Charlie First Bus Ride

Charlie really wanted to ride the bus home, which made me a little sad since I truly love picking him up from school. We negotiated (aka he told me) and now I pick him up on Mondays and he takes the bus home on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Today was his first day on the bus and I was nervous that he would not know when to get off or be sitting all alone. I should have known better! I walked right up to Kai, who is our fifth grade neighbor and reintroduced himself when they got on the bus. He rode home with him and casually waved good-bye to him when he got off the bus and headed home. This kid is too much!

Evy's Art Class

Evy and I started taking an art class in January. I wanted to take one more class with her before all of the classes became kids only, which happens around 4. She has made some beautiful artwork and she is so proud of her accomplishments. Thursdays are a highlight of the week.

There is a chance she is really ambidextrous, like Uncle Brian and here is the proof!  

Our New Home - 934 Elm Street

We should have lots of pictures, but we failed.  The past two weeks have been a blur of unpacking, visits and settling into our new home. I am so proud of what Matt and I created together. This house combines the things we both wanted in a home and provides Charlie and Evy with space to grow into. The kids are settling in well, they have had no problems sleeping and love having their own bedrooms and privacy. It has been a long and arduous process, but we could not be happier!

(This is the last picture I took before move-in day)

(The day before move-in and Evy was checking things out.)

(Our builders created this plaque out of doorknobs from the old house. So grateful!)

(our first movie night complete with a fire and a home picnic) 

(Enjoying the back porch)

(The back of our home) 

Pinewood Derby 2017

After weeks of preparation - at least one solid week- it is Pinewood Derby time! Charlie worked hard on his car and was very excited for the race. He ended up not winning, but made a solid showing and stayed in the middle of the pack. We know some secrets for next year so those other Cub Scouts better watch out! 

(Charlie's name is the #4 racer) 

Last Weekend in the City

The time has finally arrived - no more Friday trips to the City, no more trips to the suburbs on Sundays and no more living apart! Moving day is this Friday so we said farewell to the City apartment. I am not sad to say good-bye to our one-bedroom weekend digs. I think we have made the most of our time downtown, but I am very happy to be out of the Loop for a while. Our last weekend, we went to the Adler Planetarium and roasted marshmallows at the apartments outdoor fire pit. It was a good ending to a difficult time!

(moon man) 

(evy and her marshmallow)

(Charlie is sitting behind Evy enjoying his treat)

 (Evy loves playing and looking out these windows)