Family Outing...

Troy has been working extra hard so today we packed a picnic lunch and headed out on our bikes. The weather is amazing! We headed south and realized that we lost the bike trail and ended up riding through some amazing Chicago neighborhoods. Lunch was a lazy affair at Wells Park (just a couple of blocks from our house but with all the winding around we ended up there). I finally got pictures of Troy to add!! After lunch, we traveled north for some ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery and new shoes for Brenden from City Mouse (love that store)!

Now we're home and all is well! Everyone is asleep EXCEPT me!!! Now I get some alone time to relax and breath. I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend.

God bless those that are working to keep us safe!

First Bike Ride!!

We finally got a new part to install Annie's bike seat on the back of my bike and took our first family bike ride! The weather was beautiful when we first left but suddenly got wet! So, we had to hurry home. However, we had a really short BUT fun ride. We set out on the amazing Chicago Park District bike trail. It goes all over the city and goes through some amazing little parks within the city! We went north towards a park that Brenden has renamed "Darragh's Park" after his best friend Darragh Buckley who lives next to the park. Brenden and Troy climbed trees and played pirates while Annie and I relaxed on the swings until it started sprinkling and we headed home. I can't wait for more longer trips!

Mother's Day

What a day! Troy looked ahead at the weather (part of the plan) and we did part of our celebration on Saturday. We went out and bought bikes for Troy and I with a seat for Annie. I am thrilled! It was a beautiful day to go out to the lake for a picnic, but of course we ran into technical difficulties, quite comical really! We finally got the bikes into the van and came home to put Annie's seat on the back of my new purple mountain bike. I know, what mountains? Well, there was a bracket that needed to be replaced (Lana you were right, he only hurt himself). So, while I put Annie down for a nap, Troy took Brenden out for a spin with his new bike. About a block or so down the road, Troy noticed that he had a flat tire and the boys had to head home! So, we all spent the day playing around the house. Sunday brought a special breakfast prepared by Brenden and Troy, beautiful roses, a special shirt from Annie (Hands down you're the best mom around), and a rainy day at home as very lucky family. We played and completely enjoyed being home all together.

As I look forward into a very busy couple of months, I am able to relish the family time that we have now. The next couple of months are going to be very busy for us. We have to choose a new job for Troy, pack and move to a new home (oh yeah, buy a house), get Brenden ready for a new school year, and try to get it all together without a major meltdown! I am ready for the challenge, but am loving being in this moment! I am very fortunate to have all that I have in my life.

To those of you who have supported and continue to support us along the way, we love you and thank God that you are in our lives.

Update

So, I know many of you are wondering about Troy's job search. So...here's a quick update. As of today, Troy has received offers from both the NIH and U Penn. He goes June 2nd and 3rd to Harvard to visit 2 labs there. Hopefully by the middle of June, we'll know where we're going to move. Now as for the summer and when we'll move, it depends on the job that we decide to take. That's all the information I have on this. I'm not really sure where we're going to be! All in good time!

Spring Day

What a day! Brenden went to the lab with Troy and then to Oz Park for a "boys" day, while Annie and I went to the grocery store and then home for naps. I know it doesn't sound like much but it was amazing! Troy and Brenden had much needed boy time outside and had a blast! Annie and I headed out to explore the grocery store. Annie was able to push the "customer in training" cart ALL the way around the grocery store without throwing a fit (moms you understand)!

After naps and retelling of all that playing at Oz Park, I pulled out the sand table! I love spring in the city! The trees are blooming and the streets are alive again! We meet new neighbors and reacquainted ourselves with sand! We came upstairs to cook dinner and color. I know what you're thinking, wow, what a day!!

Find some time this week to play...

New Conversations...

I find myself staring at my kids and wondering when they decided to get so grown up! I can't believe just how fast they are learning new things!
Last night Annie said her first 3-word sentence!! While I was changing her diaper and singing to her she said, "No more Mommy!" I was shocked to hear MY daughter politely tell me to stop singing or stop cleaning her bum! What's next?
Tonight as we were getting ready for dinner, I heard Brenden talking to someone. Troy had a lab meeting so it wasn't him. Who was he talking to? I wandered into the living room and saw Brenden perched in the window talking about his soccer ball in the back yard. He was talking to our neighbor's grandson (Eric 2 1/2) next door! The cutest thing is that they were setting up an after-dinner play date! When, just when did Brenden get so grown up?