playing in the mall with Santa in the background. Merry Christmas!

We ♥ Science

We joined the WonderLab, a science museum for children, and so far, it has been a great investment. We have been visiting the museum on a weekly basis to explore the playscape, water tables and bubble room.And these are our friends, Robyn and Ari, who are also members. We have so much fun!

Little Red Wagon

Max loves his little red wagon--a birthday present from his Bubbe. We like to go get the mail or just stroll up and down (and up and down and up and down) our driveway.

Sight-Seeing in Chicago

We tried to make the most of our last week in Chicago, including a visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo and Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. Justin really wanted to visit the Lily Pool, and I was not very excited about it. But it was beautiful, and we wish we would have discovered it sooner. The pond has a path around it, and there are tons of serene spots with visitors just passing the time enjoying nature and wildlife.

Take Max to Work Day

For a couple more days, I am the communications director for One Hope United, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children and strengthening families. One of our child development centers, the Edgewater Early Learning Center, recently unveiled a new classroom, and Alderman Mary Ann Smith attended the ribbon-cutting. The Center is located in our neighborhood, so I stopped by to take some photos and Max got to tag along.

At the Park

Now that he is a little bigger, Max has ventured on to more than just the swings at the park. He also enjoys the slide. But his favorite activity is cruising around and watching the other kids play. (Does that sound creepy?) Max is truly the fairest of them all, and I have to make sure he is always wearing sunscreen and a hat (if he'll keep it on). His new hair is coming in very blond, and his older hair really appears red in the sunlight.

All Bundled Up

Max and I braved the cold weather and light drizzle for some fresh air today. We had the right gear, including a cup of coffee for mom, and Max even snoozed a bit. I don't know what I'm going to do when there is snow on the ground.

At the Lake

I love these photos. I couldn't see the images in playback mode because it was so bright out, so the actual images are a little overexposed, but I love how the orange hat pops. And I also love my two guys.

Scenes from our Stroll

It was a beautiful day today, and Justin, Max and I walked to the lake, which we should do more often. Here are a few scenes from our stroll.