Hot Hike!!

Today we went on another hike and, again, it was hot! We had a nice time though as much of it was in the forest. Grady did a great job walking by himself and even cleared some rocks off the hiking path. Later, we stopped by an estate sale and I picked up some goodies for the shop (see picture below).

Grassy Lake Hike

Today we went on a hike in the northeast area of Chicago at Grassy Lake Preserve. It was hotter than a firecracker at 87 degrees! Unfortunately for us, most of the hike was in the sun and we were miserable and sunburned. Note to self: Never go back to that hiking area. Tomorrow we are going to a trail that we have been on before and know it's a good one.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today was Kris's birthday! He came home a bit early so we picked up Grady from school and headed to the beach (our new favorite place). So many people were on the beach, it was a blast! Grady found a few friends playing the drums and guitar; he watched them for quite a while. Afterwards, we went into the little town and got dinner at our favorite diner, C.J. Arther's, followed by ice cream. Fun day!

Water Play

There is a great park about a mile and a half south of us, Adams Park. They have a water fountain and a larger water park (not turned on until June). Grady loves getting wet, filling up sand buckets and jumping in the water. We walked to the train to pick up daddy after he got off work then walked over to the park. Love this great weather!!

Here's Grady at the same park last year. Look how much he's grown!!

Swimming

Today it was in the 80's so we went for a swim at the (packed) beach up north. There were no lifeguards to take your money today so everyone decided to go. The pictures I took on are the beach right next to it, where you can't swim, so there aren't as many people. We had so much fun splashing around in the water and can't wait to do it more this summer!

Grady in Daddy's sunglasses after we got home

Ice Cream!

We went out for some ice cream tonight since it has been such a nice day. Nice weather = Ice Cream! Went to the local fav, Bobtail Ice Cream. Grady got the chocolate scoop special.

Stealing some of mommy's ice cream

Park Explore

We were on our way to the beach when a few rain clouds came tumbling in but we decided to head over anyway. Grady went exploring all over the park and here are some pictures from the fun...

Playing with another stick in a (vacant) parking lot near the beach

Here's an interesting old outhouse we found. And look at Grady! He looks like he is marching with the umbrella!

This black bird in the tree attacked Kris with multiple nose dives. At first it was quite funny but it got a bit scary so we grabbed Grady and ran out of the area!

New Trike

We purchased a new trike for Grady about three weeks ago because he was enamored with the bicycles he saw at the park. He loves to ride it to the park and does a great job pedaling and staying on it.

Ringing his bell

Sticks are Fun Too...

Today we went to a park in the suburb of Brookfield, southwest of the city. It was a large park with tennis courts, swings, a jungle gym and a kids play ship. Grady had fun with this stick here. Give the kid a toy and he likes the box better.

Beach Play

After we picked up Grady from school, we went up north to play at the beach. Grady had some fun chasing the birds, walking barefoot in the sand and playing in the water. Hopefully we will be able to go swimming soon!

Video of Grady chasing the birds:

Clocks

Grady playing with a vintage clock I purchased. He loves clocks; I think it's because of the numbers. I'm trying to figure out whether I should grow out his hair or give it a cut. Kris thinks I should cut it but I'm thinking the opposite. What do you think?

Handprints

Grady made this sweet little art project at school for me for mother's day. I love the poem.

Sometimes you get discouraged

Because I am so small

And always leave my fingerprints

On furniture and walls.

But every day I'm growing -

I'll be grown some day

And all those tiny handprints

Will surely fade away.

So here's a little handprint

Just so you can recall

Exactly how my fingers looked

When I was very small.

Mother's Day

Today, for mother's day, we traveled about 60 miles northwest to Crystal Lake. We found a great trail there and enjoyed it as the greenery is much more in bloom. Reminded us of Seattle! When Grady walks the trail, he likes to hold on to his stroller, it's very sweet. Later, I opened my mother's day presents from Kris and Grady; a GPS, a vintage sweater and a necklace.

Ride Around Town

Today was a bit rainy out so Grady and Kris came along with me to a few estate sales. We headed about 15 miles southwest and checked out a city we have been interested in, Burr Ridge. Very pretty. Here is a pic of Grady in his seat before our trip, then my loot from the sales.

Lil Stinker

Grady went through a period of screaming at home and we tried a few different tactics to get him to stop (or at least do it quietly). First it was to ignore him, then we put him on time-out but it just kept getting worse. So we decided to go back to ignoring him. It has been working well at home but apparently the little one likes to scream during nap time at school. They are having to put him in the front office during nap so not to disturb the other sleeping children. I hope this doesn't last too long or we may have to find another preschool!! The teachers actually don't seem too upset about it but I am sure it can be a bit of a headache!

Weekend Estate Sales

This weekend, Kris, Grady and I, did a little estate sale-ing. I usually hit about 7 in one day but since there weren't too many this weekend, they boys came along. While I went to the sales, Kris and Grady found a few nearby parks. Saturday we went to Downer's Grove and then up north to Lake Forest (beautiful area!).
I found quite a bit! The two milk glass bowls for $1 a piece, the vintage Winnebago toy for $3 and two blue Swedish candle holders for $4! Not too shabby!!

Laying in Bed

Grady loves to lay in bed! Here are some recent shots of our pillow talk.