Cicero 'Drought' Duathalon 2012

As many of you know, Chris participates in many triathalons during the spring/summer/fall season. This year the Cicero 'tri' was changed to a duathalon due to Morse Reservoir being so low. Chris was super disappointed but decided to go ahead and do something a little different. During a duathalon the participant runs/bikes/runs. Alison (and mommy too) absolutely LOVE to go cheer Chris on during his events.

 Here's Alison on the course waiting for Daddy to start. She was practicing her "I LOVE YOU" sign!

 And here they come....Chris is about seventh back wearing mostly white on top and black/red on bottom

 GO DADDY GO

 and coming back in on his bike!

I didn't get a picture of the finish because I whipped out the video camera and taped Alison and Chris running across the finish line together...I think she won! Here are my two favorite people though. Chris did awesome during his event. Seventh overall and third in his age-group! We were and are SO proud of you honey! You work so hard every.single.day to stay in shape, eat healthy, and be a strong healthy man! We love you!

I told you I'd be back....

We decided to "end" our summer with a family vacation to Chicago. On our way we stopped at Fair Oaks Farm, right on I-65 and a great family stop. Lots of activities for the kiddos and we even got to see a baby calf (girl) be born.

Posing with the cow

Jumping on the air pillow...Love Chris' expression...I don't know we liked it more, Chris or Alison!

Willis (Sears) Tower plexiglass look-out ledge..Totally awesome but kinda freaky experience :)

We spent a morning on Lake Michigan to enjoy the sun and sand! I love these two!!!

Of course we stopped off at Navy Pier also and enjoyed the carousel ride

The highlight of Alison's trip was definitely afternoon tea and shopping at The American Girl Place...Molly even  joined us!! and Molly's special treat was ear piercing!!!


It was a great way to round out our summer, quality family time!!!!

Rekindling our relationship....

and no, I'm not talking about Chris and I! For the past couple months Blogger and I have had a hate/hate relationship. I couldn't get pictures to upload, couldn't get post to post.....but thankfully our computer started acting up and had to go to the computer hospital and now, voila!!!! Blogger and I are friends again! I will spare you every detail from the last time I posted and just let you know that we had a great spring, fantastic HOT summer, and are ready for fall!!! See you soon for a post :)

As you can tell by my posts.....

it's been a quiet month.....

Relaxin' in the bath!

Mardi Gras 2012

Our church had a Mardi Gras party for the kids this year....

here's our mask

She was quite proud of this and wore it during the parade where the parents got to throw candy at them, to say she was excited is an understatement{grin}!