Jack is Five!

We had another fun week in Chicago. We took advantage of the warm weather and went on plenty of bike rides and trips to the park.  Jeritt decided to rent a knee-wheeler to help in his recovery, which obviously can also act as a toy for Ella, Jack, and Maeve. On Friday night, the kids and I went to Zoo Lights with Abbie. This is always a favorite trip every year. On Saturday, our sweet little boy Jack turned five. It is amazing how fast time flies by. To celebrate, we made a family trip to the Hancock Observatory.  Jack is quite fascinated with skyscrapers and is easily able to name most of the main buildings in Chicago. That said, he was a little intimated by the "Tilt" at the Hancock. On Sunday afternoon, Abbie/Eric and Jeff, Kristen, Jace, and Finley came over to celebrate Jack's birthday as well. 

Jeritt rented a knee-wheeler for the next few weeks. Sadly, he has to compete with Ella, Jack, and Maeve to use it.  

Perfect for transporting babies. 

Jack turned 5!  We celebrated with a trip to the Hancock Tower. 

Birthday breakfast at Dunkin Doughnuts. 

We tried the "Tilt," which literally tilts you over the edge of the building. I was the only one brave enough to do the entire thing. 

Maeve is just chillin' with her baby. 

Birthday cake time.  This was a special recipe from Grandma C.  Jack had her add marshmallow fluff.  

Whipped cream pancakes for the birthday boy. 

Maeve at gymnastics.  It is amazing how well the kids listen and line up for the stamps. 

Working on some letters . Such a handsome boy. 

Zoo Lights!

Jack received a bike for his birthday.  He is already doing great on it!

Present from Grandma and Grandpa C.  Jack absolutely loves it. He named it Broomstick. 

Opening other birthday presents. 

Maeve received a belated b-day gift from Erin and Martin. 

Birthday party with Jace, Finley, Jeff, Kristen, Abbie and Eric

A city of Chicago print from Abbie and Eric.  Jack was able to able to identify all of the skyscrapers. 

A marble game from Jace and Finley. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

With Jeritt on crutches, we opted to stay home this Thanksgiving. I made a turkey dinner for the five of us, and we played "Pie Face" after dessert. It was by far the most low-key holiday we've had in a long time, but it was a very relaxing long weekend at home. The kids slept in the tent, we went out for pizza, decorated for Christmas, and even enjoyed a trip to the park to take advantage of the gorgeous weather. 

Thanksgiving morning at Starbucks.

Our feast!

Jack and Ella have been taking turns having "surgery" on their ankles, just like Dad.

Maeve has been accompanying Ella and Jack to their dentist appointments for two years. This week, it was her turn! 

She was the first one in the chair, and kept saying, "I so excited!"

She's such a big girl now that I'm even letting her drive  (just kidding, we were parked:).

Ella's pie, on the right, turned out better than mine.

Jack even elevated  his ankle on a pillow.

It was a beautiful fall weekend, so we went to the park!

Maeve didn't get to sleep in the tent, so I let her try out my old sleeping bag from when I was a kid.

Ella wanted to string popcorn for her own little tree.