There's something mysterious going on in our house. I'm relatively calm about it; hoever, on the inside: I'm screaming in excitement and anticipation! On the outside: I try to smile, take it all in, and enjoy the moment!
I almost hesitate to write this all down, because, as quickly as its begun, it could well, just end.
A phenomenon, really, I can't explain. In all the years we've been married (over 29) and in all the years we've had children (almost 26) I've never experienced anything quite like this! This past week has been memorable. Not because anything spectacular happened, but because of the manner in which the people in this house have interacted with each other, the girls, in particular.
A few times one or all of them have actually approached me to see if I needed any help with what ever the day's 'chores' were! I do not remember that ever happening--ever!! Laundry, cooking, packing up stuff, cleaning up their rooms, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, what ever it was, there were willing hands, and pretty decent attitudes!!!!
Maybe, just maybe they are growing up! Sweet.
In order to identify why I'm so thrilled, please consider: when the older girls were in Middle school, we had toddlers! When the older girls were in high school, there were toddlers & a newborn! Now, though, we have middle school-ers and grand kids that come & visit. Which translates as, the house can stay relatively picked up...this is a new concept for me!
Oh my, perhaps we've finally arrived at a 'new normal'!!!! Over the years, though, our lives have changed so rapidly, we always had a difficult time defining 'normal' or 'routine' for our family! So, this could, in reality, based on past experience, prove to be a just a phase! I sincerely hope not, though, because I'm really loving the maturity that the girls are displaying these days--it's really fun! And, well, just plain good!
My hope is that this is permanent, not just a phase or a phenomenon!!! I'm eager to see how the next few years unfold, as we boldly approach adulthood for the 'second go-around' with our children. I eagerly anticipate really good things!!!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Funny thing happened on the way to work today...
Funny things happen, they just do! Sometimes I get funny e-mails from people. Sometimes, I get comic pages through e-mail. Sometimes, I just think funny things! I sometimes see funny things on TV! And, sometimes funny things happen to me, or people around me.
This morning, I left our home at 8am. As I backed out of the garage, I noticed that Holly's car was not in our driveway. I instantly became indignant, thinking, "where is her car?, why, I bet she didn't come home last night.." Then, I remembered, Holly had left our house 10 minutes before me...to go to work...it gets better: I had watched her eat her breakfast, and had a conversation with her before she walked out the door!
Is it a sign of stress Or age, that I didn't remember all that instantly? OR, does our mind do things like that to keep us humble? OR do things like that happen to us in order to give our day some laughter?
I'm discounting the age & the humility reasons, and going with the laughter reason! I'm sure there's some deeper truth that I'm supposed to 'get' at this point! But, truth be told, a lot of really funny things happen, every day!
It really is true? Laugh and the world laughs with you; cry and you cry alone!
This morning, I left our home at 8am. As I backed out of the garage, I noticed that Holly's car was not in our driveway. I instantly became indignant, thinking, "where is her car?, why, I bet she didn't come home last night.." Then, I remembered, Holly had left our house 10 minutes before me...to go to work...it gets better: I had watched her eat her breakfast, and had a conversation with her before she walked out the door!
Is it a sign of stress Or age, that I didn't remember all that instantly? OR, does our mind do things like that to keep us humble? OR do things like that happen to us in order to give our day some laughter?
I'm discounting the age & the humility reasons, and going with the laughter reason! I'm sure there's some deeper truth that I'm supposed to 'get' at this point! But, truth be told, a lot of really funny things happen, every day!
It really is true? Laugh and the world laughs with you; cry and you cry alone!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Lisa. And, Don't forget to Mark the Day!!!!
I'm itching to write. My fingers are literally shaking in anticipation of touching the keys of my keyboard with purpose and speed. They try really hard to keep up with what pops in to my brain...sometimes, it's really hard to keep up! (Of course, you know this, if you've ever had a conversation with me--like following a bouncing ball, they tell me!!!!)
I'm ready to write something, though! Something funny, or bright, or encouraging, or truly profound. Because there are so many things I could write about, I've started this post about 5 times.
Yesterday was one of those 'mark the day' days in our family. There wasn't anything special about the date, July 24...or the day of the week, a Saturday.
But, for us, a part of our past met our present, and we eagerly anticipate the future!
Flashback: 1983.
Randy and I had only been married a little over two years. We had bought a house, anticipating the family that God would eventually bless us with! We were youth group sponsors at our church. He also taught the high school Sunday school class. There were 'youth group' kids at our house much of the time. Good times. We were very young, and were able to devote time to listening or encouraging, or just hanging out with our youth group kids.
One day early that summer, I was home for lunch and one of the girls came walking up our drive way. She had found herself with no place to live, and didn't know where to go, or what to do next. Long story short, she stayed with us for the next few months.
Lisa. She was a lot of fun...of course, most high school girls are fun, and funny. I remember a lot of laughter! She worked hard, and tried to obey the zillion rules we placed on her. (remember, I said we were young)
Eventually, she moved out of our home, on with her life, and away from our town.
Fast forward 26 years, to yesterday!
Now we have available to us a social network with 500 million people in it called Face Book. Lisa 'found' me on face book, and over the past couple of months, we've re-established our friendship! And, eventually, we made a plan to 'mark the day'...and have a meal together!
Yesterday, Lisa brought one of her daughters and came to our home for dinner. It was fun to visit and hear about her life. We got to talk about things life has brought to each of us, through the years. She's become a very sweet lady, a lover of kids and a confessed chocoholic...She's happy in her life, and loves her family very much. Our kids thought she was great, and loved meeting her & her daughter.
Before she left our home, she shared that she especially remembers the holidays that she spent with us. Thanksgiving & Christmas in the 80's were crazy times for Randy & me, we'd go to all parents, and grandparents...and she made all those trips with us! I think we even spent Thanksgiving in TX that year!
And, so, I"m feeling very sentimental...sort of 'old'...and VERY thankful! I know it is true: you can't separate your past from your future. I don't know what that means to this situation, but I can see us becoming good friends.
And, for that, and the chance to get to know her better now that we're older, is something I didn't expect, so I'm truly thankful! And, so, I'm looking forward with great anticipation!
I'm ready to write something, though! Something funny, or bright, or encouraging, or truly profound. Because there are so many things I could write about, I've started this post about 5 times.
Yesterday was one of those 'mark the day' days in our family. There wasn't anything special about the date, July 24...or the day of the week, a Saturday.
But, for us, a part of our past met our present, and we eagerly anticipate the future!
Flashback: 1983.
Randy and I had only been married a little over two years. We had bought a house, anticipating the family that God would eventually bless us with! We were youth group sponsors at our church. He also taught the high school Sunday school class. There were 'youth group' kids at our house much of the time. Good times. We were very young, and were able to devote time to listening or encouraging, or just hanging out with our youth group kids.
One day early that summer, I was home for lunch and one of the girls came walking up our drive way. She had found herself with no place to live, and didn't know where to go, or what to do next. Long story short, she stayed with us for the next few months.
Lisa. She was a lot of fun...of course, most high school girls are fun, and funny. I remember a lot of laughter! She worked hard, and tried to obey the zillion rules we placed on her. (remember, I said we were young)
Eventually, she moved out of our home, on with her life, and away from our town.
Fast forward 26 years, to yesterday!
Now we have available to us a social network with 500 million people in it called Face Book. Lisa 'found' me on face book, and over the past couple of months, we've re-established our friendship! And, eventually, we made a plan to 'mark the day'...and have a meal together!
Yesterday, Lisa brought one of her daughters and came to our home for dinner. It was fun to visit and hear about her life. We got to talk about things life has brought to each of us, through the years. She's become a very sweet lady, a lover of kids and a confessed chocoholic...She's happy in her life, and loves her family very much. Our kids thought she was great, and loved meeting her & her daughter.
Before she left our home, she shared that she especially remembers the holidays that she spent with us. Thanksgiving & Christmas in the 80's were crazy times for Randy & me, we'd go to all parents, and grandparents...and she made all those trips with us! I think we even spent Thanksgiving in TX that year!
And, so, I"m feeling very sentimental...sort of 'old'...and VERY thankful! I know it is true: you can't separate your past from your future. I don't know what that means to this situation, but I can see us becoming good friends.
And, for that, and the chance to get to know her better now that we're older, is something I didn't expect, so I'm truly thankful! And, so, I'm looking forward with great anticipation!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Mr. Griswold, It's Your Birthday!
July 22. That's today.
This would have been the day my dad turned 70.
It is hard to imagine him at 70. He died 17 years ago, at almost 53.
I could say many things about my dad. His name was Fred Griswold. Yep, Griswold.
He drove a truck (usually a conventional cab, Peterbuilt, or International or some other huge variety) for his entire life...(actually from the time he could stand on the floor-board, on the driver's side of a truck and work the pedals, he would 'drive' the trucks in the fields, at harvest times)
When I was really young, he hauled grain & phosphate...as I got older the freight changed to what ever could be hauled on a flat bed trailer. Then, eventually, he drove a refrigerated unit across the country. Actually, I've forgotten more than I knew about the details of keeping a truck on the road.
I do, however, remember all the trucks he drove. Lots of chrome. Always an attached sleeper with a closet. An Air-Horn. A cb radio. Lots of lights. Lots of miles. He wasn't home much, and when he was home, there was always chrome to polish, oil to change, tires to change or repair...and other responsibilities to keep the truck, both 'drive-able and live-able'...remember: he was on the road more than he was at our home!
Before e-mail, text messaging, cell phones...before answering machines and DVD players. When phones had rotary dials, and you actually spoke to a real-live operator on the line when you dialed long-distance...my dad would talk to people all over the country...I cannot even imagine how much that cost way back then, but, if he did nothing else, he stayed in close contact with friends and family by phone! That, for some reason, is amazing for me to consider!
It would also have been a really good trait for me to have inherited from him. Instead, I got the not-so-great-traits from him, which I will not enumerate here...
...One thing, though, he did have a way about him; he made friends easily, and he loved to laugh.
I'll focus on that ONE: laughter. I love it. It's good for your soul, and it makes great lines on my face...but when laughter fills the room, it puts people at ease....so laugh. Laugh!
Laugh out LOUD!!!--
Til YOUR Sides HUrt!
And, if your birthday is today: Happy Birthday!!!
This would have been the day my dad turned 70.
It is hard to imagine him at 70. He died 17 years ago, at almost 53.
I could say many things about my dad. His name was Fred Griswold. Yep, Griswold.
He drove a truck (usually a conventional cab, Peterbuilt, or International or some other huge variety) for his entire life...(actually from the time he could stand on the floor-board, on the driver's side of a truck and work the pedals, he would 'drive' the trucks in the fields, at harvest times)
When I was really young, he hauled grain & phosphate...as I got older the freight changed to what ever could be hauled on a flat bed trailer. Then, eventually, he drove a refrigerated unit across the country. Actually, I've forgotten more than I knew about the details of keeping a truck on the road.
I do, however, remember all the trucks he drove. Lots of chrome. Always an attached sleeper with a closet. An Air-Horn. A cb radio. Lots of lights. Lots of miles. He wasn't home much, and when he was home, there was always chrome to polish, oil to change, tires to change or repair...and other responsibilities to keep the truck, both 'drive-able and live-able'...remember: he was on the road more than he was at our home!
Before e-mail, text messaging, cell phones...before answering machines and DVD players. When phones had rotary dials, and you actually spoke to a real-live operator on the line when you dialed long-distance...my dad would talk to people all over the country...I cannot even imagine how much that cost way back then, but, if he did nothing else, he stayed in close contact with friends and family by phone! That, for some reason, is amazing for me to consider!
It would also have been a really good trait for me to have inherited from him. Instead, I got the not-so-great-traits from him, which I will not enumerate here...
...One thing, though, he did have a way about him; he made friends easily, and he loved to laugh.
I'll focus on that ONE: laughter. I love it. It's good for your soul, and it makes great lines on my face...but when laughter fills the room, it puts people at ease....so laugh. Laugh!
Laugh out LOUD!!!--
Til YOUR Sides HUrt!
And, if your birthday is today: Happy Birthday!!!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Church camp...hmmmmmmm.....
Tomorrow, the younger girls leave for church camp, they'll attend almost a week with my sister's church group! They are so excited. They will be completely in their element, meeting new friends, lots of kids, singing, laughing, and all the great things that happen at camp! They would probably stay away all summer, if it meant camp!
I'm excited for them! They've been packed for almost a week! And, now, they are counting down the hours!
Also, it's exciting for me to contemplate a few days in a quiet house. I don't desire 'quiet' all the time...but once in a while...complete quiet is just good for your soul!
There are a lot of things that are good for your soul...quiet times, times with friends, times with family...time spent reading a good book, or just time to think.
So, I'm looking forward to this week being great for all of us! We have a fabulous week end planned for next week end, I'll fill you in on those details, later!
I'm excited for them! They've been packed for almost a week! And, now, they are counting down the hours!
Also, it's exciting for me to contemplate a few days in a quiet house. I don't desire 'quiet' all the time...but once in a while...complete quiet is just good for your soul!
There are a lot of things that are good for your soul...quiet times, times with friends, times with family...time spent reading a good book, or just time to think.
So, I'm looking forward to this week being great for all of us! We have a fabulous week end planned for next week end, I'll fill you in on those details, later!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Don't Waste Time
Taking time. Spending time. Saving time. Keeping time. Summer time. School time.
Yep, it's almost school time. Summer time is almost over, and it feels like it's only just begun. Time happens...it marches on, it never 'stands still'...and we can't ever 'make more'!
All we've got is right now, this minute in time.
This summer I've become very aware of time. Goals contemplated, goals set, goals met, goals re-thought, and goals re-set!
Real time, right now: I've been 'fighting' a head ache for two days. This afternoon, I came home and needed to just rest. During this 'rest time', I became very sentimental...so, I went to the quiet place in our home, where I keep lots of treasures.
And, this is what I discovered: during seemingly 'searching' times in my life, I've done a really good job of documenting feelings and events in journals. Which is a really good thing, in case I ever want to 'write' something truly meaningful!
Seriously, though, I mustered the courage to read some! A lot of priceless things about parenting are contained in one journal in particular...the first many pages of that book are tied with a gorgeous white ribbon...none of my children should read that portion til they are about 25...they may not even 'get it' til their children are 17-20! It was written at a time when we were celebrating potty-training successes and an engagement ring in the same week with our children! This journal was the one I wrote in 2003. The summer after Randy's mom died, the summer PaPa moved in with us, and the summer I became women's ministry director at our church! Busy times! (...and if you're counting, it was the summer before we lost Macy Jo.)
One morning, in that summer of 2003, I was writing and studying, while the house was quiet, Macy quietly came down the stairs...there was nothing like cuddling her when she'd first wake up. And so this particular morning, she sat on my lap while I finished studying and writing in my journal. But then I did this magical thing...I traced her tiny hands on facing pages in my journal, and then had her sign her name, with her 3 year old scribbles, and then I wrote what we were talking about as we drew and laughed! Such a precious memory and now what a precious treasure for me to keep and 'remember' while I'm still here!
That, my friend, is why I think every moment is important. Time is precious, and, as I found out soon after the hand tracing morning, sometimes moments like that are the 'only' chance we ever get to just enjoy each other!
...so whether we're keeping time,
spending time,
making time
or saving time...
we never, ever should waste it--it won't come back!
Yep, it's almost school time. Summer time is almost over, and it feels like it's only just begun. Time happens...it marches on, it never 'stands still'...and we can't ever 'make more'!
All we've got is right now, this minute in time.
This summer I've become very aware of time. Goals contemplated, goals set, goals met, goals re-thought, and goals re-set!
Real time, right now: I've been 'fighting' a head ache for two days. This afternoon, I came home and needed to just rest. During this 'rest time', I became very sentimental...so, I went to the quiet place in our home, where I keep lots of treasures.
And, this is what I discovered: during seemingly 'searching' times in my life, I've done a really good job of documenting feelings and events in journals. Which is a really good thing, in case I ever want to 'write' something truly meaningful!
Seriously, though, I mustered the courage to read some! A lot of priceless things about parenting are contained in one journal in particular...the first many pages of that book are tied with a gorgeous white ribbon...none of my children should read that portion til they are about 25...they may not even 'get it' til their children are 17-20! It was written at a time when we were celebrating potty-training successes and an engagement ring in the same week with our children! This journal was the one I wrote in 2003. The summer after Randy's mom died, the summer PaPa moved in with us, and the summer I became women's ministry director at our church! Busy times! (...and if you're counting, it was the summer before we lost Macy Jo.)
One morning, in that summer of 2003, I was writing and studying, while the house was quiet, Macy quietly came down the stairs...there was nothing like cuddling her when she'd first wake up. And so this particular morning, she sat on my lap while I finished studying and writing in my journal. But then I did this magical thing...I traced her tiny hands on facing pages in my journal, and then had her sign her name, with her 3 year old scribbles, and then I wrote what we were talking about as we drew and laughed! Such a precious memory and now what a precious treasure for me to keep and 'remember' while I'm still here!
That, my friend, is why I think every moment is important. Time is precious, and, as I found out soon after the hand tracing morning, sometimes moments like that are the 'only' chance we ever get to just enjoy each other!
...so whether we're keeping time,
spending time,
making time
or saving time...
we never, ever should waste it--it won't come back!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Max! What a Cute Puppy!
Our very sweet grandkids, Will and Ally, got a new puppy today! That's the big news in our family for a summer day! He is the cutest, 9 week old, collie puppy! Will is trying his best to do it all right...treats, food, water, throwing the random tennis ball and playing with the puppy. Max is the puppy's name! (During our recent visit to Randy's brother's, Will fell in love with Uncle Rod's dogs--one was named Max--he came home and talked his mom and dad in to a puppy--so he borrowed the name from Uncle Rod's dog!)
Ally, of course, is scared to death of the puppy. She'll call his name randomly, smile about him, and look at him from afar...but she really doesn't want to touch him, or pat him, or really even be near him! I do think that after she gets used to him, it'll be fine.
It was so sweet today watching Will try to encourage Ally to pat Max. She just wasn't interested, but Will kept trying. I get so much pleasure watching Alayna & Wes parent. I think that's one of the most fun things about getting old...watching our child's family do life! Sometimes: Hilarious!
They will, as a family, figure this puppy thing out, I have no doubts. They will also figure out lots of things together, that's what families do! Change. It's the only constant! And, in families it's all about adapting to the changes of our lives. A puppy certainly adds responsibility, work, clean ups and random 'chewing challenges'...but also, a lot of companionship for little kids, loyal friendship for the family...and hours of entertainment for the ones who care to observe!
Randy & I have been through many 'changes' in our lives. In fact, we've spent more time adapting to the 'new experiences' than we have ever had things remain the same! And, as we get older and older, we find ourselves adapting to all kinds of changes! The most recent challenge for me, (aside from the physical growing old stuff, which I refuse to discuss here) has been learning how to actually use the remote control to the TV in the family room. It is really intimidating, and does things that no other remote in our house does, plays, records, flashes the TV guide up on the screen, and changes channels...I missed the official tutorial, so I only use the bare essentials of this device.
Back to the puppy...not much has changed in the ways of adapting to a puppy in the house. One major reason that Randy & I do not intend to have one live with us! I've said it before, and I'll say it again: We don't do livestock. Any kind...not even fish!
However, I have great appreciation for people who actually enjoy their animals...and take good care of them... Go Rykers! They will always have our blessing...but I will enjoy the 'crazy moments' the challenges of kids/and a puppy present in a household...even if I have to come home and 'laugh' in private!!! Hilarious. Just Hilarious!!!
And, by the way: I eagerly anticipate the next 'change' in life!!! The unknown can be so exciting to contemplate!
Ally, of course, is scared to death of the puppy. She'll call his name randomly, smile about him, and look at him from afar...but she really doesn't want to touch him, or pat him, or really even be near him! I do think that after she gets used to him, it'll be fine.
It was so sweet today watching Will try to encourage Ally to pat Max. She just wasn't interested, but Will kept trying. I get so much pleasure watching Alayna & Wes parent. I think that's one of the most fun things about getting old...watching our child's family do life! Sometimes: Hilarious!
They will, as a family, figure this puppy thing out, I have no doubts. They will also figure out lots of things together, that's what families do! Change. It's the only constant! And, in families it's all about adapting to the changes of our lives. A puppy certainly adds responsibility, work, clean ups and random 'chewing challenges'...but also, a lot of companionship for little kids, loyal friendship for the family...and hours of entertainment for the ones who care to observe!
Randy & I have been through many 'changes' in our lives. In fact, we've spent more time adapting to the 'new experiences' than we have ever had things remain the same! And, as we get older and older, we find ourselves adapting to all kinds of changes! The most recent challenge for me, (aside from the physical growing old stuff, which I refuse to discuss here) has been learning how to actually use the remote control to the TV in the family room. It is really intimidating, and does things that no other remote in our house does, plays, records, flashes the TV guide up on the screen, and changes channels...I missed the official tutorial, so I only use the bare essentials of this device.
Back to the puppy...not much has changed in the ways of adapting to a puppy in the house. One major reason that Randy & I do not intend to have one live with us! I've said it before, and I'll say it again: We don't do livestock. Any kind...not even fish!
However, I have great appreciation for people who actually enjoy their animals...and take good care of them... Go Rykers! They will always have our blessing...but I will enjoy the 'crazy moments' the challenges of kids/and a puppy present in a household...even if I have to come home and 'laugh' in private!!! Hilarious. Just Hilarious!!!
And, by the way: I eagerly anticipate the next 'change' in life!!! The unknown can be so exciting to contemplate!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Family; Chicago and the Fourth of July!
Fireworks!
I love fireworks...Hope your Fourth of July was fabulous, as you celebrated Independence Day!
This year, Randy planned for our family to spend a few days in Chicago together, so we arrived there on the 4th! And, so to sit in Millennium Park, with our kids and grand kids and watch fireworks being displayed over Lake Michigan was amazing! (and, of course, a little hot!)
The Palmer House was our hotel destination that evening, as always, we were not disappointed!
The next morning, we took an 'architecture tour' on the Chicago River...in a speed boat... Hilarious!
All I can say is: hilarious!!! Randy booked this tour thinking the kids would love 'going fast'...not taking in to consideration how potentially 'wet' we'd get!!! We were on Lake Michigan for approximately 5.7 seconds when the entire population of our vessel got drenched! I was on an aisle seat, smugly thinking I might get a little 'over spray'...and Whooosh....the water just rushed over the edge of the boat, the entire upper half of my body looked like I'd just gotten out of the shower!...hilarious!!
All I could do was scream and laugh...the kids in front of me were as wet as me, and laughing just as much...Randy looked hilarious with water just dripping off his glasses!! The girls were sitting on the outside...so they were completely soaked, as well!
While I was laughing and considering how ridiculous we all looked, I heard screaming...
Can you say: Terrified?
Ally, poor little thing, was terrified...they were directly behind us, and when the water & laughing & screaming began, she was so scared, all she could do was scream and cry:(
Alayna got her some what calmed down...but we continued to 'get wet' until we entered the locks that connect Lake Michigan & the Chicago River! From that point on, we learned a lot and were in the sun, so we dried out! And, little Ally fell asleep, which was a good thing:)
We enjoyed Navy Pier the rest of the afternoon, rode the giant ferris wheel and Alayna & Wes took Will & Ally to the Children's Museum, which they loved! In the evening, we took a short walk to Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and took the SkyDeck tour. We ended this day at the 'Bean' and the 'fountains with the random faces', again at Millennium Park...the kids had so much fun playing in the water!
On Tuesday, we enjoyed the Lincoln Park Zoo--the flowers, the trees, and water elements there, with the city sky line as a back drop are, for me, breath taking!
On this day, we changed hotels (don't ask--it's a Randy thing) on purpose, moving to The Drake. After a quick check in and a dinner reservation secured, we walked the short block and a half to the Cheesecake Factory for a light lunch and cheesecake. We ended this day at the huge Borders book store just across the street from Water Tower Place. I love getting lost in there! And, I wasn't disappointed! I found a fabulous book! (I'll share more about that later!)
Today, we slept in a little and had a late breakfast in our hotel. SO much fun! Two times per year, the Drake has an emergency evacuation for their employees. Two times per year. As we were being seated for breakfast, it was ONE of those two times...and so, emergency speakers and alarms were going off for 10 straight minutes. Employees had to evacuate the building, so we got to sit under the alarm while we 'waited for their return'...I'm telling you hilarious!
The view from that dining room was fun, it over looks the walk way and beach area of Lake Michigan.
One of my favorite buildings to look at and ponder is the water tower. I think it is gorgeous....I think I love it so much because it was one of the few buildings that survived the famous Chicago fire. Longevity!
Which makes me remember something my brilliant grandson asked me this morningwhile we waited for our breakfast to arrive. Will says, "G-mar, I was looking at your wedding pictures and you and Grandpa don't have the same faces, where did those faces go?" Longevity! I tried to explain that his face looks 'different' from when he was a baby...I don't think he was impressed!!! I also tried to explain that I was old...still unimpressed...then his eggs came, and it didn't really matter any more! Hilarious! Just hilarious!
Fun times. Great memories! And, of course, Randy's already planning the next place to go!
I love fireworks...Hope your Fourth of July was fabulous, as you celebrated Independence Day!
This year, Randy planned for our family to spend a few days in Chicago together, so we arrived there on the 4th! And, so to sit in Millennium Park, with our kids and grand kids and watch fireworks being displayed over Lake Michigan was amazing! (and, of course, a little hot!)
The Palmer House was our hotel destination that evening, as always, we were not disappointed!
The next morning, we took an 'architecture tour' on the Chicago River...in a speed boat... Hilarious!
All I can say is: hilarious!!! Randy booked this tour thinking the kids would love 'going fast'...not taking in to consideration how potentially 'wet' we'd get!!! We were on Lake Michigan for approximately 5.7 seconds when the entire population of our vessel got drenched! I was on an aisle seat, smugly thinking I might get a little 'over spray'...and Whooosh....the water just rushed over the edge of the boat, the entire upper half of my body looked like I'd just gotten out of the shower!...hilarious!!
All I could do was scream and laugh...the kids in front of me were as wet as me, and laughing just as much...Randy looked hilarious with water just dripping off his glasses!! The girls were sitting on the outside...so they were completely soaked, as well!
While I was laughing and considering how ridiculous we all looked, I heard screaming...
Can you say: Terrified?
Ally, poor little thing, was terrified...they were directly behind us, and when the water & laughing & screaming began, she was so scared, all she could do was scream and cry:(
Alayna got her some what calmed down...but we continued to 'get wet' until we entered the locks that connect Lake Michigan & the Chicago River! From that point on, we learned a lot and were in the sun, so we dried out! And, little Ally fell asleep, which was a good thing:)
We enjoyed Navy Pier the rest of the afternoon, rode the giant ferris wheel and Alayna & Wes took Will & Ally to the Children's Museum, which they loved! In the evening, we took a short walk to Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and took the SkyDeck tour. We ended this day at the 'Bean' and the 'fountains with the random faces', again at Millennium Park...the kids had so much fun playing in the water!
On Tuesday, we enjoyed the Lincoln Park Zoo--the flowers, the trees, and water elements there, with the city sky line as a back drop are, for me, breath taking!
On this day, we changed hotels (don't ask--it's a Randy thing) on purpose, moving to The Drake. After a quick check in and a dinner reservation secured, we walked the short block and a half to the Cheesecake Factory for a light lunch and cheesecake. We ended this day at the huge Borders book store just across the street from Water Tower Place. I love getting lost in there! And, I wasn't disappointed! I found a fabulous book! (I'll share more about that later!)
Today, we slept in a little and had a late breakfast in our hotel. SO much fun! Two times per year, the Drake has an emergency evacuation for their employees. Two times per year. As we were being seated for breakfast, it was ONE of those two times...and so, emergency speakers and alarms were going off for 10 straight minutes. Employees had to evacuate the building, so we got to sit under the alarm while we 'waited for their return'...I'm telling you hilarious!
The view from that dining room was fun, it over looks the walk way and beach area of Lake Michigan.
One of my favorite buildings to look at and ponder is the water tower. I think it is gorgeous....I think I love it so much because it was one of the few buildings that survived the famous Chicago fire. Longevity!
Which makes me remember something my brilliant grandson asked me this morningwhile we waited for our breakfast to arrive. Will says, "G-mar, I was looking at your wedding pictures and you and Grandpa don't have the same faces, where did those faces go?" Longevity! I tried to explain that his face looks 'different' from when he was a baby...I don't think he was impressed!!! I also tried to explain that I was old...still unimpressed...then his eggs came, and it didn't really matter any more! Hilarious! Just hilarious!
Fun times. Great memories! And, of course, Randy's already planning the next place to go!
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