September Came and Went

September went by like that.  We had a lot keeping us busy, like...

a crafty project using paint swatches and clothes pins
to match colors. 

She doesn't get them in the right order but right now
it's just about the fun of squeezing the clothes pins
and getting them on the paper.  

Play dates with this girly, Claire.

Decorating the driveway with chalk...

... and having a snack.
This kid cannot touch chalk without eating it.  I'm
talking chunks off, not just licking it.

A first conversation with Gram.

And trying to reach really high to help Daddy.

Over the Hill

Frustration!  A couple of weeks ago I had this blog post almost done.  Ready to be posted onto the blogosphere and then... delete. 

Dang. 

I didn't want to start over right away so I thought I'd just do it later.  Like I said, that was a few weeks ago.  I owe you a few more too.  I'll work on filling in the gaps between my last post and now. 

Anyway - we had a little time to kill before nap.  It was a beautiful day in the sun but chilly in the shade.  Since our backyard was full of shade I told Nora and Myles we were going to play on the hill (one of Nora's favorite places) I grabbed my camera and away we went.  I barely said a word while we were out there.  They just played with each other and then on their own, completely content. 

I tried to teach Nora how to roll down the hill.
She kept doing it over and over but didn't understand
that she should keep her body straight but whatever.
She was having fun and still rolling.

We picked dandelions and blew off the pieces. 

Running to the next dandelion.

"Hi! Hi! Hi!"
He kept yelling at Rusty on the other side of the fence.

She kept taking handfuls of grass and throwing
them in the air. 

Better the park's grass than ours!

This and That

Just wanted to share some of my favorite pictures from what we've been up to the last couple of weeks.

playground trips --

splash table filled with bubbles --

painting lots of ceilings --

visiting the bluesmobile cruise nights car show --

Electric Boat Tour

A few months back, Dan brought a Groupon at 11:45 at night.  I think it's safe to say that at that time of night, there was quite possibly a drink or two involved but regardless, it was purchased.  

Anyway -- the groupon was for the rental of a 10 passenger electric boat to tour the Chicago River.  We cashed it in this weekend.  Here are the highlights.

Captain Dan.

Jeff enjoying a Sconnie beer

I just love this picture of Missy Mo.  She was excited
to be on the boat.

The little boy was thirsty! 

Mother and Daughter!

Nora stayed on that step,  her perch, for at least
half of the boat ride.  Right next to Uncle Jeff.  She could
see all the boats coming behind us from here.  She'd warn
Dan a big boat was coming and then yell at the other
boat, "Get out of the way!"

He was trying to take pictures :)

Dan had a co-captain for a bit.

My super great father-in-law.

Another co-captian.
One of my favorite pictures from the trip.

Classic Chicago.

Wine.  Cheese.  Water.
Perfect start to the holiday weekend.