Grand Harbor!

For Christmas my mom and dad gave us an overnight stay at a hotel/indoor water park and we had a blast. We met my whole family in Dubuque Iowa.
Nanny (who doesn't know how to swim) was a rock star... she literally went on every water slide without even acting too scared.

Having a cousin just 4 weeks older than you is like having a twin. Macker and Lulu enjoyed their snacks together.

Time for some snacks in the hotel room. This was the kid area.

Aunt Kers and Haddiecakes.

The whole gang, minus myself and Papa.

See my Scooter?

Girl cousins. Haddie, Sis and Lulu.

There's Junie.

Sissy was a rock star on the slides. I think she did each about 50 times.

Hanker and Junedog. We also went to the Mississippi River Museum.

All the Criddle cousins together.

Sissy, Junie, and Papa.

Cousins.

Big catfish.

Did Nanny get a new fox scarf.

Macker loved the snake. He tried to grab it. Scary.

Poor Mr.Crazyface

Scotty has been an absolute crazy boy lately. I mean way more crazy than usual... this was to only way to get his attention. Don't feel sorry for him and don't call CPS, please.

Happy Heart Day

My Scooter is a catch for many reasons but today he outdid himself.

Sissy asked him why he was cleaning like crazy and his answer was... because Mommy's love language is acts of service.

I love this guy.

Earthquake and Snow

It snowed for a total of 30 hours straight and my Scooter was a shoveling machine.



In the middle of the night I heard the loudest, rumbliest noise. It sounded like a huge snow plow was in our driveway or that an airplane landed in our street. Our windows shook like crazy. When we turned on the news this morning they said it was a 4.3 earthquake in CHICAGO. What in the world. It must be a joke, right?

Last night I got him that sweet new shovel from Target (50% off) for Scott. Wow, has our life changed, he was the happiest I've seen him in a long time...

Breakfast, Anyone?

So, today Macker and I went on a date along with 2 million other Americans.

After a 45 minute, wait we enjoyed a fancy GrandSlam.

Macker used the butter as a dip. (hello, 3rd child)

Have I mentioned how much I love him?

Macker's face reminds me of Amelia.

Chicago Review

Up early to enjoy the snow.

Snow adventure.


Buddies on a sled.

Children's museum.

Having fun.

Loving my Macker.

Supermom Heather enjoying the snow. Brrrr.

After nonstop fun, popcorn and movies were the perfect way to end the day. (Thanks, Amy)

Before 8:00am we were on the train and ready for the big city.

Train station.

Freeeeezing at the bus stop.

Love.

Colin said it was the first time he'd ever been on a bus. Cool.

Millennium Park. Hard to believe this is a splash pad.

Checking out ice skaters.

The Big Bean.

Smooshed into a taxi.

Field Museum visiting Sue.

Polar Bears that aren't alive now.

Overlooking the city.

Buddies.

Sissy and Heather. (Cathy, I love the new coat. Thanks! START A BLOG)

Field Museum.

Back on the train. Macker was as naughty as ever.

Ready for bed.

Sissy and the dudes.

A big group cuddle.

Robyn and Karoline came to town for the evening and the kids were thrilled because Robyn is known for being the best story teller ever.

Perfect weekend in almost every way. Except for the the bronchitis, coups, 103 temp, diarrhea, vomiting from 2 kids and nonstop coughing, sinus infection and ear infections. Come back soon, we're all feeling better;)

They're Here!

Colin and Heather arrived after 10:00 tonight and all Colin wanted was the snow!

No problem, we bundled him up in a coat and boots and gave him a shovel.

Time for some sledding. Heather had some freezing buns.

Colin loved the sledding.

Colin woke Sissy and the first thing he said to her was, "Sissy, I love your snow." How sweet is that?