More Music!

This past Saturday, we went on an adventure to check out an Open House put on by the Hyde Park Suzuki Institute.

Thought this would be a great opportunity for Finn to see and hear other kids playing instruments and maybe get his hands on a few himself!

And the morning was just that.....really fun, and educational.

These are the youngest kids, I think they were all 4 year-old's. Stop my heart. They were so talented, and precious! They played a number of versions of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Complete with a little bow at the end.

This guy was SO serious, and adorable. He's playing the viola.

And then Finnegan got his turn on a CELLO! My favorite of the string instruments. It has just the most gorgeous sound. Wouldn't mind hearing that in the house some day.

Carefully, checking out the strings.....doing some plucking....

And THEN the violin, this sweet lady handed it to him, and like a natural put it right up to his chin like he's been playing it for years. He kept saying, "I need a stick! I need a stick! (A bow)" This cracked up the sweet lady, and she said, "This guy knows what he's doing!"
Sadly they don't give out bows to beginners.

But as you can see, that didn't spoil the fun. He was beaming ear to ear.
With a violin in between.

Always something new

It's one of the reasons I love my job so much.
No day is alike.
And there are certain days, that I'm really amazed and thankful for all of the cool people I get to work with and the things I get to do.
Case in point, this past Saturday we had some cartoon artists come in and paint a custom mural in the store.

Phil Yeh, one of the artists on the project has traveled all over the WORLD and has painted 1,800 different murals promoting literacy. His friend Geoff Bevington is from the area and he too came out to paint and promote the premiere of their new comic book which is set in Chicago.


I thought you might like to see how it all turned out!

Here is the progress from the first day. To see these guys work was pretty mind blowing. They just free hand draw the black outline with Sharpie!


We had lots of adorable helpers stop by to join in the fun.


I ended up painting quite a bit! Loved it.


After the painting - it's all gone BACK over a second time and is outlined by hand in either black paint or Sharpie.



Love this flying cat...



Navy Pier! Chicago Skyline!



The mural took about 20 + hours to complete. Here it is finished with the artists!



I love how colorful it is, that it's so CHICAGO!
Can't wait for you all to see it when you visit the store.

At our house...

We play instrument solos on YouTube.
It is one of Finn's favorite past times.
He plays along.
He requests:
Trumpet!
Flute!
Violin!
Clarinet!
French Horn!
And so on....

I am looking forward to finding new ways to keep his love of music alive, because music always brings so much joy to my life.

Bonus Post! 2nd Annual Dells Trip!

That's right Mom!
TWO POSTS :)
Here are some photos from our 2nd Annual Trip to the Dells.
It's always a really fun time, and this year was no exception.
With a villa upgrade, a birthday to celebrate, bunnies to kill and Finn's increasing enjoyment of the water, we had a blast.
Check out my sister's post too!

There is one thing that does stay the same, no matter what we are doing, it's just fun to be together. Enjoy the pictures!

Swimming with Grandma!


Enjoying bowls of delicious AND nutritious CHEERIOS!


Birthday Cupcakes for Nate!


Testing the waters!
Poolside Respect!

Begging, Pleading, Whining, Subtle Hints, Reminders and Friendly Requests

Yes, I have been gone for a LONG ass time.
As my mother reminded me AGAIN today, my last post was in January.

It think this might be the longest time I've gone without posting!
Hmmm!

Well - Here I am.
I apologize! :)
I am eager to get back to sharing random and collective things from our lives.

Since I've been gone, I can ASSURE you I have not been leisurely lounging around or been so busy that I can't function.

But I HAVE been up to SOMETHING.

I'm pregnant! And thus my full time job is making a new baby :)

I will partially blame this unborn child for some of my absence.
Unlike when I was pregnant with Finn, I was much more ill this time, and coupled with the normal knock you flat on your ass exhaustion, I was in bed at 7:30 or 8 pm most nights the last month.

But! My energy is slowly returning, I am still running and spinning. And my belly is growing.

I am not sure that Finn is ENTIRELY aware yet, what is about to happen and all, but when we asked him what he'd like to name the baby, he immediately said, Texas Santa Claus.

Other questions you might have!?:
I am due September 10! (another Virgo...I know...Lord help us)
We are not finding out what we are having.
We do have a girls name picked out, still on the fence about a boys name...so send in your entries.
I am also looking for stylish mumu's in flower patterns for the summer time...let me know where I can find some.

Work is good!
Finn is still amazing....
Nick is eagerly awaiting his next letter for CFD! (any day really)
Wallace just had major surgery :( and is fine and recovering
And we're having a baby! Those are PRETTY much the highlights

Glad to be back.