Tea Party

I had promised Riley that, when Aunt Kelsey came, we'd have a tea party.  You see, Aunt Kelsey is a tea party EXPERT!  She works at what sounds like an amazing little bookstore, and part of what she does is host tea parties.  I'm pretty sure I want to live at that bookstore.  So after much waiting, the tea party arrived.  And it did not disappoint.  Sure, we didn't have a nice tea towel or a theme, but you do what you can with what you got...

What we had was some delicious pink lemonade tea...

...cucumber sandwiches (which may or may not have been graham crackers with green frosting and sprinkles... special SPECIAL treat!)...

... some professional pinkie-lifting...

... a lumberjack...

... and a finger-lickin' good time! 

 Thanks, Aunt Kelsey!  Even Brooks liked it. :)

Sorry for the deluge of pictures.  I just couldn't decide. :)

Snow Day

Uncle B and Aunt Kelsey came to visit us, and we are so glad they did.  I was a little worried that they weren't going to get to meet Brooks until after his first birthday, but Brandon was able to get a little time off to fly out to Wheaton.  And just so they got the full Chicago-area experience, we got a nice little dusting of snow.  

I spent the 20 minutes or so to get the girls suited up, and out we went!

Riley stayed out for about 4 minutes before deciding that the wind was not her friend, and she wanted to go back in.  We snapped a pic before she ran to safety, though. :)

Noelle made her first snow angel.  I think she liked it.  And she is a sweet little angel, that's for sure.

Then we brought the toboggan out.  FYI-- it's much easier to pull uphill when just Noelle is in it, not Noelle AND Riley. 

Fortunately, Riley witnessed how much fun we were having and made a reappearance.  She also, I think, felt that duty called and that SOMEONE had to shovel the snow.  

Uncle B did help her, too.

Then Noelle joined in the game.  It's a shovel-off!

Even Kona got in on the snow action.  She likes getting any attention, but getting to chase a fake duck is up there with her favorite things.

 
Cold is not my favorite thing, but I'll tell ya... it's much better when shared with family. :)

French Market

Every Saturday, we begin our day by heading over to the French Market in downtown Wheaton.  Our routine is pretty much always the same.  We walk ever-so-slowly by the train tracks, hoping that a choo-choo will come by before we enter the market.  This almost always happens, so we enter the market on a happy note.  We walk down the first aisle.  Lately, and I think this is pregnancy talking, I always comment on how amazing the grilling smells.  Keep in mind-- it's probably around 9 am.  Our first stop is always I Have a Bean.  I love this place, not only because they make a mean blended mocha.  First, the people are wonderful.  Debbie always greets us with a smile and allows us to take two little sample cups for the girls.  Second, here's a link to their "about us" page.  You'll see that there's little not to like.  Third, I'm not a pure coffee person, but Mike is, and he's a big fan of their coffee.  It's good stuff!  You should get some.  Right now. :)


To continue our tour of the market, we admire the produce and flowers, but we (I) always have to make a stop at the Great Harvest stand.  Their pumpkin chocolate chip bread is to die for, and what's even better?  They make a gluten-free version!  I'm proud to say that we're readily recognized there, and when I stroll up, they know precisely what Noelle and I require to truly call it a Saturday.  (P.S. The loaf is lucky if it lasts 24 hours.)

Then we head to Hahn's for a pretzel loaf for Riley (and Mike, if she's willing to share) and perhaps a scone. 

Then, to the fountain!

It's pretty easy to see why we love Saturdays.