Mother's Day/Birthday

I was going to try to do something clever with this title like "Birthmother's Day" or "Mother's Birthday," but both of those didn't sound quite right so you're stuck with the boring slash!

We had a fabulous weekend and I had an equally fabulous birthday.  Saturday we went to the Botanic Gardens with Donna and Emil to celebrate Mother's Day and the flowers were spectacular!  The pictures below don't even do it justice, it was just so gorgeous.  I'm a glutton for tulips, and they were at their peak.  I have really only come to appreciate the beauty of gardens just in the last few years, and now I am borderline obsessed.  Now I know why my parents always wanted to go to "boring gardens" throughout my childhood, which I never appreciated.  Later that day we headed up to Wisconsin to spend the rest of the weekend with Mom and Dad - who were newly back from their time in Florida.  So nice to be able to just drive an hour to see them again.  They hosted a lovely party for my birthday and Mother's Day on Sunday, and the nice warm weather continued which meant lots of fun outdoor time.

Monday, my birthday, I took the day off of work (a tradition I began a couple years ago, and one I'm really into!) to spend the day indulging in fun activities with Matt.  As in past years we went canoeing, but this time we brought Luke along.  He did great and we had a really fun time.  We thought he would be bored after about 5 minutes, but he was pretty into it the whole time.  He liked looking for "secret streams" off the main riverway, and yelling "DUCK!" when we would get too close to a passing tree branch.  He also brought his "fishing pole" and spent much of the approx 120 minutes casting his line and reeling it in.  The rest of my special day consisted of a swim in the pool, a couples massage, a sushi dinner out and then birthday cake.  How awesome is that day?  Wish I could do it again tomorrow!

Claire wore her flower shirt and shoes for the trip to the gardens.  So funny still to see her in blue jeans.

Playing the "Let's Go Fishing" game with Grandma and Grandpa

Checking out the ducks at the neighborhood pond

Mother's Day present for Mom

At Wirth Park on Sunday - my first time back to this park since I became a parent.  Wirth Park is where the pool is where I lifeguarded and trained every summer.  Considering it with new eyes I again have a greater appreciation for this park than I ever did as a teen.

Luke and Claire running the bases

We put Claire to work "passing the cards" between people.

Presents from Grandma

Canoeing on the Des Plaines River on Monday.  Brought back memories when we had PJ hanging out with us in the middle seat:)

Going down a "secret stream"

It was a nice afternoon to take a dip, have a beer and listen to Jamaican music.

typical

Luke's still getting the hang of chopsticks, but can put away miso soup like nobody's business,

When I came back to work on Tuesday my team had decorated my office for me:)

Friendly Weekend

This week I was in Los Angeles for a few days shooting a TV spot.  I hate being away from the kids, but at the same time I kind of loved being on the shoot.  It is always really fun to be behind the scenes on set, seeing how all the movie (or in this case advertising) magic comes to life.  Also, as the "client" the creative ad agency and production company are highly attentive, with Starbucks in the morning and fancy dinners at night.  Throw in some lovely hot weather and a hotel across the street from the beach in Santa Monica, and its not a bad way to spend a week!

I got back to a sweet Welcome Home sign from the kids, and a newly opened pool.  Yep, May 2nd!  We don't want to miss any random days of pool-weather that May might bring, pool season is always so short in the Midwest.  While I was away Luke experienced his first ever sleepover without Matt or I.  He stayed overnight at Grandma and Grandpa Baranko's house and he did great!  No problems whatsoever and he says he wants to do it again:)  So sweet.  It was a good thing I got back from LA on time, as we had a full weekend of seeing friends and managed to sneak in a trip to Lamb's Farm to boot.  Saturday I went down to the city to have a scrumptious outdoor cafe style lunch with my friend Alice.  Then Sunday we actually had a playdate with our new neighbors down the street.  They seem really awesome, and their son Jack is exactly the same age (and has exactly the same personality) as Luke!  They also have a 7 month old son who is laid back like Claire.  We're so happy to have more young families on our street.

view from my hotel

Toasting our spot

Those are actual gold flecks on my scallop sushi dish.

That's Luke!

Matt sent this pic to me on his Daddy/Daughter date one of the nights I was gone, the night of Luke's sleepover.

Iso sent me this one one day of my wild child

Lamb's Farm

Tonya & Justin's house for dinner.  Cute to see the two Dads helping the two little guys.

Drew and Lukers

Taylor

Lest anyone thinks she never cries, had to get some "real life" in here too!  She is in that long-standing phase where the only way she feels like she can get what she wants is by crying immediately. 

At Luke's school art show.  Luke didn't want to go in at first so we went to the playground first and then took turns  going in to view his art.

First pool day, May 8!

Eating al fresco.  Iso ingeniously sets Claire up like this so she can't accidentally fall backwards, but still gets to be a part of the big kid picnic.  

We had a hot day one day…the kids weren't used to warmth!

blowing kisses

She also knows where her mouth, eyes, ears and nose are and will point to them for you.  

Climbing the couch is one of Luke's part time jobs.

so…..hot….

love those rosy cheeks