Happy Birthday Chris!

Chris started off his Birthday morning with Run 4 Everett...a 10K that he finished 5th overall and 1st in his age group...way to go honey!!! We are so proud of your strong performance!!

 Then it was back home for a birthday party! Of course Alison is always there to lend an opening gift hand ~grin~ Yes, her face is painted like a zebra...another post coming on that. This was her gift to Daddy...biking/running gear!

 And opening his gift from me....does his face looked surprised?? A new TV for our bedroom, ours was on the blitz! But considering he is the electronics man, it was a shock to know I went and asked questions and picked one out for us :) Do you love the Scooby Doo themed party Alison picked out?!

Happy Birthday Honey! We hope you had an amazing day! We love you so much and are so blessed to have you in our lives. You couldn't dedicate yourself anymore to Alison and I!

Another first......

riding the school bus! 

 Waiting patiently

 In Pre-K last year Alison read a book called 'The Kissing Hand' and ever since then her and I give kisses in the hand to each other. It helps us BOTH get through the day...whenever you feel lonely or sad for that person, put your palm on your cheek and you'll "feel" some kisses! 

And there she goes, she did a great job...very brave! We have been so very proud of Alison during this last week of major transition....which those that know her know that change is NOT one of her strong points :)

First day of Kindergarten

Well, the time has come...she's off to Kindergarten. She is doing full day, definitely ready for it academically and needs it socially :) I cannot believe she is going to school, such a bittersweet time in our lives. 

 Of course, the traditional first day picture!

 We have the privilege of walking to school and some of the teachers from the school had written chalk sayings the whole way there. Such a great idea and really distracted us all from the impending separation.

 Me and my girl

 As we arrived at school, her friend Karis had just arrived and they are in the same class. Such a blessing for us because it helped Alison tremendously to know she already knew someone in her class. Clearly the sun was bright yesterday morning!

In the midst of drop-off chaos, there they go! So proud of her!!!

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!!!!