Spen in NYC

The band at Spencer's high school offers a cultural trip to New York for graduating seniors. The trip was over Memorial Day weekend this year and Spencer was fortunate enough to go.

The schedule packed in more attractions than I thought possible over 3 days. They went on a boat cruise, a bus tour, hit 3 art museums, several performances and fit in some shopping. I stole all these photos from his Facebook page. I think they cover some good highlights.

The boat cruise around lower Manhattan. The clouds you see are a storm rolling in that left the group soaked.

 The top of the Empire State building at midnight

His favorite painting: Van Gogh's Starry Night

They saw the Broadway show Chicago, as well as a ballet and the NY Philharmonic

 I'm glad he was able to experience such a great city. It has reminded me I want to go back:)

Bubbles

We have a giant bubble wand we tried out on Sunday. You have to make your own bubbles serum, but the results are so worth it. We spent quite a bit of time chasing them on Sunday afternoon. And Lucian took some great photos.

Claire popped most of them with her head. She needed a mid-day bath after that.

We will definitely do this again!

Chicago?

Nana Barb and Papa Joe came to visit last weekend. Lucian and I had plans to stay overnight in Chicago last Friday night and they were going to stay with the kids. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get a (reasonably priced) hotel room due to a restaurant show, so we bailed at the last minute and had an in-town date night instead. We had a great meal out and saw a movie, which was the first theater visit for us in years.

Saturday we took the whole gang to a Serbian restaurant we love.

Claire had her first kiddie cocktail. It went over well.

And Sunday we hosted a brunch for my family to celebrate Mother's day. Here are the kiddos sharing a piece of bacon. That's love right?

Claire is really getting the hang of her push bike. She loves trying to keep up with the neighborhood kids.

Spencer had his last band concert this week. They honored the seniors with some awards and flowers. He graduates June 9th and will head to UW Madison in the fall!

Spring

Claire actually let me braid her hair recently. She has the most beautiful long locks, but typically doesn't allow up-dos or accessories...

except at gymnastics. They have a policy to have long hair pulled back. Claire prefers pigtails, which I love. She has finished this session and will begin swim lessons in June.

Kyle watching his big sis. He can't wait to get out there.

The kids made these hand print tote bags for mother's day. Claire loved the process and followed directions well. Kyle cried, so there are no pics of that:)

Claire had a grand time playing with her cousin Lydia while we shared a meal with Lucian's family on mother's day.

The Life of Littles

We attended a birthday dinner for our niece Lucille on Friday. While packing up to leave, Claire told me she wished her name was Lydia so that she could stay over at Nana's (like her cousin Lydia was doing). Translation; I want to have a sleepover. Her request was so cute, Nana couldn't refuse. I was much more relaxed about leaving her overnight this time. Claire seems to love it.

While she was gone, Kyle enjoyed snuggling in Claire's bed. He climbs up there any chance he gets.

Mimi stopped over for a visit on Saturday. We ventured out for some frozen yogurt, yum!

On Sunday, we tried to nap outside. Claire made up little beds for Lucian and I. We set up the umbrella and relaxed for a bit, but no actual sleeping occurred:)

Fun with a wagon. Kyle always wants in on the action of his big sis and cousins.

Luckily they oblige.

Catching Up

I'm a little behind in my posting, so here's what's been going on. Lucian spent several days in Richmond, VA for work last week. Spen was super helpful and we enjoyed the improving weather.

Kyle has taken up an interest in basketball. He loves to get a ball and stand under the hoop. Given his tall parents, I expect he'll be making 3-pointers in no time.

 

This past weekend's weather was amazing. Spring has not been kind to the Midwest. We spent a little time Sat. morning at a park before Claire's gymnastics class.

And rode our bikes to a different park on Sunday. We are happy Kyle is now old enough to ride in our bike trailer.

Both kids love pineapple and fresh berries. Here is my little ham with her "mushroom," by which she means mustache.

And last, but not least, a quick video of Claire and Lucian performing 'Old McDonald' over lunch.