We've Been Busy!!!

Family and very dear friends gathered to surprise Eric's Mom for her 70th birthday! Here is Peg's surprise! She had no idea that she was walking into a party in her honor!
Mom and Bill with all of their children.

Grandma and Grandpa with some of their grandkids.

Jessica and Simon (cousins) enjoyed playing together and had so much fun!

We enjoyed Grandpa Wiens' company last week. He came to enjoy the city in the summer and to see Simon. Simon warmed up quickly to Grandpa and played with him, giggled, tickled him, hugged and kissed him. I think Simon now knows who Grandpa is, and that he won't go away, at least not for too long! Dad and I were able to enjoy an afternoon train trip to Chicago to hear an evening concert at Millenium Park and had a fabulous time.

Hear is Father and son in the bleachers at Wrigley Field on Father's Day and Eric's birthday. We enjoyed a HOT day at the ballpark, which resulted in a loss for the Cubs. We still had a grand time and liked the view from the outfield!

Simon fell asleep in the car within 5 minutes; he was sooo tired! (Notice the adorable baseball shoes!) We went home and enjoyed a "baseball" birthday cake after naps and dinner. Baseball was the theme of the day!!!Simon helped himself to crackers from the pantry. He proceeded to sit down to help himself to an animal cracker snack.Who needs a haircut???????

Eric, Simon, Kristin, Linaea and I enjoyed a beautiful evening at Elmhurst College for a Summer Extravaganza. We enjoyed the free jazz band concert, picnic-ing on the mall. The best place to hang out on campus.

Daddy, I Love You!! Happy Father's Day!! Happy Birthday!!!

Dear Daddy,

\] b//0ouji nbgh gju u fuyh

Luv,

Simon & Mommy

Cicada Mania

We are experiencing cicada mania! I am ready for them to go away. They are louder than loud and such clumsy navigators. We are experiencing their mating frenzy! As you can see, they are not the most discreet maters. This morning I went on a walk with Simon, and in a span of 20 seconds one flew on my shoulder, one flew past Simon's head, and one flew and landed on my glasses. DISGUSTING!! They have this new loud screech they make when flying around - or in your ear. We can hardly hear each other talk outside. We went to Eric's brother's pool yesterday, about 20 minutes away and they do not have the cicadas. It was so peaceful to hear quite air and birds chirping.

These pictures were taken at the Arboretum, where we went to hear the cicadas in a forest setting. Simon loved running on the path and looking up at the big trees.

A Grandma and Grandpa Wiens Weekend

We had a great time over the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa Wiens from Minnesota! There were so many fun filled moments. From Simon's first and unhappy sprinkler experience to fun with the water hose! Grandpa provided fresh enthusiasm when looking at Cicadas. Mom and I had time alone to enjoy a farmers/French market and a shopping trip. Grandpa, Simon and I enjoyed a bike trip to the park and were chased home by rain clouds! Simon played his little heart out with his Grandma and Grandpa. Goodnight hugs and kisses were freely given and giggles and smilles were shared until the next time . . . . .

The June Bugs Turn 2!

Two years ago the parents of these four adorable kiddos gathered together over Memorial Day weekend, while the kiddos were still in the ladies' bellies. We have kept the tradition of gathering one day over the Memorial Day weekend to celebrate another year of life! I refer to these little friends who share the same birthday month as the June Bugs!! How cool is it to have a friends' birthday party, where all of the friends are having a birthday! Cake, presents, fun, and best wishes to all!!!

These are my good friends with whom I enjoy motherhood, toddler tales, and ladies night out!