Artsy Fartsy

Catching up with some artwork from the kids.

Rare shot of Owen participating in an art project

Owen's family drawing

Practicing "I"

Dinosaur painting

Pretending to be an office worker

Maddi's Valentine to us

Practicing standing at the mirror

At least one of my kids is into crafts!

Miss Messy

Owen's Faux Grandparent's Day Creation

Trip to LA

I spent this past week in LA for business to shoot a commercial. It was my first time there so it was exciting to see the sights. A bit different (ok, dramatically) than I expected but still fun nonetheless.

Here is the view from where we ate breakfast at the hotel. Gorgeous, especially after all the winter we've been experiencing in Chicago. Kurt Russell ate two tables away from us, drawing a lot of attention to himself by swearing up a storm. Nice.
The first night we went to a hot spot in Santa Monica called the Tasting Kitchen. It was family style and the food just kept coming and coming. Everything was fabulous.
On Tuesday evening, I headed out to Hollywood to see the sites and visit my really good friend Charlie from high school and college. We've kept in touch over the years but haven't seen each other in about a decade so it was so nice to hang out and catch up. I couldn't believe how small Hollywood is! Still cool to see all of the famous places though.
I went through Beverly Hills on my way there so I had to get a picture of the sign.
It was a great trip but I'm glad to be back home with my family. Today we made some magnetic fish to go fishing with. I got the template online. They were really easy to make and are proving to be lots of fun.
Brett is enjoying a night of fun with his friend Chris who is performing in Indiana (comedian) and I'm enjoying a night of quiet to myself.

A BIG thanks to Brett for keeping the house moving all week while I was gone, especially since he had to manage with a broken dishwasher and a fever/at home stay with Maddi Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday. You are the best babe!

Woody and Buzz Bonanza

This past weekend we went and saw Toy Story 3 on ice. Owen is super into Woody, Buzz and the movies so we knew this would be right up his alley. Surprisingly, Maddi really liked it too.
The show started with Mickey and friends.
Each of the characters were slowly introduced throughout the story.
Owen was in awe when Buzz came in.
It was a great time! A little long, but the kids really had a blast which is all that matters.

Weekend Fun with Nonni Pat

Brett's mom came to town this weekend so we could see a show and she could watch the kiddos while we were at a wedding.

Saturday
On Saturday morning, myself, the kids and Pat went to the Nature Museum to hang out for a bit. They had a tree exhibit with a big tree house in the center. Owen had lots of fun climbing on the ropes and nets through the tree.
Maddi had lots of fun crawling around the trees in the exhibit!
There was a giant nest with a giant egg. Owen thought it was hysterical.
There was a special herpetology exhibit going on the same day. A bunch of people brought animals/insects such as spiders, lizards and turtles. Owen thought the turtle was so cute.
But, the real highlight was the five snakes on exhibit. They were all so sweet and gentle and were so good with everyone touching them. Owen and I had such a blast. Pat enjoyed hanging out in a far corner with Maddi away from the action.

Owen is super observant and brought up the fact that this snake looked like a brown pretzel when all twisted up. It was pretty accurate and the owner was impressed. She said she had never thought of the snake that way before but that he was right. I know I'm his mom, but he is one smart cookie.

We also had fun in the butterfly habitat. One of my favorites any time a museum has one. Even Maddi really enjoyed looking at all of the butterflies fly around.

flying like a butterfly

Saturday night Brett and I went to my good friend Tiffany's wedding while Pat watched the kids. These little girls are three of Tiffany's nieces. They were SOOOOO adorable.

Tiffany and her Dad

Tiffany married a Greek man. Here they are exchanging the crowns.

Me and Tiffany

The reception was at the Rookery. It's a historic building in Chicago rich in history. If you have ever read the Devil in the White City, you would know about this building. Built by Burnham and Root.

This is the famous staircase

Thanks to Nonni Pat for babysitting. Especially since we forgot to make bottles and a slew of other things we said we'd do before we left. Guess it's obvious that we trust her and have a second child...

Sunday
Sunday afternoon Pat and I went to see the musical Burn the Floor. It was fantastic. The dancing was amazing, the music was great and the whole thing was fast paced. Absolutely fabulous.

Maddi has really been getting into playing peekaboo. She can do it on her own now and it cracks everyone up, including herself.