Dipping my feet into the water of a new school year

Institute Day is next Wednesday, August 15th. It's about time I started wrapping my brain around the start of school, so I went into my classroom this morning to soak in the vibes. I did the important things first. Plugged in the fridge and microwave. I also set up my computer and printer. (side note: It wasn't that many years ago that I had to wait for our tech guy to come out to my classroom and connect all the wires for me. That cracks me up.)
Looking forward to getting my room set up and getting things ready for my kiddos. The kids are the best part of my gig.

Happy Anniversary!

We had our annual anniversary dinner with Teri and Chuck last night. It's one of our many valued traditions with them. We were celebrating their 30th and our 29th. ( side note: Originally, their kids were planning a surprise party for them and I was honored to be on the advisory committee. The party was supposed to be on July 28th, but sometime earlier this year, it became clear that a big party was not what they wanted. Instead they took a family trip to NYC and the Baseball Hall of Fame. It sounded fabulous.)
For our couples celebration, Teri suggested a restaurant named L Woods up in Lincolnwood. It's based on a Wisconsin supper club format. It did not disappoint. It was a really fun, relaxing night, sitting there in our red leatherette booth. There's nothing better than spending an evening with friends with whom we share so much history.

Lunch with the Ladies

I love to spend time with my friends and there's nothing like a summer afternoon lunch. Yesterday I met Cathy, Christy, Susan and Audrey at Gibson's. I was really in the mood to dine outdoors and they have one of the best spots for that. It was a bit warm but we made it work. There is such narrow window of opportunity to be outdoors in Chicago. Our lunch time conversation was fun. We pretty much caught up on each person's family news. We all met when our sons went to grade school together....20 years ago!

Celebrating with my guys

My birthday and anniversary were on Monday. Wayne came over and took Jack and me out to dinner. It was lovely and so thoughtful. We missed Sally and Matt, of course.
I am so blessed. I know where these gifts came from. Grace of God.

More Fun Family Time

Oh my goodness, this has been such a fun weekend. After the sleepover with the girls, Jack and I went out to Susie's. We went with her to the farm stand where she gets the best tomatoes and corn. Jack also scored some homemade pickled beets which by all reports are outstanding (not into beets, but may have to try them). We also went out to lunch at Olympic Star and had so much fun with lots of great conversation. It was just a nice leisurely meal, no one had to be in a rush. We don't take the time to do that often enough.
We got home mid-afternoon, in time to say good bye to Sally. She is a chaperone on a Habitat for Humanity trip. They have 6 vehicles loaded with high schoolers and chaperones heading to West Virginia for the week. I am sure Sal will have lots of good stories to tell. Saying a prayer for all of them for safe travels.
Jack and I went to 5 o'clock mass and received a voice mail from Sue. She found a pair of the girls' goggles from the night before and wanted to drop them off. She and Lauren were headed to Oak Brook so they were going to swing by. We got home right as they arrived and it was the perfect opportunity to have a glass of wine together! (when is it not for me?!) we were having such a great time, next thing you know, we talked them into bagging the shopping trip and we threw together some dinner, including corn and tomatoes from the farm stand.
Another super fun family day! So blessed.

Payback is a ...

Growing up, Sally was famous for being an "aerobic sleeper". She moved all over the bed, flailing her arms and legs. Sally always woke up facing a different direction and on the opposite side of the bed from where she had begun the night. Woe to the relative that was her sleeping buddy that particular night. Last night, Abbie and Nina slept with Sally. Here was the scene at 7 am this morning.

Swimming and a Sleepover

We had the most fun last night! We volunteered to keep Abbie and Nina overnight while Arne and Beth went to a wedding and boy, did we have a blast! Earlier in the week, I asked Sue if we could bring the girls over for a swim in her pool. She graciously said yes and suggested we order some pizza and hang out. Matt and Sally decided to come along too which was awesome as they spent most of the evening in the pool with Abbie and Nina :). One of my favorite parts of the night was pulling into Sue's driveway and Nina saying, "first let's go to the pool, THEN we can come to this house". I told her that the pool was in the backyard of this house and I don't think she believed me. When the girls looked out the kitchen window and saw the pool, their eyes popped out of their heads. So cute! Mike would have loved it!!! It was the perfect environment for Abbie to learn to put her head under the water (Sally being a very seasoned swim lesson teacher/lifeguard/swim coach). Attached is a video of the first time she did and by the end of the night, Abbie was a pro!
We carried out some Home Run Inn pizza and sat by the pool and ate. We all enjoyed catching up with Sue and rehashing Brendan's fun graduation party. Sue told the girls about when she was a flower girl in a wedding and now Abbie wants a yellow dress like Sue had.
Such a great night! Lots of wonderfully good karma family time. Perfect way to spend a summer Friday night. Thanks, Sue!