~~The Farm Part 2~~

Day three of our trip we headed downtown to Chicago. First stop, Chinatown. This was not a big hit with Alexa. Honestly, I think it was just overwhelming for her. It was super hot and humid that day. It was loud and crowded. We talked a lot about Chinatown before our trip but I just think she was not comfortable so we made it short. We went to a few shops and bought some dresses and shoes and of course the pink parasol which she carried for rest of the day.

After Chinatown, we headed to Oak Street for lunch at Bistro 110. We had a super delicious lunch and got some energy for the rest of the day.

Loving the bandaid and the purple flower she picked somewhere on Michigan Ave.

Of course the big event of the day was this place. Alexa had been looking at the catalog for a year and had her mind set on which doll she wanted.

She made a beeline for Elizabeth and there was no turning back.

After shopping, the big yawn is a sign of a successful mission.

Next over to Water Tower Place where Papa was patiently waiting for us to return. I actually went to college right there at Loyola University so it was fun to show Alexa that as well.

Moving on to see the lake. Alexa was super excited to see the "big lake". Off to Lakeshore drive and hopefully a cool breeze.

Thanks Papa for carrying that heavy bag all day. : )

My city girl. The day was almost entirely a success and we had a wonderful time. I really miss the city and I loved showing Alexa a part of my past. She tells me she is a half city, half country girl. Me too!

Back to the farm and time to show Elizabeth around.

I love how she is holding her in this photo.

Feeding Elizabeth chips at her picnic. The funniest was that for the first two days, she kept asking me, "Mom, what's her name again?"

Across the street, life goes on and hay must be gathered.

Hey, Skokie needs chips too!

~~The Farm Part 1~~

Come on in....


Alexa and I recently spent 10 days at my parent's farm in Western Illinois. I am originally from the suburbs of Chicago. I lived there for 27 years, then finally got fed up with the gray skies and headed West for wide open spaces and sunshine. I love living in AZ but will always be a Midwestern girl from Chicago. I love going home once a year, it's all about comfort and seeing Alexa experience a slice of some good old Midwest summer fun!

Here's Skokie the gate keeper. She is super sweet but hates having her photo taken which is a shame because she is really photogenic.

The first day started with boomerang fun in the field out back. Alexa spotted my dad's boomerang and had to try it out. They did not have much success but had fun trying.

Alexa loved hanging around the front gate and it's the perfect place for photos. Here she is in this year's favorite summer dress.

This is looking out back to the neighbor's soybean fields. It really is so beautiful there. Coming from Arizona's high desert we crave the greenery and lushness of it all.

So many places to explore or just steal a quiet moment away.

Prayers needed for a friend

My friend over at http://joyofgeorgea.blogspot.com needs some help for her good friends. I have copied and pasted her original post below.

This is our sweet friend Olivia. Olivia is adopted from China just like Georgea. She and her family have been friends of ours for many years. They live in Cincinnati. Olivia has had symptoms similar to those related to tonsillitis, discomfort, swelling, difficulty breathing & swallowing. She had a school physical and as a result her Dr. recommended Olivia have her tonsils removed. Upon further investigation her Dr. shared a concern that Olivia may have Lymphoma in her tonsils. Olivia will have the tonsillectomy on July 29 and then a definitive diagnosis can be made. We are asking for your prayers during this difficult time. We are praying specifically that the diagnosis would not be lymphoma and that Olivia would be completely free of cancer of any type. Thank you so much for your support!

Happy 4th!

We had a fun 4th of July. We hung out at home, barbecued, then went into town to watch the fireworks. : )

Dance Recital 2010

Dress rehearsal day. Alexa's class is a ballet/tap combo. The girls did a tap number to Stray Cats. She loved getting to wear makeup and dressing up.


The recital was two days ( hence my different outfits). We were not allowed to video tape or take photos of the actual recital so that is why I have none. : (

They have a professional videographer and photographer who charge outrageous prices and have us all at their mercy. Lots of parents are not happy about this policy.


After the show on Saturday. I was feeling so crummy but had to suck it up and rally. There was no way I was going to spoil Alexa's big day or miss it.

She did really well. I think she enjoys being onstage but did tell us she had a little stage fright.

With her dancer friends, Amalia and Sydney. They have been dancing together for two years and it makes it more fun when you are with your friends. It's been fun for us moms too! Lots of laughs on all those Saturday mornings while the girls are in class.

The outfit was really cute!

So proud of our girl!

High-five!

Afterwards we went for frozen yogurt to celebrate!

My Karate Kid

Alexa started karate this week and LOVES it. She earned her white belt the first class by reciting her name, address and phone number. She is on her way already to earning her stripes by already practicing and learning how to count to 10 in Japanese. I think she is a real natural and we are really excited that she has found something that she really enjoys. Alexa is pretty high energy ( which we love about her) and karate will give her an outlet to use her energy and also learn how to focus that energy more. She will go twice a week all summer and the plan is to continue once school starts once a week. I love watching her in class. I am proud that she has tried something new and as always, watching our little one blossom is pure joy.

Stay tuned for dance photos...the big recital is this weekend!

Summer playdate

Yesterday Alexa had her friend Sara over for the day. They go to the same school and actually met when they were just three at a different school where they both attended preschool a couple days a week. They had a blast playing together. Alexa is a very social kid which sometimes as an only is tough on her. She thrives on conversation and action. From the moment Sara arrived it was non-stop activity. They played princess, painted, did Shrinkydinks ( loved these as a kid), did sidewalk chalk, had lunch, watched a movie, and played some more. The day flew by for me. Amazing how much can get done when the little one is otherwise occupied. ; ) We look forward to more fun playdates with Sara. : )

Quiet Moment

Preschool was cool!

On the last day of school the kids get awards for their accomplishments and successes over the year. Alexa won 3, Math Whiz, an Artist award and one for Reading. She had a good year and we were pleased with how much she learned, especially how well she can read. She is in a Montessori school which we love, but the kids are encouraged to learn at their own pace, our little social butterfly apparently spent most of the year socializing and not applying herself to the best of her personal abilities. Our hopes and goals for next year in Kindergarten is for her to find her "focus" and apply herself more. She is extremely curious and capable and we are hoping next year she "hits the books" and gets down to business! I love her enthusiasm and energy but at some point she will have to learn to use these attributes to foster her love of learning instead of impeding it.


Here she is with her BFF at the Mad Hatters Mother's Day breakfast. These two cuties together are a bundle of energy and fun!

Here she is performing at the school talent show. She performed a Fairy/ribbon dance that she choreographed. She was really something to watch. Her joy really shines from her smile.

School's out!

Let's get crazy! Summer vacation has officially started. Time to lay around by the pool, go to the movies, sleep in ( haha, that's a good one!), stay up late, go on day trips, eat Popsicles, and have picnics.

For activities, Alexa is going to dance camp, trying karate, and heading to the farm for some good ol' Midwest fun.

Enjoy your summer break!

~~Aloha~~

Last week we spent a wonderful week on Kauai. About a year ago our friends, http://www.joyofgeorgea.blogspot.com/ asked us if we would like to join them in Hawaii this April. I have always wanted to take Alexa there as I had spent quite a bit of time there myself as a child and I was excited about showing her island life. Coincidentally, the week feel right on our 10 year wedding anniversary and we actually eloped in Kauai so it was all a perfect scenario. We spent the first 5 days in Poipu at the Marriott with our friends, then moved on to Hanalei Bay to stay the last 2 nights. We had a wonderful time with lots of amazing memories!

On the beach with cutie Georgea, her daddy and Alexa building sandcastles.

On our way out to dinner. We shared lots of laughs, good food and lots of ice cream!

We took Alexa to a fabulous Luau. We took a train ride around the plantation, learned lots about Kauai's history, fed some wild pigs, then returned for a fabulous traditional Luau show and a great Hawaiian feast.

Pineapple grove

Alexa LOVED the beach. This was a great little cove that was protected so the kids could go in the water by themselves and play. Alexa sort of tried snorkeling ( got the mask on, waded out, then said, "nope" and back she came). She spent lots of time in the water and made some local friends at the beach.

With Georgea hanging out in the morning. Love the matching pjs

Our island princess. She loved wearing the leis and was mesmerized by all the beautiful flowers

The girls before a night out.

Love this photo. It was so cute seeing the girls together. Alexa enjoyed being a "big sis" to Georgea and Georgea loved following Alexa around and "checking her out.

View from our condo in Hanalei. It was absolutely amazing. No televisions, radios or computers. Just the sound of the ocean. I could have stayed there for a long time!

Alexa and I spent a lot of time exploring and finding coral, shells and even a coconut, which the Chief actually opened for us.

Got to get some pool time in!

We took Alexa to the beach where we were married on. It was a really special morning. We spent time writing in the sand, taking photos and reminiscing. We even all held hands and reaffirmed our vows to each other as a family this time. It was really neat!

The Chief and his princess.

Just about the exact spot we stood ten years ago and promised our love to each other. It was a great trip with many wonderful family memories to last a lifetime. We loved spending time with our friends and look forward to more memories with them too. We love Hawaii as it holds so many special lifetime memories for both of us. I love now that Alexa can share that too.