Wednesday, September 30, 2009

September 26, 2009

Today was the big day . . . but before all the festivities started, the "kids" watched Shrek in 3D.



Then it was time to get the little princess, Eli and myself ready for the wedding.




We arrived at the Country Club, to find the beautiful bride, enjoying the company of her mother, grandmother, maid of honor, and the rest of her female entourage.




As much as I'd have liked to get a cute picture of the little flower girl (my oldest), she dodged me at every opportunity . . .



However, I DID capture a few unguarded moments.




I also caught the groom whispering something into his mother's ear as they were all gathered around before the wedding . . .




and I snatched up this picture of my two favorite guys in the world.



I must say that my hubby looks mighty fine . . . with that contemplative look on his face.



My little guy on the other hand, was about as elusive as his sister. I'd hoped to get a super cute picture of the kids all dressed up, in their finery, with smiles on their faces, looking directly into my lens. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!



After the wedding, everyone headed upstairs for the reception. The toasts to the newly wedded couple were very sweet . . .



And the meal was wonderful. I just wish that Eli hadn't fallen asleep in his plate, and missed dessert. The cake was WAY yummy.




After the meal . . . the real fun began. Everybody jumped out on the dance floor, and shook what their momma's gave them.



And the kids got to let off some steam . . .



So did the newlyweds.


I dare say that everyone there had a good time celebrating the union these two lovebirds. Wishing them a long and happy life together. Congratulations you two.

September 25, 2009

Today we slept in until 7:30, then it was run, run, run. The boys ran into town for last minute stuff, and as soon as they got back it was time to get fitted for tuxes. I must say my men folk look mighty handsome in black . . .



and while we were waiting for the alterations . . . I played around with the mirrors. Gotta love capturing a kiss on camera . . .



and a little attitude, too.



As soon as we finished up there, we all met at Cheddar's for lunch. Eli and I shared the Baked Spasagna. YUMMY!



When we finished up there, we all headed to the country club to set up the last minute items for the reception and get things ready for rehearsal. The tables were GORGEOUS . . .



not to mention the programs!



There were just all kinds of little details . . .




and the location was PERFECT. I especially loved the arbor with the scent of Jasmine filling the air. I had to capture these empty seats before they were filled with friends and loved ones. They look expectant, don't they.



After rehearsal the whole batch of us met up at Old Chicago for pizza.



It was wonderful getting to see family members that we hadn't seen in years, and also meeting new friends, who we look forward to visiting again. So happy we could all participate in the festivities!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

September 24, 2009

After pausing early this morning at the rest stop, I took the wheel and we headed into Chicago. Breakfast at the Four Square Restaurant was yummy.



I had the Strawberry Crepes, just for something different. I only made it through two out of the three crepes, but the sugar content was just enough to get me through the rest of the day.



After breakfast we headed on to the Museum of Science and Industry, off of Lake Shore Road. So many neat things to see. Newspaper headlines from World War II . . .



a U505 submarine . . .



the Apollo 8 Lunar Module . . .


a very colorful wall of lights in the Petroleum section . . .



and my little guy's favorite . . . a John Deere combine that showed each of the working parts through a clear glass panel (on the other side).




Although I don't think the kids fully appreciated all the coolness of this stop, Dave and I truly enjoyed it. However, something we DIDN'T enjoy was the mass of toll roads we ran into as we left.


I swear we hit four of these cute little toll bridges, within a 5 mile stint. I loved seeing all the sites on the way . . .



but I was SO glad to finally reach our destination.

We made it to my brother-in-law's (and soon to be sister-in-law's) around 5:00. Dave's folks showed up shortly after, and then we went into town and had a FABULOUS meal at Cancun's Mexican Restaurant.

It was truly a joy to lay down, and stretch out with the kids for some much needed shut eye.

September 23, 2009

Today was a busy, busy day of packing and making sure everything was ready for our trip to Michigan. Before we left, I took a picture of the sunset, just in case I got homesick while we were away.



Dave ended up driving most of the way and our first stop was a little town in Illinois, not far from the border of Missouri. I couldn't resist taking a photo of their county seat.



And their road signs.

Our goal was to make it to Chicago around 7:00 a.m., but we found that we'd left a few hours earlier than we needed to. So we stopped at a little gas station/rest stop off of the interstate and snoozed in the car for a few hours. With kids, this made for a LONG drive.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

September 22, 2009

My mom has been wanting me to take some pictures of her flowers and today's drizzly weather didn't really seem like the most opportune time . . .



but since I had to drop off some items at her house anyhow, I decided to take a few shots while I was there.




I have to admit that I'm very glad I did. Some of the shots turned out wonderfully vivid.

So much to do before we leave for Michigan. I did manage to get all three bathrooms cleaned and the kids rooms are still in good shape. Tomorrow it will be the kitchen, if I have enough time to squeeze it in before we pack up to go . . . here's hoping!

September 21, 2009

After an early morning and a trip to the bank, things started looking a little nasty outside . . .



Eli and I were out on the deck when the first big drops came down . . .




Elvis just had to watch the whole thing from the window sill.




It rained fairly steady all afternoon and into the evening, so I ended up trying to catch up on some housework. Laundry, laundry and more laundry.

September 20, 2009

Drizzly, gloomy Sunday. After church, the youngest did what I only wished I could do . . .



he took a nice long nap . . .



while I tried to dig through all the paperwork that the bank needs, to see if we can refinance.




We meet with the bank tomorrow. I'm hoping all goes well. And I HOPE I can get everything lined out and situated before we leave for Michigan on Wednesday/Thursday. So much to do and so little time to do it in. Things seem to always be sneaking up on me . . . maybe someday I'll get it together. No promises, though.

September 19, 2009

I can't believe this is the only picture I snapped today . . .


The hope of a sunrise was quickly hidden by dark clouds. I stayed busy working upstairs in my retreat until the Pastor called to say they would like to come and visit. Then I put my "superwoman" costume on and did a crisis cleaning downstairs. I just got things tidied up and supper fixed before they pulled in the driveway.

I'm wondering if I'll ever have a house that's "company ready", when someone decides to stop by. Right now I feel like I should put a sign on the front door that says "Enter at Your Own Risk".

September 18, 2009

Today was one of those crazy, busy days. Laundry, dishes, moving my desk upstairs, sorting and filing paperwork, sorting and purging equipment manuals, taking the Jeep in for a check up, and a FLYING trip to town with my sister-in-law. I'm glad my little Prince Eli is a trooper.

The craziness of MY life doesn't seem to effect him a bit.

September 17, 2009

Fuzz Face has started coming out each morning, to wait for the bus with Bayleigh . . .



and Eli has to get some squeezing time in, too. So I'm sure Fuzz Face will wise up very soon and just stay hidden. Until then, she will just have to deal with all the cuddling.



While we wait for the bus, Eli has to get a handful of rocks to give grandma (who happens to be Bayleigh's bus driver) . . .




and he gives her his "treasures" right after Bayleigh boards the bus. Then he gives her a big wet zerbert. The little stinker . . .




As for my retreat . . . I've finished painting Big Bertha and she is awaiting her new home. I managed to get hubby to put up enough of the trim that I could get her moved this coming weekend. I can't wait to start getting things put into place!