3/17/16: Train Ride to 2Toots

My moms group had organized a trip to 2Toots but I had not been able to attend so Karen and I decided to do it ourselves on St. Paddy's day. We drove to the Geneva train station only to realize the train station was closed! We couldn't buy our tickets or wait inside and it was cold/windy out. Allison had to go to the bathroom so we went to the coffee shop down the way but it was really small so we couldn't stay there.  The kids loves the train ride to Glen Ellyn but after we got off the train we had to find the restaurant 2Toots. It wasn't far but we weren't sure exactly which way to go so it was a little nerve racking. After getting inside, the kids loved the restaurant. We got to sit up at the counter even with two in boosters :)  The food was fine (not great but not terrible). We had a little desert and the kids all got train whistles.  We walked back to the train station with plenty of time to catch our train  EXCEPT the train we had ridden in on had switched tracks and therefore threw me off on which side we had to be on to go back. We ended up figuring this out late and ran down to cross the tracks to the other side (there was no tunnel like Naperville). As we were running, we were stopped by the very train we needed to catch!!  We ran and ran and Connor and Madelyn got to the train first. I think they must have seen us running and waiting for us. Karen had Benjamin in the stroller and thank goodness he was strapped in because the stroller got caught and tipped forward luckily he wasn't hurt.  I got to the train and told the train operator that Karen was coming. We all made it safely on the train but boy that was an adventure. I was extremely hot and out of breath so the train ride home was not as enjoyable as going there but the kids did like sitting up on top.  Luckily, we caught the train since we didn't know what we'd do with the kids for an hour and it was already too close to their nap time!

The whole gang!: Allison, Ryan, Connor, Madelyn and Benjamin

Connor, Madelyn, Ryan and Allison

Allison loving her blue train whistle

12/31/15: Science & Industry Museum

We decided to make use of our Science and Industry Museum membership and go during their Christmas display. I had grown up going to see their Christmas's around the world so it was nice to take the girls. We had a wonderful time but the girls enjoyed the fake snow coming down more than the trees around the world. We didn't rush around the museum and enjoyed the weather exhibit a lot. We also saw laid down and saw lighting being made right above us. It was neat but a little loud.

2/20/16: Reunion Trip in Madison

I was so fortunate to be able to see three of my Alpha Xi Delta sisters for a weekend in Madison. Sally and Anne live there and Melissa and I drove in. I brought the girls with me so we all stayed at Anne's house while Melissa stayed with Sally. It was so fun catching up as adults and watching the kids play too. We got to meet Sophie for the first time but sadly I didn't get any photos of her!  Madelyn and Sam had met before but it had been awhile but they were friends right away! Most of our time was just spent at Anne's house but we did get out to the Madison Zoo which was fun.

Madelyn, Allison and Sam (missing Sophie who was in the stroller!)

Buffalo

 

2/16/16: Madelyn is a Skier!

Brian took Madelyn skiing for the first time! The ski place (Geneva Grand) didn't open until noon so Allison and I opted to stay home since she'd be cranky without her nap.We were sad to miss it. though. Madelyn did wonderfully and had a great time. Juliana and Connor also got to ski with Grandma and Grandpa but sadly we have no photos of all of them.

2/12/16: School Valentine's Party

Madelyn and Allison had their Valentine's party at school.  Madelyn and Connor actually showed off their slow dancing!! And Connor (although a little shy at first, had some moves!) Allison even got in the mix at the end. Allison also "sang" a song although I'm not sure she said much of anything. She has still struggled in her transition to this new room but is doing better. The videos are the best and at the end! Connor and Madelyn were dancing in the back corner so it was hard to get them on video.

Bows

2/6/16: Etta's Birthday Party

The girls best friend and neighbor, Etta, turned 3 and we were so happy to celebrate with her at her Royal Party! I even made the castle cake for her which turned out a lot more stable than the first attempt for Juliana's 4th birthday!

2/6/16: Daddies, Dance, and Doughnuts

Madelyn went to her second Daddies, Dance, and Doughnuts and this time Allison got to come along. The girls had so much fun and even made me Valentines that were mailed to me :) Check out Allison's video of her dancing at the end.