Weekend with Dad

We had another fun filled week in Chicago.  On Thursday, Grandpa Rich made a quick trip to Chicago to help me out while Liz visited her sister in Austin.  Although short, the kids took advantage.  Plenty of playing, parks, and movie time with Grandpa.  I'm sure Rich was pretty tired when he left. I also attended curriculum night for Ella and Jack's school.   Needless to say, school is much different than I remember.  2nd grade is pretty intense.  On Friday, Grandpa Rich, Maeve and I visited Jack and Ella's school.  Maeve was a big hit during recess.  On Saturday, we took advantage of the amazing fall weather and went to the Lincoln Park Zoo.  As always, the monkeys and gorillas did not disappoint.  We also found out our kids have no shot at going pro in hula hoop dancing (videos below). Sunday was another amazing day of weather so we took an early morning bike ride and a picnic at the park.  We ended the weekend with birthday cake for Betty's birthday!

Might as well start with a good one.  Liz and I took advantage of wedding in MPLS last weekend with no kids. 

Grandpa Rich made a quick trip to Chicago to visit.  Here Jack is describing his pipe system. 

Maeve was trying to build her castle taller than Jack's tower.  

Jack won but he had help...

An intense chess match. 

Maeve's turn to play. 

Maeve was very excited to bring her backpack with her to soccer. 

I came back from Starbucks to find this. 

Off to the park / soccer

Soccer time.  Maeve did awesome. 

Stretching. 

Getting ready to visit Jack and Ella at school

So sweet. 

Ella's turn

Catching up on some ready as we wait for Jack. 

Round two after we left the school.  This never gets old. 

Waiting for Ella to come out of school

Making birthday cards for mom. 

Ella's idea. 

Where did Maeve go?

Found her. 

This freaked me out.  I was looking out the window and turned around to this person staring at me. 

All Ella's idea.  She woke up on Saturday dressing the part.  Go Hawks!

I still feel like the Hawks were the better team on Saturday. 

These shirts worked well at the zoo.  We received at least 5 shout outs. 

Off to the zoo.  We were all just given fanny packs. 

Lots of festivities at the zoo. 

Jack had to see the water. 

These guys are truly best buds.  

Maeve swinging at the new neighbors place.  

Ella is a terrific big sister. 

Sunday morning bike ride 

Quick pitstop at Starbucks.  They put tape on Maeve's helmet. 

Old Fashion doughnut. 

Ella was not happy that somebody had been to their secret hideout. 

The park was empty so we took advantage riding around. 

Sort of funny.  Ella hit a tree branch riding her tree. 

Playing at our weekend play store (Menards)

Maeve really liked the Halloween toy. 

Some light reading. 

Sunday picnic at the park.  

A great day to wash your vehicles. 

Creating the banner for Liz and other small birthday gifts. 

Time for the world famous 3 Amigo Chocolate Chip Cookies

Jack brought up all his supplies from the basement and said he had to fix the window

Cake Time!

The kids patiently waited to surprise Liz (and eat the cake).