A Glimpse of Summer

Warm weather made a debut this week, allowing us to pull out the summer clothes and enjoy plenty of time outside. We picnicked at the park and scootered around the neighborhood. On Friday, I attended a Mother's Day party at Ella's preschool. Jack and I joined her for snacks, songs, and a special gift she made for me - a heart-shaped key chain with her thumbprint. It was really fun and so cute to see her so excitedl! Today was another great Mother's Day, filled with breakfast at home, a solo workout, and pedicure and shopping with Erin. I sure am a lucky mom!

Summer weather at the park!

Picnic time with our friend and neighbor, Anna.

Scooter time!

His little head was so sweaty after taking off his helmet!

I was invited to Ella's school for a special Mother's Day party!

Jack was so excited about going to Ella's school for snacks that he refused to nap beforehand.

The very sweet key chain Ella made me!

Mother-daughter selfie!

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

The good weather finally arrived in Chicago, and we have been taking advantage all weekend! Ella had heard about a kite festival at school, and convinced us to check it out. The weather was beautiful and we had a lot of fun flying kites. Today was another day spent mostly outside. 

Party of Five

So... as you can see by Ella and Jack's new t-shirts, we have some news! We're going to have another baby! I'm due in October, and we told the kids after my 12-week appointment a couple of weeks ago. Ella was thrilled, and Jack was oblivious. In fact, his response when we told him we were going to have a baby was, "why?" Ella is hoping it's twins (it's not!) and is so excited to teach the baby things and help take care of it. We're all very excited, and looking forward to fall!

Ella trying to figure out what the ultrasound photo meant.

Jack wasn't too concerned with the ultrasound photo.

Playing a duet.

More Iowa Memories

This week's post contains more pictures from our week in Iowa, including fun on the farm. We've been back home for a week now and enjoyed some nice spring weather, which allowed us to hit plenty of parks and fly our new kites. Hopefully we'll enjoy more sunny days this week! 

One of many pancake mornings at Grandma and Papa C's house.

Park time with Papa C.

Ella climbing the same jungle gym that I played on in elementary school.

Aunt Patti and Ella reading while I had a great visit with Great Grandma C.

Story time at a nearby library.

Helping feed the cows at Grandma and Grandpa V's farm!

Ava, Reid, and Ella running the bales.

Jack even got brave enough to try it with Aunt Jill!

Checking out the dairy farm - Ella learned a lot!

Helping feed the calves.

Jack loved the calves, and was actually pretty helpful!

Back at Grandma and Papa C's house, putting Brownie to bed.

Wheelbarrow races with Papa C.

Enjoying Great Grandma P's homemade chocolate cake and ice cream.

Back in Chicago, flying kites, which were Easter gifts from Grandma V.

Jack had trouble getting his kite off the ground.

Ella is getting pretty fast on her scooter!

Jack is getting better, too, but likes to stop and pick up rocks, sticks, etc.