Thurs. Aug. 22, 2013 - a trip to Chicago to celebrate Grandma Cathy's birthday

 Shucking corn at "Barnyard Bash"

 Whenever she is doing something she shouldn't, like eating granola before dinner, she sneaks into the little house and tries to hide. The crackling bag gave her away.

 Hot weather means ice cream!

 Micaela's first ice cream cone

 She enjoyed every bite

 And ended up with sprinkles everywhere, even in her belly button

 Aunt Winnie had cool toys

 My watermelon girls

 Playing "bongo drums"

 Grandma Cathy met us in Bloomingdale (Chicago suburb) so we could celebrate her birthday

 We made homemade icecream

 First Riley poured in some sugar

 Then Micaela poured in some more

 Grandma Cathy, Riley, Micaela and Mommy

 Playing piano with Mackenzie Sidman

 Sandbox time

Lizzy demonstrated to the younger girls how to decorate a giant cookie

Game time

 Mackenzie, Riley, Lizzy and Micaela; Heather and I have all girls!

 Aunt Winnie dug out some of the boys' old animals and dinosaurs

 Despite all the entertainment, Micaela decided to play in the fireplace

 Both girls loved hanging out with cousin Ryan

 Especially since they got to feed his fish

 Micaela knew where Sadie's treats were and wanted to give them to her all the time; Sadie thought this was great

 My cherry tomatoes are beautiful and delicious

Hiding behind the plant and eating as many red cherry tomatoes as she can

This week we had some hot temperatures. My tomatoes are finally turning red, we have been playing in the sprinkler and eating ice cream. Micaela thoroughly enjoyed her first ice cream cone and we were thoroughly entertained watching her tackle it. 

The girls and I drove to Aunt Winnie and Uncle Bill's house in Bloomingdale, a Chicago suburb, to celebrate Grandma Cathy's birthday. We had a wonderful time with them. Winnie made some amazing food, we shopped, we played, it was great. Our first morning back home Micaela asked, "Where's Ryan?" and Riley requested "Oatmeal like Aunt Winnie makes." I'm so glad the girls have the chance to spend time with family. Chad has been traveling a lot lately and was away while we were in Bloomingdale so it also helps make the time without Daddy go faster. And of course its great to get to see Grandma Cathy on her birthday.

While we were in the area we also spent an afternoon with Heather Sidman, my college roommate, and her 2 daughters. Riley and Mackenzie are close in age and play very well together, especially when they gang up to torture Lizzy, the older sister. Micaela just tried to keep up with all the older girls. It was so special to catch up with my close friend and see our girls together.