Myrtle Beach Days (part 2)

We'll do anything to keep Grace entertained. Devin found that throwing goldfish in the air and catching them in his mouth was grounds for a belly laugh from Grace! This was on the way down to the beach, about 3 hours into the trip!

Grace ended up loving the ocean!

Future Gladiator?

Nighttime walk on the beach

Monkey see Monkey (Miss) Doo!!!

Enjoying some "Rita's" Italian Ice

She was worn out!!

Myrtle Beach Days

We're finally here! We usually come to the beach in June but we did some other traveling in late May that delayed our trip until now. It is so nice to go to a place that feels like a "home away from home". We know where everything is, have our "favorite" restaurants, know what we like to do, etc. Unlike Chicago, where basically you are at the mercy of where your hotel is located and how much cab fare will be if it where you want to go is out of walking distance. When we were on our way to the airport it was exciting because it was going to be an adventure. Here, it is just like being home, only better because we have the pools and ocean at our disposal. Nights at Broadway at the beach, days at the pool, ocean and arcade. Grace seems to like the ocean pretty good, but last night after it got dark we went down to the beach and she did not like the feel of the cool sand on her bare feet. It's been cloudy and rainy today, so we've only ventured to the pool. Perhaps later we'll give the ocean another try. Unfortunately, I forgot the cord that I need to hook up my camera to the computer, so pictures will be posted when we get home Wednesday.

Chicago Baby!

Well, our long awaited trip to Chicago has come and gone. We had such a good time. The food was fantastic, the soccer gane was great, and the family time was plentiful. The only thing we did not do in excess is sleep! We're home now and can catch up on that, though. Here are some pictures from our adventures:

The boys at Chicago Pizza and Grinder Company



The FAMOUS Pizza Pot Pie...MMMMMMMmmmmmmm!!!



The girls at Chicago Pizza and Grinder Company


Aren't they sweet!!

After dinner we went to the Sear's Tower...

The next day we took off to Navy Pier. The boys had planned on doing the power boat, but Devin decided he did not want to go. SO, we ended up at the Children't Museum. It was a lot of fun for both Devin and Grace.



Miss Doo enjoyed fishing in the pond (actually, she enjoyed eating the fish!)



They dug for dinosaur bones... (actually, Devin dug and grace ate the plastic chips that covered the bones)





Devin indulged me for this photo...

The next day we went to the Chicago Fire Soccer Game. This was the highlight of the trip for the boys. Unfortunately, baby doo and I only saw the players introduced before we headed down to catch a cab for the trip back to the hotel. Here are some pictures from the game..

Outside Toyota Stadium...



MLS goalie in the making...



Sweet catch...



National Anthem and player introductions

We headed home and are looking forward to our next adventure this Friday to Myrtle Beach.

Surprise Visitors

Yesterday started pretty typically. We both got a run in before running some errands and starting to wear Devin out (he has SO much energy to burn!) Mike took Devin to the park to play soccer while I stayed here so Grace could nap. I then got a phone call that I was hoping to get...Ashley called and wanted to come by. I was thrilled! It had been well over a month since I've seen her. She's been to California, Mississippi (I think...on a mission trip) and Hawaii since I've seen her! AND she brought Dawn with her! I wasn't sure if Miss was going to come because she was mowing the grass when Ash called, but she did! We were all so thrilled to have company, especially Ash and Dawn! The rest of our afternoon was so much fun! I only hated that they had to leave! (We had a date night last night with some friends at 6:00.) The good news is that Ash said she'd move in with us the week Kelley and family are here! BONUS! The more the merrier and more fun!

Miss Independent

Grace has begun to feed herself. She has been doing this for quite some time with "finger foods" but now wants to be like the rest of us and use a fork or spoon. She started off this morning with her spoon and her oatmeal and then the McLaughlin came out in her and she began using her hands. To eat oatmeal! As long as it enters the stomach, I guess. I was thinking she was going to be a dainty girl who didn't like stuff on her hands or face. The force is strong in this one. I think she will be just like her daddy and her brother. The more food on the face and hands, the more for later!

Bike Rider

We have turned a corner in our family. Devin actually WANTS to go for a nightly bike ride. Could the reason for the sudden change be that he thinks it is cool to go one way around the circle while Mike, Grace and I go the other way? Yes, we allow our boy to ride around the block on his bike by himself. It is interesting to hear the comments from our neighbors as Devin goes by them by himself. One neighbor (who is super overprotective but oh so sweet!) actually stopped her run one night to make sure he was delivered safely to us. That was the first night. It happened quite by accident that we were separated in the first place. When we go for walks at night, we always go straight. Well, Devin turned left. We kept thinking we'd run into him waiting for us at one of the crosswalks, but we didn't...until Mother Hen and D came around the corner about a mile into the walk. He thought it was so funny that the next day he tried to go even faster. Then last night, we went faster and didn't run into him. Then I ran ahead and still we didn't find him. Then, at last, at the top of the big hill, nearly a mile and a half into our walk, I spotted the bright orange helmet. He said he got lost. Now, how is it that we've lived in this neighborhood for over 6 years now and we've walked and biked this same path probably 500 times and my boy got lost!?!? Boggles the imagination. Maybe it is too soon to send him out on his own. We'll see if he can find his way tonight!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th everyone! We have had a great day, so far! We got up this morning and headed to the gym for the annual Firecracker 5K race and fun run. Jamie got here bright and early to take care of the kids while Mike and I headed over to the gym to start the race. We both had great finishing times and I actually got 2nd place in my age division. Mike says that I'm in a zone to continue to get PR's. I don't know about that. The course is pretty fast, so only time will tell. For now, I am VERY happy with my personal best of 23:26 (my watch) or 23:29 (gun time). Devin ran his fun run in record time for him. He looked VERY strong. This was really fun to watch. He is really turning into a fine athlete. I can only imagine what he'll be if he continues to practice hard and train.

After all of our hard work, we went over to our neighborhood pool for the 4th of July party. They have several events for the kids, including a "goody" find on the bottom of the pool (pennies, juice boxes, etc.) and Devin came up with one of everything...a plastic duck, two balls, a grape juice box and one penny. Success...THEN, they also have two huge inflatable waterslides. He loved that!

We came home, and worked a little around the house and in the yard to get ready for some friends coming over for a cookout. Right now it is raining, but I feel it will clear up in perfect time. Then we're off to watch some fireworks and eat some ice cream.

I am a sucker for a family tradition. I really love this one!

Happy 4th everyone!