We are just about to take off for our big summer vacation, but before I go I wanted to post a couple pictures of my honey. One of him at the Triple Bypass bike ride out in Colorado and then a couple of his early birthday celebration (this key lime pie recipe was great). Stay…

Today I took the girls to the Chicago Botanic Garden. On hot days like this I really notice all the fountains at the garden. Seems like around every bend there is another water feature that the girls are drawn to. It really makes me appreciate the hardscaping and all the different styles of fountains. Plus…

I spent some time in my garden today. There was an explosion of weeds while we were away in Michigan. Taking care of my garden is the one task that I do where I am not distracted. I can weed and weed and just let my mind wander. I don’t listen to a podcast or get interrupted…

I got a new hair-do for watching the fireworks.

What a treat to have all the Chapman clan together. Dave and Kim’s kids are so grown up and tall and my girls just eat them up. We got to see Mike and Michelle and congratulate them on being engaged! Lots of fun, lots of laughing, lots of pictures.

A typical visit with Grandma Dice includes: A tour of her garden. Some tea and lemonade with cookies. Pet the kitty. And then a game of Skipbo.

All the time we were at Jennifer’s house Bea kept telling me that she wanted to get a back yard like Jenna’s. We got to see Jennifer with her Bees. Yes she’s raising bees – I can’t get over how cool it is. I took lots of photos. Then it was time to do some…

We just got back from a fun week in Michigan. I think I got some really great pictures of cousins and grandmas and aunts and uncles and a new sister in-law (!). But before I sort through all the photos I had to do a massive unpack slash tidy-up slash laundry session. I’ve been cleaning all day and my…

My kitchen cabinets have been ordered and I’m feeling excitedly nervous about the project. They should be delivered at the beginning of August. It’s the biggest thing I’ve done – so many decisions. Will it look OK and more importantly will it all make a functional room? This morning I got a cabinet door sample…

For Father’s Day Brian mostly just wants to go for a long bike ride and not have me nag him to get home already. So we let him ride today. The girls and I drove up to Volo Bog and he rode his bike. We had a nice picnic and a good long walk and…