Grandma C. Comes to Visit!

With Jeritt traveling quite a bit lately, I talked Grandma C. into making a trip to visit us. The regional airport near their home recently began servicing Chicago, so she flew to see us for the first time! The kids and I picked her up Thursday night, and Ella got to show Grandma her preschool on Friday. Uncle Martin and Aunt Erin joined us for pizza on Friday night, and Jeritt arrived home later that evening. We've spent the rest of the weekend taking care of a few projects around the house and showing Grandma our little fishies at swim class. We'll be sad to see her leave tomorrow!

Playing sleepover in their sleeping bags.

Jack was very excited to help Daddy with making pancakes.

When he woke up on Sunday morning, he said, "Where's Daddy? I help with pancakes."

A tall stack for a short stack!

Jack likes helping me spin salad.

Playing a little dress up.

Ella feeding her babies.

Jack riding his panda.

Enjoying a treat from Sweet Mandy B's with Grandma C.

Grandma's ride to Chicago!

Jack swimming!

Where are the kids? Grandma waiting to read books at bedtime.

Grandma with the whole crew.

Ella the Magician

It's difficult to explain the brutal realities of magic to a four-year-old.

End-of-February Fun

On Friday night, we attended "Parent's Night" at Ella's preschool. We had a great time meeting other parents and seeing her artwork, and we're really happy that she's having so much fun there. On Saturday we finally got to see Uncle Jeff, Aunt Kristin, and Jace. It had been way too long since we'd gotten together, and we had really missed them! Today was another round of swim lessons. Both kids are improving, and Ella is truly learning to swim. We're about to begin our first "movie night" with Ella and Jack and I'm getting requests for popcorn and M&M's, so that's all for tonight:)

They were playing "moving day."

Jack really likes markers.

Ella torturing, I mean, giving Jack a check-up.

At least he's a good sport.

Jack finally got a chance to paint.

Ella the magician (see the videos).  Actually the videos were too big.

Jack and Jace playing doctor. 

Ella trying to hold Jace. 

A+ for effort. 

Getting ready for swim class. 

Here's the normal smile.  

Jack and Brownie.  Jack now has a "Brownie voice," where he imitates Brownie talking to him. Pretty cute.

Jack tried on Ella's ghost costume from Halloween.

Obviously real men don't wear shirts when they ride a fire engine. 

We went to parent's night at Ella's preschool.  This was Ella's artwork on the wall. 

Go Fish!

Living in Chicago, we have so many fantastic museums and attractions in our own backyard. Slowly, we're showing the kids the amazing sights their hometown has to offer, and this weekend, it was the Shedd Aquarium. Ella and Jack loved seeing all of the fish, reptiles, and mammals, and they especially enjoyed the penguins and the dolphin show.

The main tank at the aquarium.

The sharks!

The photo isn't high quality, but the sharks swam very close to the glass. 

Ella and Jack loved the kid submarine area. 

Outside of the dolphin show, the penguins were probably the favorite exhibit. 

Ella wanted to be a penguin as well. 

Glasses for the 4-D movie. 

Ella learned about the Chinese New Year at school, which means her new favorite thing is eating with chopsticks. Thankfully, pasta is one dish that actually works.

Jack made a valentine for Brownie. 

Running in the hallway with friends.

Playing waitress.

No caption needed.

Sunday morning reading.