The Seven Year Itch (Time to Say Goodbye)

When I started this blog seven-and-a-half years (and 377 posts) ago, I really envisioned it as a way to keep my family, but mostly my Mom, perfectly updated on all things Lainey. Sadly, I only had a few months with Mom as my number one fan, but other family and friends stepped in and supported the blog's readership--and I've loved writing for you all. Over the years, this blog has not only served as a way to deliver the latest on our family, but also as a much needed creative outlet and place to explore my thoughts, frustrations, and joys on motherhood. In those early years, this blog saved me from being swallowed by the demands on parenting and helped me cling to a sense of self-identity.

But, somehow over the last year, writing these posts has moved from special, self-care to another chore on my list. The posts have become more perfunctory and less introspective, and the act of writing them has become an energy zap instead of an energy zing. In short, I'm over it. And I want to put my energy towards other things.

So, as we close out another year, I find it a fitting time to say (with great emotion) good-bye. This is the last post for "Life's Next Chapter." Thanks for reading and coming along for the ride.

Life's Next Chapters Greatest Hits

I leave you with links to a few of my favorite and most-read posts from the years, should you care to stroll memory lane with me. Man, I'm so thankful to have these and ALL the others--the memories fade faster than you think.

7 Musings - October 2012

I'm Thirty What? - June 2013

Rock Bottom. I Don't Think So... - February 2014

My Son Plays with Dolls - August 2014

A Walk to Remember - March 2015

It's a Thankless Job - May 2015

Coloring Inside the Lines - July 2015

Lessons from Unicorns - September 2015

Parenting Advice - January 2016

John, Joan, and Gene - January 2017

To the Working Parenting - July 2017

Where are you going? - April 2018

A Very Merry Christmas

Christmas morning joy!

We had the loveliest of Christmases! We woke in our own house and had the entire morning with just the four of us—something I treasure beyond any gift I could have under the tree. Chris and Sean and Dad and Sharon all had easy travels and arrived safely at the house in the afternoon. The kids were the best behaved they’ve been in weeks, enjoying all the new toys and extra treats. Big wins on the gift front were an Echo Dot for Lainey and a 14-foot stuffed snake for Nick that trumped even the ENORMOUS Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage. As it turned out, Dad got him the same snake, delighting him beyond measure, but we did finally convince him he probably doesn’t need two, 14-foot snakes. The kids also scored a Nintendo Switch, which they were excited about, but in no way dominated the day—a big relief on our part.

Nick melted my heart with a T-Rex pendant that he picked out at the school’s holiday market. He had been dying to give it to me for the past two weeks. He hadn’t even unwrapped one gift when he caught sight of it under the tree, dropped his half-unwrapped present, and shouted, “oh, Mom! Your present!” He was beaming watching me unwrap it and when I saw that tiny silver dinosaur, I turned into a puddle. Such a perfect gift from my dinosaur-loving boy. While, maybe not the same sentimental connection, Lainey chose a very hip wood and stone bead bracelet for me. Super cool and gorgeous too! I’m very well accessorized now.

Presents and goodies aside, it was one of the best days we’ve had in quite awhile—just being together with no rush to be anywhere or interruptions from the rest of the world. The whole day was really wonderful. ‘‘Twas a very, merry Christmas indeed!

Still Thankful

We're over a week past Thanksgiving, and I could have just let this one go, but it's never too late and always a good thing to take a moment and show gratitude. Whether on Thanksgiving or just the first Sunday of December, I am ever so thankful to be surrounded with family and friends, who take me as I am, but help me to become better; know all my faults, but focus on my gifts; give unconditional love, but check me when I need it. 

Hoping everyone received good doses and of love and laughter this Thanksgiving and that December brings more of the same!

My favorites

The whole Brandi crew

Hello, is this Nick's mom?

Mark and I have joked that we expect to get lots of calls from the school about Nick. Well, the first one rolled in on Friday. Evidently, Nick and his buddies are roughhousing too much at recess and had been talked to about it. And talked to about it. And talked to about it, until it was time to call the parents. To be honest, it was a relief to talk to an adult about the situation. If you know Nick, you know he has a vivid imagination and tends to embellish on real events. He had already copped to the fighting when retelling his days at school, but we couldn't figure out if it was play or if he was getting beat up by other kids...or if any of it was really happening at all. Sounds like it's all in fun--but, of course not appropriate for school. I was slightly annoyed only because we JUST asked his teacher about this at his conference on Wednesday. She told us Nick was no problem at all and she hadn't seen any rough behavior. I'll give her two passes on this, however, because 1) seems this is at recess and maybe the supervisor hadn't reported it to her 2) there are some particularly rowdy and rough kids in the class, so maybe Nick just pales in comparison. Of course we had a sit-down with Nick Friday night, and hopefully we got through to him.

However, this behavior may be the least of our worries, because then came Saturday morning...

I get back from the grocery store and Mark says, "did you see my text?" I pull out my phone and read, "Nick just dropped the f bomb. Elaine said that he learned it from you. He said he learned it from (friend who I will not mention by name, so as not to drag another kid on my blog)." I am happy to report two things:

1) He did NOT learn it from me--and neither did Elaine. I forgot to switch off my podcast when picking up the kids last week and when I started the car, the very first word to spring from the speakers was an emphatic "f***." THAT was what Elaine was referencing when she said he learned it from me.

2) Mark said when he talked to Nick, he really didn't seem to understand that it was that bad to say it. In his mind, it was the same as calling someone "stupid."

Unfortunately, we had some out-of-town guests over last night and their 5-year-old son also has been using the f-word. Before you know it, Lainey comes running up the stairs all-to-happy to tell Mark that Nick just said "the word" again. It's lucky for Nick that the other parents had freely discussed their son's "experimentation." We allowed Nick an opportunity to explain the situation, and per Nick, "I didn't say it. I told him he can't say 'f***ing'." We got crystal clear (I hope) with Nick that there is no situation where he should ever use that word. If he's trying to tell a friend not to say it, he still can't use the actual word.

So now I'm way less concerned about getting a call about ninja fighting at recess, which is at least an age-appropriate offense with other willing participants. I'm now freaking out that I'll be getting a call from the office and every parent in the Kindergarten class over Nick's language.

Lainey may give us the fits at home, but Nick's going to be the one to turn my hair white...

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

Pierced

Big step for our little Lainey today...two new holes and some bling to fill them! She was pretty nervous as we approached Claire’s, but she kept a stiff upper lip that broke into a huge smile at her first glimpse of her new look. Magic!

I wish I could say that the road to this moment was magic too, but it reality it’s been a rocky one. We were actually set to do this a few months ago, but the morning we were to go, Elaine’s behavior was so abhorrent that I shut the whole thing down and vowed not to take her until she shaped up. And again, I wish I could say that she indeed improved her attitude, but it’s not been a fun time at our house. Without going into all the details and examples, I’ll just say Mark and I are at the end of our rope (especially me). 

Thursday was a particularly bad morning that put me on the brink of tears all day. So, in my pain, I came to the only possible decision...it was time to take her to get her ears pierced. I knew we both desperately needed a special experience to share—one that wasn’t tied to any quid pro quo. Just Lainey and me taking on an adventure. And it really, really was a special morning that lead to a good heart-to-heart talk, and I know we both feel better. 

Oh, Laineybug, you fierce, sharp, independent girl. I love you more than words, and I know you love me. And we’re gonna’ be okay. 

You look good girl!

Rise of the Dead (Blogger)

This blog is not dead; it was just in hibernation. But, what better night to rouse it from slumber than Halloween! I'll tell you, October sprang up out of nowhere and then ghosted right into November. We have been super busy with activities, work, and hosting loved ones in Chicago. Thank you Kammlers, Andersons, and O'Neill for traveling to us and bringing lots of love and laughter with you.

The Halloween candy haul has been an overwhelming success with the kids raking it in at Boo at the Zoo on Saturday, parties at school and the YMCA, and of course, good old-fashioned trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. We must have 25 pounds of the stuff...I don't think I'm exaggerating.

I'd love to write more, but I'm exhausted. But, I refuse to let this blog fade away into the good night. Posts may be sporadic and sparse until I can get my mojo back, but write on I will! In the meantime, thank heaven for photos to tell the story. I know that's what you really want to see anyway!

Happy Halloween!

Our little Dalmation and ninja!

Add one Mom Avocado! (Nick's ORIGINAL costume...and a story for another post)

Expertly carved pumpkins by Mark 

Boo at the Zoo

Uncle time!

More uncle time!
(I'm embarrassed that this is the ONLY photo I got of the Kammler visit.
It's still a good memory capture--cards with Lainey and a back massage from Nick)

Who stole September?

Seriously, folks. September stuck around for a hot minute before October hit me in the face. I feel like I JUST wrote about the kids first week of school a few days ago, but the calendar says otherwise. While, we've been busy getting into the school year and activity routine--ballet for Lainey, karate for Nick, and swimming for both--nothing too noteworthy has been going down around here. Pretty much keeping the status quo other except for one, small and yet HUGE change to the house. After five years (yes, we've been here FIVE years!), we finally made the yellow house a little less yellow with newly painted shutters, trim, and garage. We love it! Mark gets all the credit for picking out the color scheme. It's really given the house a whole new personality. Check it out!

Before...

...and after!

Back to School!

CPS is back in full swing this week! Both kids are off to a great start. Lainey was a little disappointed she didn't get Ms. Daresh, but seems to like Ms. Sweeney, who is new to our school this year. Nick's only complaint is "the girls are mean and don't talk to the boys." But, he loves drinking chocolate milk at lunch. I've asked that he only get it every other day, but he says, "I'll try, but it's just soooooo good, Mom." Fair enough Nick. And, really, if reaping the benefit of the kids getting the school lunch means they drink chocolate milk every day, I can deal with that compromise. Best news of the week is both kids still get to see their summer camp besties, who go to different schools but are attending  the Y after school program.

For extracurriculars, Nick is taking karate at the Y on Wednesdays. He had his first class and thought it was "awesome." Another boy from his kindergarten class is in it with him--I hope they don't start practicing on the playground! Lainey was supposed to take tennis, but again, the class was canceled, because she was the only one to sign up. She'll start ballet tomorrow (a new endeavor!) and is going to sign up for a basketball league that starts in October. We'll probably add in swimming at some point this fall, too. Gymnastics got the boot this year, but may be back in the mix if ballet doesn't pan out.

Here's to a happy and successful school year!

Tennessee!

Laurel Falls

We hit the Smoky Mountains last week for our summer family vacation, and it was amazing! We stayed in Pigeon Forge, which is super touristy, but our cabin was about 15 minutes outside of the main area and very quiet and secluded. When we arrived Monday evening we were greeted by a black bear crossing our path! Very cool!

Mark and I went back-and-forth on how to structure the trip. Should we do the national park first? Or take the kids to the tourist trap fun or a water park first? In the end, the weather forecast decided for us and we did the park the first day on Tuesday. We weren't sure how the kids would take to hiking, but they LOVED it! Our main hike was to Laurel Falls, which took us about 2.5 hours round trip. Nick can be kind of wimpy about walking long distances, but not here. He was a champ! Both kids loved all the little spots to stop and climb and the "short cuts" off the paved path. They also had fun wading in the water by our picnic spot. We did the drive around Cade's Cove and got another black bear spotting as well as some wild turkeys. The full drive around is lengthy and the kids ended up nodding off, so Mark and I decided to push ahead and drive up to Clingman's Dome. The drive gave the kids another 40 minutes of sleep to refresh them for the climb to the top. Breathtaking! Afterward, we treated the kids to pizza and arcade time, where Lainey won her first of TWO Beanie Boos at the claw machine.

On Wednesday, we had an afternoon reservation to do a family float rafting trip on the lower Pigeon River, so we spent the morning on "amusement" activities including the Alpine Coaster and mini golf. We finished golf, just as the rain started for our drive out to the rafting outpost. It POURED when we got there, but luck was on our side and the sun came out just as we hit the water. The raft ride was pretty fun with some very small rapids to add a little excitement. Lainey did an awesome job paddling--I was impressed! That evening, we hit "The Island," which is an open air mall with a carnival in the middle. Bonus surprise was a free Everclear concert. Ha! The kids rode all the rides, did a trampoline with a harness and bungee cords, and Nick did a "tykes" low ropes course, while Lainey tried the high ropes course. Ultimately, she got freaked out after two obstacles. Mark bought a ticket and went up to try to help her through, but she was too far gone with panic. She made her way back down and the first thing she said to me was, "I'm so embarrassed." I gave her a big hug and assured her that she wasn't the first kid to get scared and wouldn't be the last. I also relayed the time I did a ropes course at the age of 12 and totally flipped my lid. Her spirits rebounded on the giant Ferris Wheel, before hitting another arcade, where Lainey won her SECOND Beanie Boo (and any blight the ropes course had put on her mood vanished). We came soooooo close to winning one for Nick--we had that monkey in the claw at least eight times--but it fell out every time. Womp, womp. But, Lainey let him have the majority of the tickets they won on other games, so he got a squishy monster thingamajig and was happy.

We ended up not getting home until 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, so we took it easy Thursday morning with a big breakfast at the cabin, before heading back to the park. We started out on a hike to the Grotto Falls, but had to turn back when it started pouring rain. We really didn't mind the rain and were going to push on, but this trail wasn't paved and was steeper than the Laurel Falls trail, so Mark was worried about it being super slippery coming back down. Although we didn't make it to the falls, the rain did stop, and we were able to explore a few other stop offs. Before calling it a day, we appeased the kids with go carts, bumper cars, and bumper boats. So fun! We spent the evening at the cabin enjoying the hot tub and playing Sorry! on the deck while the sun set. A perfect way to end our time in Tennessee.

While we said farewell to the Smoky Mountains on Friday, our trip was not over! We were off to Kentucky for a final adventure at Mammoth Cave, which was a hit for us all, but possibly not as big of a hit as the fried chicken restaurant Mark found for dinner that night. It's called The Eagle, and I highly recommend it if you're ever in Louisville.

Saturday was the ride back to Chicago and the real world for us. While I wouldn't call this vacation relaxing, it was definitely restorative. Because we were so active and having so much fun, I was able to keep my brain turned off from all the day-to-day stress and to-do lists that usually run through my head. And since the kids proved to be such powerhouses on this trip, it has me excited thinking of all the possibilities for vacations to come. Truly, I haven't had so much fun in ages, and we built some really amazing memories.

Trail-side climb

One happy dad!

Alpine Coaster

Nick and his paddlers

The rain couldn't dampen our spirits!

Vroom!!

Farewell to our cabin

Caving

Shortless Summer

Pants v. Shorts

We’ve had a pretty hot summer. More 90-degree days than not and so much humidity! Who wouldn’t want to wear a pair of shorts and let the breeze blow across their legs? I’ll tell you who—Nick. Nick REFUSES to wear shorts. It is a battle every day—a battle that I raised the white flag on about three days in and ordered several pairs of thin summer pants. But for some reason, wearing pants in the summer is the hill to die on for Mark and he intends to win this war (although he’s lost nearly every battle and it running out of time).

Oh Nick, what’s the deal?!

Is it because we’ve teased you about your skinny legs?

Is it because you hate to put on sunblock?

Is it because you slowly want to drive your father mad?

Nick has claimed #2 as the root cause, but I secretly think it’s #3. Alas, we may never know…but, one thing’s for sure, those legs aren’t catching a suntan this year.

#pdx

 

Mark and I escaped for three days to celebrate our 10th anniversary in Portland, Oregon.

 

So, 10 years of marriage is pretty great. But, Portland...ah Portland...Portland is fantastic! Loved. It. ALLLLL of it! The neighborhoods, the people, the FOOD! Sooooo much great food! We're pretty spoiled in Chicago with a stellar food scene, so I often find myself disappointed with restaurants when we travel. But, Portland delighted my mouth and stomach--from the simple fried egg sandwiches at the Fried Egg, I'm in Love food truck to the 10-course gourmet magic at Roe, it was all spectacular. Not one bad bite! (Quick run down of restaurants/food trucks...Fried Egg I'm in Love, Olympia Provisions, Lardo, Tasty N Sons, Roe, Screen Door, Por Que Non?, Salt & Straw, and Han Oak--check them out online and drool!!!)

 

Let's talk people for a minute...Portland people are the nicest people I've ever encountered.  Everywhere we went we met super nice, friendly people. And not in a fake way either. I loved all our encounters (except maybe the Uber driver who almost hit a woman pushing a stroller. But even as horrible a driver as she was, she was totally friendly! She felt really bad about almost hitting that baby.) I loved the "free to be me" vibe where people can let their freak flags fly and no one bats an eye. People go on about the homeless situation in Portland, and yeah, there's a lot of it, but I didn't find it grossly more noticeable than Chicago, and we only had one person ask us for change--and did so in a pretty unobtrusive way. When I worked downtown,I could get violently screamed at three to four times on my walk from Union Station to my office.
 

Eating and drinking composed about 85% of our time, but we did hit up the Japanese Garden and made it out of the city to the Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls, stopping at a few hiking trails along our route. The forests are gorgeous...so lush and green! They felt enchanted--I kept expecting fairies and gnomes to cross our paths.
 

When we weren't taking in nature or stuffing our faces, we just roamed the neighborhoods, checking out the houses and small shopping districts. And when we weren't doing that we RELAXED and did NOTHING at our hotel. It was amazing, wonderful, sorely needed time to ourselves.
 

Three days went way too fast, but we enjoyed every minute. Happy 10th to us! Portland, I hope to see you again!

Mark + Kylie + PDX 4eva!!!

 

Lucky #7!

Our girl is seven now! SEVEN! Seven and stubborn, strong, sassy, smart, sporty and seriously, seriously sensational! (Sensational, but don't forget stubborn. There's a reason why I listed that first.)

We kicked off the "Week of Lainey" last weekend with a visit from Grandpa, Sharon, and Chris. We finally got some gorgeous weather after all the rain and extreme heat. It was perfect! We kept it low key with presents and ice cream cake at home on Saturday and a trip to the Botanic Garden on Sunday. For her actual birthday on Wednesday, we granted her request for dinner at Chili's, followed by presents at home. She raked in the game Life, new books, a hula hoop, and a new sleeping bag. The sleeping bag is significant--after her Girl Scout sleepover a few weeks back she shunned her Cinderella sleeping bag and said she needed a new one "with a pattern and NOT a stupid princess." See, I told you--she's departing the "little girl" space and rushing straight into "girlhood." *Sigh*

But, the BIG birthday deal happened today, when we took Lainey and three of her friends to a horse stable for a pony trail ride. Not just a walk in a circle on a spoke-and-wheel job, but a REAL pony ride through a forest preserve. And Lainey got a BIG pony--almost the size of a horse. It was SOOO hot, but her smile made it SOOO worth it! Afterward, we went to Pequod's for her favorite pizza and then back to the house to decorate cupcakes. It was a pretty awesome day!

Laineybug, you take my breath away some days. I know we clash--like really CLASH--but, I am so proud of you and cannot wait to see what amazing things you'll do. I love you to the moon and back and back again. Keep the fire (even if you have to practice against me); you'll need it someday!

Happy Birthday to our girl!

School's Out!

Another school year in the books! Lainey had a fantastic first grade year—with PERFECT ATTENDANCE! She had such pride on her face when she accepted that certificate at the end of the year celebration. She was the only one in her class to get one! I don’t think I ever had perfect attendance. But, with a school as fun as Wildwood, who wouldn’t want to go? In addition to the first grade celebration, the whole school rang out the year with its annual Fun Day! Obstacle courses, water slide, face painting, and tons of junk food. A kid’s dream!

While Lainey was living up the last few days as a 1^st grader, Nick was starting his first days at the YMCA camp. I was a nervous wreck dropping him off Monday morning. I don’t know why I was so emotional about it. Maybe because he’s less mature than Lainey was at 5, maybe just because he’s my baby, but I was anxious all day long. For absolutely no reason. He LOVED it! When I picked him up he was playing basketball with another boy his age. When I asked Nick to tell me his friend’s name, he said, “Everybody’s my friend, Mom.” And my heart exploded right out of my chest.

Summer is off and running…we’re going to do our best to keep up!

First day vs last day!

Wonder Women!

Going crazy under the fire hose!

The Graduate - Nick's Turn

Nick had his Pre-K graduation last night and it delivered all the feels! The teachers did a wonderful job putting the program together and the kids ratcheted up the adorableness to new levels. Nick won the "Super Scientist" award and was very proud. I posted the videos of the program below. They are longish, but you MUST checkout the remake of "Summer Nights" from Grease (in Part II at the 5:41 mark).

This was our fourth graduation program at Care-A-Lot, but the most emotional because it was also our last. Next week will be Nick's final one with the Care-A-Lot crew before moving on to YMCA camp for the summer and Wildwood next year. There are no words to give proper justice to the women at this center. They are pure love and dedication, and I cannot be happier with our experience there. We will miss all the teachers and friends!

But, while we hope Nick can keep in touch with his old friends, we're ready to give him some new experiences! Get ready Kindergarten...Nick is coming for you!

With his teacher Sarah

 

With Sheri the Director (she's always had a soft spot for Nick)

The whole family!

Olivia! Best friend (and possibly future wife!)

Celebratory ice cream!

Nick says... Installment 3

Ugh. Could anyone else use a little pick-me-up right now? If so, I have the little dude to help your blues. Without further ado, I bring you this installment of "Nick says..."

Full of self-confidence--even for his average attributes..
"There’s no one in the world like me. I’m the fastest. Strongest. Best escaper. Best finder of things. (Long pause.) And my hair is brown."

He's got it figured out...
"It’s good to be younger. You get away with more stuff."

Lessons from Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree...
“Daddy, the tree’s making bad choices.”

One of these things is not like the other...
"When I grow up, I'm going to be a scientist, zookeeper, veterinarian, and a hunter."

On our future relationship...
Me: "When you grow up, will you still spend time with me?"
Nick: "I don't know, Mom. I'm gonna be pretty busy. I'm gonna have a lot of jobs. I'll see what I can fit in."

Why use the imperial or metric system, when you can use forest animals? 
Mark: "How big is it?" 
Nick: "You know. About the size of a possum."

He continues with his foreign language development...
"Mommy, I know a French word, 'zwooay'. That means 'get out' in Spanish." 

He know Spanish songs, too...and perhaps could benefit from a Sunday school class or two.
Nick: "Daddy, I know all of the Spanish songs. Muffin man is really a Spanish song. Muffin man is really muffin dog." (He sings the song, but says “Gormy Lane” instead of “Bakery Lane”). "Daddy, is 'gormy' a Spanish word?"

Mark: "Do you mean gourmet?"

Nick: "No. Gormy. Gormy Lane is where Jesus lives."

A little inappropriate, but I'm so damn proud he used the word correctly (guess which one I'm referring to)...
Singing in the swim school changing room..."I'm playing with my dinker, my dinker, my dinker."

Disapproving look from me. "What? I didn't say 'literally.' I'm not literally playing with my dinker."



Hope you got a chuckle or two out of those... this kid. He's magic!

Photo: Joshua Ford, Ford Photography

Toofless

Bye, bye front teeth! But, sorry Tooth Fairy, guess you'll have to hang out with Easter Bunny, because she's not buying your story either. However, she did backpedal on her disbelief. We assume she thinks if we know she doesn't believe, she won't get her cash. In reality, I'd be more than happy to hand over her dollar directly versus remembering to sneak into her room and put it under her pillow. 

When she lost the first one last week, she put it in a little tooth case to bring it home from school. Then for some reason, she took it out and put it on the kitchen table among a pile of peanut shells she'd discarded, and THEN allowed me to swipe up the discarded shells and wipe down the table, NEVER mentioning her tooth was there somewhere. Then bedtime rolled around she's all, "where's my tooth?" I was sorting through the trash trying to find it when I remembered she'd all but admitted she knew the Tooth Fairy wasn't real. So, I flat out asked, "do we really need the tooth under the pillow? I promise the Tooth Fairy will bring your dollar anyway." And just like that, problem solved. She was happy. I was happy.

Now we're just enjoying her adorableness!

Where are you going, my little one?

Photography: Joshua Ford, Ford Photography

My mom used to sing to me the lullaby, "Turn Around," when I was little. If you're not familiar, I'll leave it to you to Google the lyrics (and then get weepy), but this song keeps running through my head these days when I look at Elaine. She is wobbling along that very fine line between "little girl" and just "girl," weaving from one side to the other, not quite sure where she wants to be. And it's magical and heartrending and all-around wonderfully bittersweet. I find myself awestruck at this small human we've created and are raising. And I'm drinking in every cuddle, bedtime story, hair wash, piggyback, handhold, butterfly kiss that I can before one-by-one she outgrows them. And yet, even as I try to hold tight to these moments, I can't deny the flicker of excitement to discover who she'll become in this next year and the year after and the years after that. Because I think she's going to be someone pretty remarkable.

Easter Bunny No More

After a busy few days taking advantage of Spring Break, we kept things very low key on Easter. Just an early morning egg hunt and baskets from the Easter Bunny. Well, Nick got a basket from the Easter Bunny. Lainey got a basket from us.

Saturday night during her bath, Lainey started interrogating me on the Easter Bunny. I tried to hedge, but by the way she questioned me and the smirk on her face, I knew the jig was up. So, I reminded her that Nick was only 5 and that her friends might still believe, so mum’s the word.

Mark and I were a little sad, just because it means she’s growing up. But, we both agree the Easter Bunny is a pretty dumb concept, and we could do without the whole charade. But, I don’t think Santa is going to survive another Christmas...and that’s gonna sting.

#staycation2018

Who needs beaches or mountains for spring break when you live in one of the best cities in the country? Mark and I took Thursday and Friday off work to do some home-turf exploring with the kids. Starting with the Adler Planetarium...

Welcome to the universe...

I had high hopes for the Adler, but I think it's better suited for older kids. It was a little too educational for our kiddos. You really do have to read the stuff on the wall to get the most out of the exhibits versus the Field or MSI where everything is just cool to look at or touch. There is a fun play area for younger kids, and Nick had a blast there, but you could get almost the same experience at one of the Children's Museum or playroom venue for a lot less dough. We didn't even get to take advantage of the Adler's gorgeous location along the lake, because it was super cold and windy. Womp, womp!

After the Adler we drove over to the West Loop to score free street parking and get a little pick-me-up treat at Do-Rite Donuts. As you can see from the picture, Nick really needed the pick-me-up. Luckily, the he got enough donut in him to spark a classic Nick sugar high to fuel the rest of the afternoon. 

Lainey asked if she could take his donut. We didn't let her. 

After donuts and coffee, we caught a cab over to the Courtyard to check-in for the night. We figured the kids would get a kick out of staying at a hotel and the Courtyard has a pool and some good rates. It also gave us a place to chill out in between adventures. And we got upgraded to a suite, so Mark and I were able to hang out after the kids went to sleep. Bonus!

After some hotel time, we jumped on the Red Line (a first for the kiddos) and headed to the Loop to grab dinner at Revival Food Hall (so much good food...so little stomach room) before heading over to the Art Institute. Thursday evenings are free for Chicago residents, so we had nothing to lose here. The kids did not naturally take to gazing at oil paintings, but the contemporary art perked them up (which was pretty much what we expected). The installation piece, "My Room is Another Fish Bowl" by Philippe Parreno, was a huge hit. The room is filled with mylar fish balloons with various levels of helium so they float a different heights. People are free to grab the balloons and toss them back in the air. Lots of kids having fun in there! 

After we dragged them away from the fish, Mark took Nick to check out the armor collection and I took Lainey to see the miniatures. I don't think I had ever looked at every single room in the miniature collection. I have now. And it was hot in that gallery. But, she was so adorable giving her commentary on each room that I didn't mind. 

After getting our culture on, we needed another treat before heading back to the hotel and the pool. Shake Shack to the rescue! Although we should have loaded up on hot chocolate instead of ice cream, because the pool was cold--not that the kids minded. We toughed it out...ah, a parent's love.

We thought the kids would sleep in on Friday, given our busy day (and the hotel blackout shades), but no dice. Both were up a little before 7am. But, the early birds get the breakfast seats at Wildberry. I was expecting the place to be all tourist hype with only so-so food, but it was pretty delicious. And it is right by Maggie Daley Park, the next stop on our Take Chicago Tour. We've been there several times before, but it is just such a cool place that gets better as the kids get older. And since we were there on the early side, it wasn't too crowded, so they had full access to all those amazing slides.

We wrapped up our fun at the park and went back to grab our bags and check-out of the hotel. A quick cab ride later, we were back at our car and zooming off to Brookfield Zoo. You can't go wrong with the zoo! Always a good time!

We topped off the fun with an early dinner at Piece. Man, oh man, I miss that pizza. Don't get me wrong, Pequod's is awesome, but Piece has my heart (and stomach)! Nom, nom, nom!

Perfect end to a busy few days!

And that's a wrap on our 2018 Spring Break Staycation! Maybe next year we'll venture out, but I'm pretty happy with how things landed this year! We 💓 Chicago!

Happy 5th, Nick!

Happy birthday to this energetic, inquisitive, charming-as-hell 5-year-old, who delivers the best one-liners with impeccable comedic timing. Nicholas, you are pure magic! We love you so!