Day 212

She LOVES the parrot hanging from her exersaucer toy!

Day 211

I took a photography class today with my mom and my brother Mark.  I have to say the class was great, it was at Navy Pier, and we learned how to use our camera's in manual mode.  So now I have to keep practicing!

I was trying to learn how to pan with my camera to show movement.  

Day 210

We played at the family grounds cafe in the city today with Uncle Mark, Kaylee, and Avery.  Nolan enjoyed the kitchen area.

Day 209

Enjoying their music toy together.  Love the SMILES!

Day 208

Avery playing in her exersaucer at Grandma Nancy's.  

Day 207

Helping Grandma Nancy water her flowers.

Day 206

My girl is so silly...she makes so many funny faces!

Day 205

Nolan and Avery both enjoyed the Peggy Notebaert Museum today.  We met our friends Miss Angie and her son Lukas.  Nolan especially liked playing with the boats, seeing the turtles, frogs, and of course butterfly exhibit.   Although I would say that the boys favorite part was feeding the ducks at the end.  

Day 204

We were in the city today and enjoyed story time at the zoo, and then went to the farm at the zoo.  Nolan loved the big John Deere tractor, playing in the big tires, and seeing the dairy cows, baby chickens, and pony.

Day 203

Avery enjoying her Butterfly Rocking Chair!

Day 202

Today Nolan awoke and declared that Avery is a princess, and then asked to have his picture taken with her.  I guess all my picture taking is rubbing off on Nolan.  They are my prince and princess and I LOVE THEM sooooo much!

Day 201

Happy Father's Day!  

Happy Father's Day to My Wonderful Husband!  I took this picture of my boy's yesterday.  Todd you are an amazing father and husband.  Nolan and Avery LOVE you to pieces!  I LOVE YOU!  Thank you for filling our lives with love and laughter.  Thank you for all your support and guidance in raising our two adorable children.

Day 200

I LOVE MY BOYS!

This morning we visited the farmer's market by the Lincoln Park Zoo, and then headed over to the zoo to see the animals.  That was all by 11am.  It is sure nice to be living in the city.

Day 199

Nolan LOVED a sprinkle park I found in the city.  He did not want to leave!  
We also visited the Shedd Aquarium with Grandma and Grandpa Hassman, Aunt Cheryl, Kaylee, Aunt Joyce, and Geri.  Then we enjoyed a nice dinner with everyone including Grandma and Grandpa Pat at Lillie Q's in Wicker Park. 

Day 198

Wrigley instantly remembered her old stomping grounds she sniffed the place out and went to the front door, she wanted to sit out and watch the people walk by like she used too!  But what I didn't realize was that at 7 years of age, and bad back legs, she really wouldn't be able to handle lying on the hardwood.  She cried the first night, and we had to help her up one time...so we went out and bought her a dog bed.  This did the trick she was happy to have her little "pad" in the city.

Day 197

The Boys Enjoying The Condo in THE CITY. 

 We have our condo this summer in Chicago, and it has been an adjustment living down there part time.  We are used to our big house with lots of space.  But I enjoy having all the outdoor activities in close proximity.  I missed my runs on the lakefront, and all the parks outside our front door.  We are glad to be back in the city for the summer.   

Day 197

I really LOVE our new couch!

Day 196

Lazy Summer Day!

Day 195

I didn't get a picture for today, as I was exhausted and had to work 10 hours...but I thought I would share how we decorated our car, and checked off our legs as they were complete.

Day 194

Sleep deprived YES...but we finished our 197 mile journey at Montrose Harbor in Chicago!

Day 193

I participated in the Ragnar Relay with a team of 12 friends from my Buehler Ytri Triathlon Group.  It was a 197 mile run from Madison to Chicago.  I ran a total of 16 miles over 3 separate legs.  We ran 36 legs in total.  It was a lot of fun, and a bit sleep deprived.  It took us about 30 hours to complete the task.

Day 192

Hanging out in the Laundry Basket.

Day 191

Love the Baby Blue Eyes!

Day 190

Nolan and Avery had a great day with Grandpa and Grandma Hassman, while I worked.  One of Nolan's favorite activites...connectagons with grandpa!

Day 189

Avery has found a new toy that she LOVES!  Nolan used to love this sing along stage too.

She had her 6 month check up today, and is doing wonderfully.

Avery now weighs 14 lbs.(15% percentile), she is 25 3/8 inches long(jumped to the 45 %), and has a head circumference of 17.5 inches(90% percentile).  Keep on growing AVERY!

Day 188

We took Nolan and Avery to Montrose Harbor in Chicago today.  Nolan had a wonderful time romping in the waves! Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Mark also enjoyed the day at the beach!

Day 186

Oh the DROOL!  But she is still adorable.

Day 185

She is even the CUTEST when yawning!

Day 184

Happy 6 Months Miss Avery!

I cannot believe my baby is 6 months old!  Where does time go?  I certainly hope I can remember all of her moments as she grows.  I really just want to cuddle her and keep her little forever!!!

What is Avery up to?

She is sitting almost unsupported.  She can hold herself up by balancing with her arms.

She is now eating some solid foods.  She LOVES applesauce and bananas.

She ADORES her big brother...she just lights up whenever he is around!  He makes her giggle...it is super cute!