First view of the water in Chicago ... when I was here in February, all the boats were gone. This was an amazing sight - boats everywhere! 

Sunset on the way to Chicago ... I wish this view had been out our window (this was across the aisle)! The kids flipped a coin to sit by the window and my son won. The intent was to switch on the way back and we didn't get a window seat! I had one very unhappy camper then. 

What a treat ... dinner waiting and ready? Thanks to a dear friend, my son is getting an occasional cooking lesson. How cool is that? 

Airport Stink-Eye

 

Two little competitors ... mine said before we left, "I want to wear something cuter than M-----!" 

I think my little one takes after me ... she does love to tease. I was ruthless when I was little! 

My little one was sure there was a fish in the river by the shore. She and her friend named it ... and drove my older one up a wall! He was sure it was the tip of a stick. Let the debates begin! 

We went to the science museum - not for the exhibits this time but for some auditions! Unfortunately, the website gave me a choice of Saturday or Sunday signups and 2:00/6:00 time slots ... so I chose Sunday at 6:00. Guess what? Auditions were Saturday and Callbacks were Sunday!!! BUT - if we're interested in their program, we can come the first day of class and the director will do a brief audition before class starts. I have a feeling it's more like ... anyone who wants to pay can come! LOL 

Feeling thankful tonight. I started going to a support group a few weeks ago ... Many of the women there live in a shelter. Many have a challenge just in finding a job or getting transportation. Some have no idea of the riches inside. Others have a fighting spirit I admire. These women are amazing on many levels ... they fight things on a daily basis that are easily within my grasp. Not only do I admire their strength, but it makes me want to do something to help. It revives my sense of purpose and ministry. For that I am truly thankful. 

Weekend swim! I'm glad we can still have pool time before the weather starts getting cold. Lately there is a crisp bite in the morning breeze, which I personally find very refreshing! I guess it's my northern roots getting a breath of fresh air. 

Creative poolside moments ... GOSH - I love digital cameras! 

FINALLY ... I'm getting some creative space carved out! Maybe I'll write a song this weekend? Here's hoping! 

The birthday boy was on top this weekend. An overnight with friends, a new video game, a swimming pool, a little sister who loves to decorate, and a mom who is tech-savvy enough to at least do the webcam thing (so I don't have to capture REAL video) and make a birthday video with recorded greetings. What more can a boy ask for? HELIUM!!! (you guess it, the helium was inhaled) 

One of the main social activities for the boys (video games don't count) was swimming. Night and day ... I've got a whole photo album of splashes! 

While the guys played and played and played, my little one took up learning to "surf" in the pool. She is a fish, and probably always will be! 

Happy Birthday!

What a production! Just a little way to say "Happy Birthday" and keep kids entertained at the same time!

Goofy Goober

Yes, this is a picture of my life some days.

More at Party #2 ... my oldest is the adventuresome one of the two when it comes to things like this! The little girl pack came out a couple of times and turned up their noses at all the muddy water in the little pools and decided they didn't want to get that dirty! 

Party #2 ... another fun time, this time with large inflatable water fun (the other was a huge slide into a pool of water). I think we will all be ready for bed after this day! 

Party #1 ... My little one had the honor of breaking the piniata and even winning Pin The Tail On The Donkey! Overall, it was a fun time with games and food, but a skinned knee had the birthday girl in tears when it was time to wrap things up.

My photo opportunity this past weekend was quite the event! I was technically in New York once (overnight on the way back from South Africa in 1986), but I didn't get to see anything ... just the hotel room! So this was quite the visual overload. The lights and sights and sounds that surround you at Times Square are amazing if you stop to take it all in.

24-hour trash in New York ... wow, not something I would have equated with the big apple! 

First venture into the city with a nice long walk (on the hunt for food!) before going to the Empire State Building. 

My first glimpse of New York from the window of the WHITE LIMO! How is that for an unexpected treat? 

We have a winner! A special Sunday for kids had my oldest discovering new words with a set of Webster's reference books. Now that's something Mom would like to have!! 

Beautiful skies lately (this view from a loung chair by the pool) ... if I could strip the landscape of buildings, it would be a beautiful panorama.