West DuPage Woods

Charlie, Mary and I took a hike with Ranger Kev today~
This time we got to explore the West Dupage Woods. We've never been there, and they were really beautiful~
We love the nature hikes offered through the Dupage County Forest Preserve. The views are spectacular, and we get to spend time with an amazing naturalist (who homeschooled his own children).

Biker Chick

Mary has discovered the delight of riding her own bike~






Thanks, Grandma!

MRI

Mary had a sedated MRI today at UofC hospital today. She had to fast, but was the first case, so it wasn't too bad. And she's a trooper, anyhow. She happily colored, and talked, away the wait~
She was fussing a little bit beforehand, and Grandma promised her some stickers when she woke up. We had to go to the Emergency Room (outside to another building) to find any, but it's a good thing we did, because it was the first thing Mary asked for as the anesthesia was wearing off.

The doctor wanted to check the size (to make sure one side isn't becoming enlarged) and the function, of her heart. We don't expect any problems.

Everyone Knows It's Windy

We took a trip down to Navy Pier today for a ride on the Tall Ship - Windy. The weather was perfect~

The kids were excited to see the skyline from this vantage point~
But just being on a tall ship was a thrill~

Sammy got to man the cannon~

It was actually more interesting than just a sail - the crew gave a mini history lesson about pirates on the Great Lakes. We were very entertained~
Since we were there, we looked around the rest of a near-empty Navy Pier~
The boys took a ride on the Ferris wheel~
Another great view~



Sam through Charlie's eyes (most of the time ;) ~
Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero. ~Marc Brown
Hello up there~
Mary was a little nervous about going up so high, so she stayed closer to the ground and took a spin on the carousel~

For He's a Jolly Good Fellow

We celebrated Grandpa's birthday today~
Good thing Grandpa has had enough birthdays that he doesn't mind sharing~
Because even when it's not her birthday, Mary still gets to blow out the candles~

la Comedienne

Bear Down, Chicago Bears

We returned from camping, and Sam's travel coach offered us Bears tickets. Never able to say no to a sporting event, we headed down to Soldier Field as soon as Scott got off work tonight. The kids had never been to a Bears game before, so it was pretty exciting~
We were pretty high up, but we can handle it~

Mary's favorite part might have been the shuttle back to the parking spot~
And we couldn't pass up a chance to finally eat at the White Palace Grill (featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives)

The food was great and the Bears beat the Browns. It was a fun (if exhausting!) night.