Can you find the Rose among the tulips?

The weather was fabulous today, upper 70's with a short, afternoon rainstorm.The grass is green, and in our case, the clover is green. I wanted to document the beautiful garden that David and the boys planted. David says the tulips are all blooming about 3-4 weeks earlier than they are supposed to because the weather has been so warm.

Spring Break

Last week we took the fam and headed to the Windy City. We were really excited to go somewhere for spring break this year and to go some place that we have never been before. The boys picked to go to Legoland and to the Shedd Aquarium and I picked to stay in a hotel where I didn't have to do the breakfast dishes! We had such a good time. I was nervous of how Emeline would do but she was a trooper. All of the kids were healthy and happy for the majority of the time and we basically just enjoyed ourselves (minus the hour detour in rush hour Chicago traffic). We can't wait to go back and see some more of this great city! I put a ton of photos on here so be ye warned! I want to be able to add them to my blog book when I get it printed.

Emeline LOVED the bright little fishies and had fun putting her hands on the glass and talking to them.

 These Jelly fish were so cool and were one of the main reasons we wanted to go to the aquarium. They did not disappoint. They are just so strange you can't take your eyes off them!

 This is my official "Chicago Style Hot Dog", complete with dog, ketchup, mustard, pickle, hot pepper and onions all on a poppy seed bun. Surprisingly, I liked it a lot. I took the hot pepper off after the first bite though. Ü We also tried the deep dish, Chicago pizza, which was fantastic!

Lake Michigan was beautiful and we would love to go back and visit the beach sometime.

Emeline's hair in this photo is great. It was pretty breezy.

 Classic shot of giant heads with background. It makes me giggle every time!

I was laughing so hard after I saw this picture! I asked Jake to sit down and then I said, "Oh Jake! There is a sting ray behind you." This was the look he made. Priceless.

The aquarium was really neat and we saw so many different types of fish. Caleb said, "Mom, thanks for bringing us on vacation! I love it!"

 He sure knows how to make his mom feel good too.

 We were so impressed with the size of the city. We kept thinking back on our beloved St. Louis and realized that it really isn't that big compared to Chicago or New York. There was not enough time to see it all.

David made Emmy a girl car at the "girl" table. Jake and Caleb made some racing cars to zoom down the track and I made an alligator. I think we could have stayed there all afternoon if it wasn't for the 9 busloads of school kids on field trips.

This girl had a good time in her little swimming suip. I couldn't get enough of her cute little legs!

 David and Emmy had a great time hanging out and trying not to eat the Legos (Emmy, not David). These animals were incredible and had so much detail!

 Me and Indy. Yup, that's how I roll.

We loved the city of Chicago in Legos. They even made it day and night and all of the little city lights came on and off.

Me and my buddy Jake building our creations.

 The boys did a lot of relaxing at the hotel, as you can see Ü Jake made a new friend at the aquarium and named him Lightning.

Jamie

You will be missed Jamie! So glad you are in the place where you fit in the most. You were always too angelic for Earth anyway, in my opinion. Until we meet again, friend.

Sunset on the Meramec

The other night the boys indulged me and let me spend time taking pictures of the river. We pass this scene everyday, often times at sunset, and I think it is breathtaking! I was determined to try and get some good shots and had such a good time with my little family. After that, it was on to Fritz's for some custard. What can be more perfect than that!!

Earlier in the day we planted some poppies, which are some of my favorites. We had fun working in the yard and planting flower pots for the porch. We are loving this sunny weather!