Chicago 2011

Mike and I flew to Chicago this past weekend! It was 18 degrees, mostly overcast except for sunny Sat. downtown which worked out perfectly. Friday night we had date night at Gene & Georgetti's for some fabulous steaks. When we got there Mike's brother, Ralphie, had a bottle of champagne delivered to our table. What a nice surprise (thanks RIII)! After that we headed to a Boss for a few cocktails. Great night in downtown Chicago :) Can't wait to go back (well, maybe when it's a little warmer).

Here we are in the town car heading into the city from Chicago O Hare.

Here are a few cool shots of the buildings and sky line downtown.

did I mention SNOW......

Mike standing over the Chicago River.

Sat. morning we got up early, headed downstairs for breastfast at the Conrad Chicago where we stayed and were on the streets, ready to shop, by 8am. Unfortunately the stores didn't open until 10am but it was a peaceful two hours of walking around, exploring and soaking up chilly early morning city life.

We stepped inside Fourth Presbyterian Church on Chestnut Street for a few minutes and it was breathtaking to say the least!

Sat. night we headed to Crystal Lake for the Knaack 50th Anniversary Celebration! I had the opportunity to meet all of Mike's co workers, see his office and spend the evening dining, dancing and in great conversation. They had a photo booth with props! Check this out!

Thanks for a fabulous time babe!

I love you.

Sushi :-)

Daddy was in Las Vegas for work last week so Mommy and I decided to pick up Sushi! I've had it a few times before and absolultey loved it. This time Mommy told me she was going to teach me how to use chopsticks so I could eat Sushi like you're supposed to. I tried and tried and finally picked it up! It didn't quite make it to my mouth before it dropped on my plate but not too bad for my first chopstick experience!

Mommy adjusted my hands on the chopsticks and it was so much easier!

Kohlston wasn't quite ready to try Sushi so he stuck to green beans and mac n cheese! He just started using a fork really well :) He went through this stage where he wouldn't eat veggies and Mommy was pretty stressed out over it. Thank goodness Aunt Chanda passed on her secret tip (making it fun with a straw and puree baby food). IT WORKS!!!!! He LOVES his veggy's now :)

Check out this Veggy Boy :):) Happy as can be!

Inflate World!

Inflate World here we come to celebrate Daniel's 4th Birthday!!! Kai's whole class was invited to join in on the fun. Inflate World is this huge warehouse with rooms filled with different bounce houses, slides etc... The kids had sooooooooo much fun!

Happy Birthday Daniel :) (Kai is especially fond of this little guy).

Daniel, Ava & Kailey

When I said 'WE' had fun I meant Kohlston too! Check out this action photo of the Inflate World coordinator and Kohlston going down the bounce house slide. It's priceless!!!!!

Needless to say HE LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!
Daniel & Brianna

Lily & Kailey enjoying some birthday snacks!

Back for more fun! Kai went down this slide over and over again!

Here's a group photo of most of her classmates!

Kailey's first cleaning!!!

This was Kailey's second time visiting the Dentist however, her first official cleaning. It was a success!!!! She read her "Dora Visits the Dentist" book on the way there and was more than excited about getting her teeth sparkling clean. Evereything looked good :):)

WE are working on 'no thumb sucking' and so far it's been about 3 weeks with NO THUMB SUCKING during nap time at school. It's a different story here at home but at least we're headed in the right direction. She's heard us preach all about braces........

Miss Kailey Von - we are soooooooooo proud of you!

You are our brave little lady :)