A new decade

So I have officially left my 20s. It's kind of weird to enter a whole new decade. My 20s were great. A lot happened in those ten years--college graduation, marriage, 2 children, at least 6 moves, 4 states, 3 jobs for me--4 if you count Mommying, 2 degrees for Aaron, etc. etc. I had a great birthday. Aaron and I left the house around noon on Friday and did a little shopping. It was so nice to just walk in and out of stores, holding hands without pushing a stroller or buckling a car seat or anything. We grabbed a little lunch and a Blizzard before hopping in the car and heading to New Buffalo, Michigan.

(This is a pic of us in the garage before leaving)

Our hotel was right on Lake Michigan. This was the view from our room--the "Harbor view" Unfortunately it was just too cold to do much walking around the cute little town. But we had a nice dinner and watched Disney's Princess and the Frog. In the morning we had breakfast in bed before checking out---a great way to start my birthday! We headed back to Chicago. My awesome sister somehow survived the 24 hours with three children even though Wesley was kind of sick. She's awesome. The boys had colored me little birthday pics and it was good to kiss their cute little faces. I really tried to work the birthday thing with Dillon and get him to be extra nice to me that day. That night for dinner we got Chicago-style pizza so Heather could try it out while she was in town. Afterward we had some friends over for cake. Wesley loved singing to Mom How's that for a birthday picture?!

It was a great day. I am so grateful to wonderful family and friends that made it extra special. Today I went and got a spa pedicure thanks to my awesome siblings. I am one lucky girl and have had a great 30 years. Here's to the next decade!

Best husband in the world

I have the greatest husband, and am especially reminded of that when it comes time for my birthday or Christmas. He is the best gift giver and unfortunately got paired with the worst gift receiver. I'm not very good at being surprised. A couple nights ago I got an email from "the troll in the basement". It had an attachment with the following poem:

Dear Lover Love, the love of my life, I am so glad to call you my wife. A pretty big birthday in less than a week? Consider this note an early sneak peak. My poems are nerdy and they often get wordy, But the word of the day is that you’re turning thirty! On your special day, let’s get away, Let’s make it a two-day stay – what do you say? This coming Thursday, no matter the weather, We’re skipping town (I’ve already planned it with Heather). So pack your bags, and check out this site: (http://www.harborgrand.com/) New Buffalo, Michigan? Yeah baby, that’s right!

I love you, Aaron

Where did I get this guy?! He's just the best and I am really excited to spend a little time away with him (although the poor guy is stuck with a pretty fat date!). We did decide to cut it down to one night since Thursday is a little busy, but it's still going to be awesome. And a special thanks to my sis who is going to spend the first half of her vacation babysitting!

I love you Aaron. Thanks for planning a night away for us. I can't wait!

Navy Pier Children's Museum

Dillon had the day off of school last Friday so we took advantage of my friend's Children's Museum Membership and ventured downtown for the day.

Wesley was fascinated with the firefighter.

Dillon always loves digging for dinosaurs

And what boy doesn't want to play gas station?!

Dillon played in a little room where they were doing experiments with play dough for quite a while. He made friends with all the staff members.

Treehouse trails was always my favorite when we lived downtown and Dillon was Wesley's age. Wes was happy in there for quite sometime. He loved catching frogs and fish.

The waterworks is always a hit. And I was smart enough to bring a second shirt for both of them for when they got drenched!

They discovered fun building materials on our way out and had to stop and use their creativity for a bit. I think some kind of tool set may need to be incorporated into Easter or a birthday present in the near future.

And we can't be in that part of the city without stopping for cupcakes at Swirls. So YUMMY!

Thanks for a fun day Nicole!