Monday, June 22, 2009
Photo Op
Last post for awhile...I promise! We took these pictures about a month ago but they were slated as gifts for Mother's & Father's Days so I couldn't post them until the holidays had passed...
Happy Father's Day Daddy!
Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy EVER!!!
I forgot to take my camera out in the morning when we had brunch with Bagga Glen & Grandpa Silly spent his Father's Day at the Giants game with Bagga Judy so unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the Grandpa's (sorry about that!)
Peanut gave Daddy this "Get Low" t-shirt & Madison was so excited that she & Daddy were matching in their doggy shirts. She requested that he put it on immediately!
Luke gave Daddy a "Luke, I am your father" t-shirt so we had to get a photo op with the 2 of them (I hope everyone gets the Star Wars reference :-)
I forgot to take my camera out in the morning when we had brunch with Bagga Glen & Grandpa Silly spent his Father's Day at the Giants game with Bagga Judy so unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the Grandpa's (sorry about that!)
Peanut gave Daddy this "Get Low" t-shirt & Madison was so excited that she & Daddy were matching in their doggy shirts. She requested that he put it on immediately!
Luke gave Daddy a "Luke, I am your father" t-shirt so we had to get a photo op with the 2 of them (I hope everyone gets the Star Wars reference :-)
Happy Father's Day Daddy/Mike...we love you so much!!!
Last day in Chicago
Our final day in Chicago didn't quite end up as we planned it.
We had booked an architectural book tour (the architecture for Mommy & Daddy, the boat for Maddie & Luke) but it was pouring down rain! Bagga Judy, Grandpa Silly, Aunt Jill & Uncle Jason have all taken this tour at one time & raved about it. This was the one thing that I couldn't wait for. While we drove from Alexis to Chicago in a down pour we kept hoping it would let up. Even when we walked the 8 blocked from our hotel & arrived soaking at the dock we kept hoping. Unfortunately it didn't happen. Because we could only see about 10 stories up & the boat had a flimsy tarp to protect us we decided to cancel the trip. They were kind enough to refund our money so we hopped in a cab & headed back to find some dinner. The evening wasn't a total waste because we ended up at the Weber Grill & had one of the best meals we have ever had! A small victory :-)
Prior to heading out into the rain Madison & Luke needed to burn off a little energy from the road trip back in. Here's a little video of how they did just that...
We had booked an architectural book tour (the architecture for Mommy & Daddy, the boat for Maddie & Luke) but it was pouring down rain! Bagga Judy, Grandpa Silly, Aunt Jill & Uncle Jason have all taken this tour at one time & raved about it. This was the one thing that I couldn't wait for. While we drove from Alexis to Chicago in a down pour we kept hoping it would let up. Even when we walked the 8 blocked from our hotel & arrived soaking at the dock we kept hoping. Unfortunately it didn't happen. Because we could only see about 10 stories up & the boat had a flimsy tarp to protect us we decided to cancel the trip. They were kind enough to refund our money so we hopped in a cab & headed back to find some dinner. The evening wasn't a total waste because we ended up at the Weber Grill & had one of the best meals we have ever had! A small victory :-)
Prior to heading out into the rain Madison & Luke needed to burn off a little energy from the road trip back in. Here's a little video of how they did just that...
After all the walking (& pillow dodging) Luke passed out in the cab. He slept through the entire dinner...which may explain why it was so enjoyable for us :-)
On the whole we had an amazing time in the Midwest & can't wait to get back!
Alexis, Illinois - Part II
Heading out to Alexis for the second day (we had to stay in Galesburg...there aren't any hotels in Alexis) we passed a Phillips 66! I don't remember ever seeing one before but it holds a special memory for me. Despite my usually high grades in math I did score a 66 once on a test in 6th grade. My favorite teacher, Mr. Bither, proceeded to call me "Phillips" for the rest of my days @ Harker Academy :-)
Madison having breakfast at the BB Cafe. It was the only option in town & the pancakes were phenomenal!
Madison & Luke loved "My Store"...it was basically a general store & it had a huge table of toys they got to choose from. Daddy used to come down here to spend his allowance when he was a kid.
In front of Great-Grandpa Patterson's house
Madison having breakfast at the BB Cafe. It was the only option in town & the pancakes were phenomenal!
Stepping back in time...a hamburger for $1.45? Breakfast for 5 people was $13! Amazing.
The sign outside the BB Cafe
Madison & Luke loved "My Store"...it was basically a general store & it had a huge table of toys they got to choose from. Daddy used to come down here to spend his allowance when he was a kid.
In front of Great-Grandpa Patterson's house
Alexis was an amazing little town, we'll have to spend more time here next time we make the trip out. For now...back to Chicago!
Alexis, Illinois
After the wedding we headed further west to Alexis, Illinois - population 900. This is the town where Bagga Jan grew up & Daddy used to spend his summers. Uncle John also grew up here & this is where Aunt Jane met him! It was the cutest little town, barely touched by time.
Luke & Madison enjoying the park in the center of town
We weren't surprised to see Main Street lined with flags
Main Street, USA
Some of Bagga Jan's best friends from high school (Tuck & Judy) still live in town. Luke took to Tuck immediately & climbed right into his lap! Tuck was used to it, he has 20 grandkids of his own :-)
The Alexis water tower (if you look closely you can see Mike & the kids standing to the right of it). In hindsight we wished we had counted the water towers as we drove through Illinois. There was at least one in each town & usually more.
Luke & Madison enjoying the park in the center of town
We weren't surprised to see Main Street lined with flags
Main Street, USA
Some of Bagga Jan's best friends from high school (Tuck & Judy) still live in town. Luke took to Tuck immediately & climbed right into his lap! Tuck was used to it, he has 20 grandkids of his own :-)
The Alexis water tower (if you look closely you can see Mike & the kids standing to the right of it). In hindsight we wished we had counted the water towers as we drove through Illinois. There was at least one in each town & usually more.
Laura & Dan's Wedding
After the Cubs game we headed into Western Illinois to celebrate the wedding of Laura & Dan (Laura is Mike's 2nd cousin).
Luke & Madison lasted about 5 minutes inside the church before I had to take them into the foyer. They were much happier dancing than sitting still.
Bagga Jan & her family (L:R Jack, Jodie, Bagga Jan, Donna & Carol)
Madison commandeered my camera & took this flattering picture of me. She loved it so I had to post it :-(
Another one of Madison's fine pieces
Congratulations Laura & Dan!
Lily & Cara getting ready to head down the aisle, (this is as far as Lily got, the poor thing was too scared).
The beautiful bride & her daddy, Larry. Larry is Bagga Jan's cousin.
Luke & Madison lasted about 5 minutes inside the church before I had to take them into the foyer. They were much happier dancing than sitting still.
Bagga Jan & her family (L:R Jack, Jodie, Bagga Jan, Donna & Carol)
Daddy & Luke at the reception
Madison commandeered my camera & took this flattering picture of me. She loved it so I had to post it :-(
Another one of Madison's fine pieces
Congratulations Laura & Dan!
Wrigley Field
It only took him 40 years but Daddy made it to his mecca. The day after we arrived in Chicago we went to Wrigley Field for the Cubs vs. the Twins. Even I have to admit that it was an experience (& I'm not what you'd call a baseball fan). Maybe it was the history but there was just something about the place that was amazing!
Daddy & the little Cubs fans ready to head into Wrigley (Bagga Judy & Grandpa Silly had just been to a Cubs games a few weeks prior so Maddie & Luke were decked out in the Cubs presents they brought home.)
The little neighborhood of Wrigleyville was so busy! We wanted to go into Harry Caray's bar but my parents had warned it wasn't appropriate for little ones (especially after the patrons had been drinking at the game all day). Instead we just walked by.
The game took it all out of Luke
Daddy & the little Cubs fans ready to head into Wrigley (Bagga Judy & Grandpa Silly had just been to a Cubs games a few weeks prior so Maddie & Luke were decked out in the Cubs presents they brought home.)
The little neighborhood of Wrigleyville was so busy! We wanted to go into Harry Caray's bar but my parents had warned it wasn't appropriate for little ones (especially after the patrons had been drinking at the game all day). Instead we just walked by.
The game took it all out of Luke
Next on the agenda...Peoria for Laura & Dan's wedding!
Gino's East
The morning after school ended we hopped on a plane for Chicago. We arrived fairly early so we set out to see a bit of the city. We received a few recommendations to try Gino's East for authentic Chicago style pizza. The food was a little disappointing but we still had a great time.
Mommy & Maddie in graffiti covered Gino's
Luke-man!
Luke & Daddy
Mommy & Maddie in graffiti covered Gino's
Luke-man!
Luke & Daddy
Next stop...Wrigley Field!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Madison's Last Day at Grace Preschool
So...we are WAY behind on our blog posts. With the end of school & our trip out to the Midwest we have been a little crazed. Life has calmed down a bit & we are ready to document our adventures! Madison celebrated her last day at Grace preschool with her best friend, Trent. We will miss Trent so much!
Trent & Madison using the sandbox one last time
Luke starting his tenure at Grace a little early (his actual start date is in September.)
Madison's teacher Ms. Nanci has an adorable daughter, Angelina. She got out of school the week before we did so she helped her Mommy out for a few days. Madison loved her! Angelina was such a doll, even though she was a bit older she didn't mind at all that Maddie followed her around like a puppy dog. She's on the left helping Maddie dig in the sand :-)
Trent & Madison using the sandbox one last time
Luke starting his tenure at Grace a little early (his actual start date is in September.)
Madison's teacher Ms. Nanci has an adorable daughter, Angelina. She got out of school the week before we did so she helped her Mommy out for a few days. Madison loved her! Angelina was such a doll, even though she was a bit older she didn't mind at all that Maddie followed her around like a puppy dog. She's on the left helping Maddie dig in the sand :-)
Congratulations on "graduating" from Grace Madison!!!
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