Digging a Little Deeper

This is an interesting blog post by John Piper on the topic of the 35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis. As usual, he brings his unique perspective to help me see things in a new way. I've sat mesmerized the past two days watching CNN and hearing testimony of those who witnessed the collapse or were even involved in it. My heart and prayers go out to the many hurting people.

Psalm 71:20 You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again.

Dear Sweet Olivia

Livi and I were in the mall the other day looking for a purse for mommy. BTW, if you're looking for a shiny, sparkly purse, Liv can tell you where all the good ones are. Anyway...Liv says "Mommy, I want to go up the elevator. No, not the elevator, that other one..." I helpfully reply "The escalator?" Liv says "Okay, I'll ask you later."




Didja get it???



Here's the cutie with her "crown" on. :)

Like Father, Like Son

This is Paul as a young 'un.

Definitely a similarity.


They are also similar in their choice of headwear.

Nine Years Ago...

we tied the knot!

Happy anniversary to a wonderful husband, terrific father, and my best friend in the world. Love you honey!

Sights of Chicago

I was able to spend some time in Chicago with my mom this past week. We had a great time and the weather was beautiful! The first night we went to the musical "Wicked". It was amazing! I highly recommend it - it's a story of the witches of the Wizard of Oz. Very, very enjoyable.

The next day we took in Navy Pier. This is taken inside the garden.
Looking out from Navy Pier.
Looking up at the ferris wheel. We did ride it - thank goodness it wasn't windy!
This picture was taken on a boat out in Lake Michigan looking back at the pier.
The last day we treated ourselves to a pedicure. It was so wonderful to have a quick getaway to spend time with my mom! Thanks to my wonderful hubby for letting me go!

Our Vacation Part 2 - the Boat

We had a blast on my parent's pontoon boat. We went fishing off of it on the 4th of July. Olivia and I caught two fish and Noah caught one. I was most proud of the fact that I put the worms on the hook myself and took the fish off the hook myself! This is a first for me!

Our Vacation Part 1 - the Birthdays

We had a great vacation in MN this past week. We spent our first night in a hotel swimming, swimming, swimming. The next day was Olivia's birthday, and so we got in two of her requests - going to a waterpark (the hotel pool substituted for that!) and going to the zoo.

This is what Olivia thought of the pool.

Those noodles sure make swimming fun!
Chloe and Grandpa
Wild animals at the zoo
With my parents

Olivia had a beautiful princess cake for her birthday and received lots of princess presents! She was in heaven. The next day we celebrated my grandfather's 86th birthday. He had a Diego cake for his party. So cute! Then on the 5th of July was my birthday. We decided to recycle the princess cake since we had LOTS of it leftover. So it became a ladybug! I think not many thirty-somethings get to have a ladybug cake for their birthday!

More vacation pics to come...