Girls Weekend and Shower

This years annual girls trip was a short trip from home...downtown Chicago! We chose to spend the weekend we all lived in together post-college. With Christy and I being in our 3rd trimesters, we didnt want to travel to a new city. Plus, we could use that Sunday to host a baby shower for Christy! We met up Friday and enjoyed mani's and pedi's on Michigan Ave. We stayed at the Raffaello right off Michigan. We checked out their rooftop lounge/bar (Drumbar) and then got ready for dinner out at Bavette's. It was nice to indulge in a long dinner just chatting and noshing on some yummy food! 

Saturday we woke up and headed to the neighborhood we all lived in at the beginning. The whole Southport corridor in Lakeview is nostalgic for us as that is where we turned from college grads to young women in a big city. We had a quick breakfast and strolled by our old hangouts and apartment. We grabbed some snacks and beelined for the Oak Street beach. Oh yes....the weather was amazing all weekend...80's with no humidity or clouds. After a brief shopping trip we got ready for our night out. We dined at Piccolo Sogno on an intimate garden patio. We had yet another amazing meal and even got Christy a little birthday dessert. After that, we headed to the UC for a Bruno Mars concert! We danced and sang through the concert which was high energy with some great songs and performances. We laughed as we headed back to the hotel and were in bed by midnight...much different than Nashville in September! 

Sunday we had Christy's baby shower at our house. She was glowing as she was surrounded by close friends and family that are anxious for baby Reese's arrival! We were sad to see her and Michele head east but were left with another weekend of fun memories and great times! The girls trip continues to be a favorite annual trip no matter how far we live or travel to make it happen! 

Here are a few pics from the weekend - 

4th of July at the Lake

Mostly pics here but we had a blast at the lake for the extended July weekend. Grandma, Grandpa, Sandy, Rick, Ryker, Dan, Cara, Jimmy, Great Grandma and Grandpa, Tracy, Kim and Steve were there. We played in the water, sand, on the playground, in the dirt, on the boat all weekend long. The weather was gorgeous so we enjoyed unwinding, relaxing and playing the days away! The kids even had their first skinny dip in Pelican Lake! 

MawMaw and PawPaw visit IL

The following weekend in June we were treated by a visit from Grandma and Grandpa from Colorado! They got in Thursday evening and boy did they wake up to a happy girl on Friday! Teagan warmed right up to them and thought it was extra special they were staying in our home for the weekend! We didn't have set plans but played in the backyard lots, attempted the pool but got rained out (twice).  My dad grilled some amazing shish kabobs and we made a chocolate cake.  Glen Ellyn was having its annual cardboard boat regatta on Lake Ellyn so we headed over to check out the event and visit the park. Teagan was intrigued by the boats and the people rowing them. I must admit it was a sight to see as some boats sailed to the finish line while others crumbled and the passengers bailed. It is so fun to watch her in brand new experiences as she takes it all in and gets excited as it starts to make sense. She thoroughly enjoyed having Mawmaw and Pawpaw on the playground as well! We went to Tap House for dinner and then pawpaw had to leave the next morning. Sunday was spent lounging around, a little pool time and early to bed to prepare for the week...and a trip to Pelican Lake for the 4th! It is crazy to think that is the last visit we will have with them as a family of 3. The next trip will be to meet the new baby and celebrate Teagan's second birthday! 

Springfield Summer Visit

Oh the hustle and bustle of summer is here! We have been go go go buy looking back at the calendar, each summer activity makes me smile as I recall the memories. I snuck away for a night at the end of June with Teagan to head to Springfield for cousin Bridgette's bridal shower and a quick visit to mom and Grandpa on the farm. It was fun to briefly see the Richardson ladies and celebrate Bridgette as the bride to be. We also saw the Tapocik family, Michele and Jacob along with Terry and Debbie Knox. Grandpa Richardson and his farm instantly bring back memories of my childhood in the pool and running around his house and property like it was some magical land! Teagan was an angel and equally enjoyed her visit to the farm!