Birthday Smiles...

Every year until they turn 5, I take each child to have their "birthday" picture taken. Since Austin's and Aaron's birthdays are only a few weeks apart, I took both of them at the same time to get it over with. I was pleasantly surprised with how well they posed and smiled for the camera. We were in and out of there in a half hour, which is a HUGE accomplishment with my kids! Of course, I will admit I may have promised them a few pieces of candy afterwards:) Enjoy!

My little pudge munchkin, Aaron... 

My little monkey, Austin...

And here are a couple of all my little munchkins together...

Chi Town...

For Valentine's weekend, I went on a little trip to Chicago with my sister Megan and her friends to celebrate one of their birthdays. On Saturday afternoon, eight of us piled into my car and set off for a night of dinner, drinks and lots of dancing. Once we got into town, we checked into the hotel and then headed to dinner. Afterwards, it was back to the hotel to get dolled up to go out.

My sister and I at the beginning of the night...

Dresden, Megan, myself, Amy and Megan M. all glammed up...

Around 9pm, twelve of us set off to go meet the 10 other people waiting at the bar, Lasalle Power Company. Once we got there, we made our way to our reserved table, which was right next to the dance floor. We spent the entire evening dancing and having a great time. My feet were definitely sore the next day!

    Me, Jenny and the "Megans"...

    Me with the birthday girl, Amy...

    Megan, Amy and myself...

 We stayed at the bar til close and then made our way back to the hotel to pass out. The next morning, we all got up and headed to breakfast and then to do a little shopping. Finally around 1pm, we piled back into my car and started our trek back home. All in all, it was a fun night out and perhaps the last one for me before I turn the big 3-0 in a few weeks. Thanks girls for helping me feel young again ;)

What a Surprise! Austin is 5...

I have no idea where the time went, but Austin turned 5 years old! Even though my fuse often runs short with him, I am very proud of the little man he is becoming. He's definitely more of my dare devil (most of the time to the point where it scares the heck out of me), but I love seeing that sense of adventure in his eyes. He's also quite a smart kid. Sometimes too smart for his own good. Case in point; one morning I told him to brush his teeth, and he looked at me said "I want to mommy, but my hands won't let me". I just about died laughing that something so comical and brilliant could come out of his mouth. And his imagination amazes me as well! The stories he likes to share and scenerios he comes up with as he plays Legos or Army Men are unbelievable. I can just see those little wheels in his mind turning. His preschool teachers think he's such a little ham and he is learning so much more than he lets on! Most days he comes home, I ask what letter or color they are learning, and he usually doesn't answer me. But then later on, I sometimes overhear him "teaching" Aaron or singing a song to his animals, and that is when I know everything is sinking in. He also has an absolute love for animals, stuffed or real! At night time he loves snuggling up with his favorite bear "Smokey" and frog "Hopper". And whenever animals are present, he is all about hugging and petting them. With how much of a handful he can be at times with me, I love seeing his gentle spirit and tenderness with animals. Don't get me wrong, there are many times throughout the day where he will just come up and snuggle or kiss on me, but most the time he just likes to sit and play on his own. Everyday he is growing more and more into this little independant person. And although there are days when I feel like I am at the end of my rope with him, one little smile from him makes all that frustration go away... such a charmer! Happy Birthday Austin!!!