10

This kid;



turned 10 this week.





And this kid;





is by far, the coolest 10 year old I know.


She had a basketball-birthday-cookie-cake;








And we got her the gift of all gifts;


Oh yeah, we're going to see the JO-BROS!!!

But thats not all, because you only hit double digits once in your life.

So, we took a little trip;

And no, my sweet 10 year old didn't want an American Girl Doll;






She has always wanted a Bitty Baby.

So that is what she got. And she was happy.

Mylie benefitted from this little excursion too;

as it was her turn to get her her American Girl dolls hair done at the doll salon.

We had dinner at Giordano's (best pizza you'll ever eat) and then ended our day with malts at..well, where else would you go for malts in Chicago besides this place?

Happy 10th Birthday Sophie...we're sure you won't forget this one! We love you!

An ode to Caribou Coffee Bars

This week, something awful happened.....

This;



is usually my breakfast. But not every morning, because I want my tastebuds to crave this wonderful combination. And when I do have this in the morning...I wait. Wait for the perfect time. I peek around corners for children, making sure they are doing their own thing so that I won't be bothered during this 10 minute time for "me." Me, my chocolate truffle coffee and my vanilla latte flavored coffee bar. ( I refuse to refer to it as a measly "granola bar." This tasty morsel is ohh, so much more then that)

They used to sell them at Meijer. Then...gone. I spotted them at Target...so I started buying two boxes at time, fearing the worst. The last place I bought them was Kroger...and I haven't seen them since.

It was brought to my attention that General Mills had discontinued the item.

I.....

actually.....

CRIED.

And thats when I realized, "Man, if I am crying over a granola bar then I must have it pretty good."

And although I know life is pretty good for me... I can't help it...I am still VERY sad. Let it be known. VERY SAD.

The graduate

I have a graduate;



























Complete with a balloon launch, cake reception, and posing with a few of her closest friends, this girl has officially finished elementary school with phenomenal grades the whole way through. Now, on to middle school, where more challenges await her. I'm holding onto her a bit more tightly these days, as middle school will probably fly by even faster.

We're so proud of you Crisilee! Congratulations!

Oh what a weekend!!

Well, it started with a party;









The couple;





The greeting;






The gift. (a one night stay at the Grand Hotel)





And there were grandchildren;













And there was a pretty cool uncle and a pretty girl;





The oldest, with the youngest and "where's waldo" in between...can you see him?





We couldn't have done it without these two ladies;






One of the many nieces he has...and lots of them came!





Can you find the other Waldo? Good grief...try to get a serious picture...





And there were brothers;





The next day started our "other" party. Every year since I can remember, my family gets together for Memorial Day. Parade, huge cookout, homemade ice cream and just sitting around enjoying each others company. For the entire day. I've said this in posts before, but for me? Thats just alittle bit of heaven.


The "grand marshal" kicked off the parade. He was quite grand.

Our crew;

















We were very much looking forward to the bikers in the parade, as two of our very own were in it;








And a special thanks to Sophie who made sure Darby's ears were double protected;

Then it was back to my folks for some grilled burgers. Summer is finally here!

This boy, had a birthday;





This grandma was in all her glory;





And I don't think this grandpa could think of a better way to end his day. When all went home, and the house was quiet, he still had the joy of telling his youngest a story, while she lay completely still, and totally taking in all his words;






Oh I so can't wait to see what more happy days lie ahead for us this summer. Life is good.