My Birthday

Yes, it was my birthday yesterday and I'm now halfway to 70. I'm looking at the my glass is half full part. No, just kidding, I'm young and fancy free! Anyway, I wanted to brag about my wonderful husband. He planned a great birthday. He surprised me by taking me to a fancy shmancy dinner at the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building. And it is as awesome as it sounds. He had requested a table at the window, so we had a great view (despite rainy weather) of the shoreline and the city lights. He bought me lobster and cheesecake (from the Cheesecake factory, which is at the bottom of the building). It was the best meal I've ever had. So romantic and perfect. I'm leaving for Utah in a few minutes for a solo trip, so I told him not to get any big presents. But he got me my favorite perfume and a beautiful new watch. It's exactly what I wanted. He was about as thoughtful as a husband can be. Sorry to all you other husbands who's wifes are reading this. You're going to have to step it up!

Oprah

Here's me and my friend Jenn in line at Oprah. We went October 8th and they aired it yesterday. That's the only place they let you take pictures so there you have it. It was so fun. The subject wasn't that great but it was just fun to be there. I did learn about cage free animals (egg laying hens, veal, pig) and what that's all about. I torn though. And the humane society/lobbiest (sp?) wasn't helping. He was very irritating. Anyway it was a great time and I highly recommend it to anyone. Next time I'm shooting for the favorite things episode!

Museum of Science and Industry

Sept. 30 the kids had off so we went to the Museum of Science and Industry with my friend Amy and her girls. That place is amazing. It's so fun. We didn't even see a quarter of it. They had a full size tracker the kids got to go in. They have a hands on area where Holden played in the water and steered a Pirate Ship as seen above. They had a huge train set that Holden LOVED and they had chicks hatching from their eggs. Holden is loving the baby chicks in that picture. Parker and Bailey got to see a chick pecking it's way out of it's shell. It takes 10 hours to get out so needless to say we didn't stay. Bailey is such a good big sister, she was very helpful with Amy's 3 yr old (and Holdens future wife), Lucy and baby Jane, who is the cutest thing ever! Lucy is in the tracker wheel with Holden and the baby picture is Jane, NOT MINE! We also saw a German submarine, but I'm to cheap to pay to go in it. We're saving that for Grandpa and Grandma. It was cool to see it though. It's amazing that they could get it in the museum, it's huge and little creepy. I don't know why.

I need to note that while I've been typing this Holden wolk (sp?) up crazy and needed to cuddle and in the process peed on me! Then I changed and while holding him and typing I spilled my

Dt Coke on me and the floor. Then had to changed again! And I still finished this!!!!

Apple Holler

Here are the promised pictures from our apple picking trip. It's the cutest place in Wisconsin (about an hour away) called Apple Holler. As you can see the kids had tons of fun. We actually went the last part of September but I just scanned the pictures today. As you'll remember I forgot my camera and had to buy a disposible. Very inconvienent.

Anyway, it was a little warm so we lost steam fast but everyone had a great time. The kids tried about 6 different kinds of apples. You can eat all the apples you want while you're picking. But overall, I think Holden's favorite was the train ride. Braydens highlight was winning the peddle cart race. Parkers favorite was racing us to the top of the hay stacks and Bailey loved trying all the different apples.

My favorite was the apple cider donuts. If you haven't had one I suggest you do everything in your power to get one. I love them! I even had my wonderful friend Lindsay get me some when she went the next week to Long grove (another apple festival). And then yesterday she surprised me with two that she had gotten earlier that day at yet another farm. Farms are big out here in the fall. That's all you do is visit farms. Especially if you're Linsday. (Love ya Linds)

Chicago Botanical Gardens

We went to the gardens today for the first time. Everyone rave's about them and we weren't disappointed. I thought we might be to be honest, we aren't the most cultural family (despite what Brayden tries to think) and Parker was very much in his football mind set after keeping their undefeated record at his flag football game, but we went and everyone loved it. It was gorgeous. It amazes me the talent other people have for gardening and keeping things alive. I just don't have that. I didn't inherit it from my dad. I got it from my mom. Don't try to deny it mother! Anyway, even forgetting two of the four jackets didn't dampen our spirits. We all share the two jackets and we peddled on . Dad would have been proud. Bailey enjoyed counting all the Bridal parties taking pictures. Parker liked the Japanese garden, and Holden liked running. He's all boy.

The Fire Station

We went to Wilmette village fire prevention thing at the fire station this morning. They let the kids go on all the trucks, they got to fire the hose, which Holden was so good at, we meet Sparky the firehouse dog, which Holden was terrified of at first. He warmed up though. Parker and Bailey climbed to the top of the hook and ladder truck. Scary for mom. I only lost one child once (Parker). So I was feeling pretty good about myself. And what a place to loose a kid, right! They were all excited to go all morning. We took Brayden to the airport, he's on his way to Singapore for a presentation, and we got to the event and parked. Almost immediately Parker said I think there's food here. And then I lost him. He was in search of the cookies and punch for the rest of the morning. I finally had to put Holden and Bailey away from the excitment of these amazing firetrucks so Parker could find the stupid cookies! Once he had his cookies he was good to go. I guess when a man needs a cookie, HE NEEDS A COOKIE! And that picture of Bailey and the attitude in front of the fire truck I had to share. That sums my daughter up in a nutshell!

My first apple pie!

There's the picture of it. It was sooooo good. I even made the crust. I made a tester which we tested and it was good, so I made the real one for Aleath and Mike to eat when they came for dinner sunday (which was soo fun) and we eat both of course. Everyone said they loved it and no one threw up, so I'll take it as a success.

We got the apples at Apple Holler in Wisconsin. We went last saturday and picked apples in the orchard and played games and all that. I forgot my camera so I bought a disposible, I now have to scan the pictures, sooo more to come on that.