I realize it's December, and Halloween seems like it was forever ago. (Yeah right, it was practically yesterday. Did we skip November this year? Somehow I missed it.) Here's what we've been up to since then.
This was the first year we attended Scare the Square in Aurora. It happens a couple days before Halloween. All the business owners pass out candy as you walk around the square. I'm telling you, this is the LAZIEST way to Trick or Treat, and it was wonderful! It's kind of like a one-and-done type of thing. I felt no shame in only visiting 4 houses on Halloween night, because we had already done enough damage for one year. Between this and a couple houses in Stockham, I might never have to set foot in a packed neighborhood of strangers on Halloween night for the rest of my life. Hallelujah.
It seemed fitting that Trevin dressed up as a fisherman this year. His costume summarized his entire summer. Seriously, I think they went fishing every week. Naturally he felt right at home with his pole and net. Also you might notice that he is wearing exactly what he wore last year for Halloween, except with a change in accessories. (Remember our bearded lumberjack?) Some may call this type of parenting "lazy" but I call it resourceful.
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It was IKEA time again. Apparently this has to be an annual thing, because none of us can stop. And let's be honest, once a year doesn't classify us as "crazy IKEA ladies." Or maybe it does. We made several extra stops on the drive because two of us are pregnant, another one is nursing and the other forgot everything at home. There are worse things in life than prolonging a trip with your best friends.
It's always a great time with these cuties. We came home with a car-load; didn't even have to use the ratchet straps from last year! I love creating memories with these people and so grateful to have them all close to home.
With all the craziness at the checkout line, I literally didn't even look at my total. When we loaded up the car I was informed of my total. Nicole caught my reaction. Priceless. I couldn't say the same for my my IKEA findings... But I didn't get in trouble when I got home, so we're good.
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| We celebrated my grandma's birthday with a trip to Fuji. And they took care of her eyebrows free of charge. |
It was our 10th annual Kliewer Bunco party! Everyone showed off their best vintage chic appearance to help enjoy the theme. These ladies sure know how to have a good time.
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We've missed Chicago since we last visited 3 years ago, but more importantly, the people we left there. So we planned a long weekend visit, leaving on a Thursday morning and returning home Monday.
Trevin is hot-blooded and had his shirt off for most of the trip. His new favorite song is Speak Life by Toby Mac, he requested to have it on repeat for the first hour of the trip. He actually thought it was called Speed Light, so that was funny for the first 5 times through the song.
Trevin was a trooper on the 9-hour drive. A lot of books, toys and movies to keep him busy. I, on the other hand, had to stop to pee every other hour. James was not impressed. This baby-influenced bladder is no joke.
We stayed with James' cousin, Chad, his wife, Amy, and their two children, Noah and Ruthie. Trevin and Ruthie bonded instantly and were almost inseparable all weekend.
We did a lot of fun activities while we were there, but some of the best moments were spent tickling.
We visited the famous Jarosch Bakery. James' family has been visiting this mom-and-pop shop for decades and we've indulged in their delicious creations several times when family comes from IL to the farm. We stocked up our freezer so we can enjoy sweet treats for months to come. Later we took Trevin to the Lego store to pick out some Christmas gifts. He asks me often, "Where did my helicopter legos go?" Already wrapped and under the tree, kid.
Trevin managed a special cookie for "second breakfast".
We spent a morning at Shedd Aquarium and walked a mile from there to downtown. Made a much-needed lunch stop at Giordano's for some classic Chicago deep-dish pizza. Visited the infamous "Bean" and walked along the water back to the Aquarium. It was a big day, but one I wish I could have on repeat. We managed to get a beautiful 60 degree day and enjoyed every second.
We caught the dolphin show, too!
Walking downtown...
The Bean gets cooler every time.
Amy and I snuck to IKEA late one night. (Don't you even judge me.) I'm convinced that I bring out the inner-shopper in Amy. I'm good for her. Another day, James and Chad took the kids to Cabela's while Amy and I hit a strip mall. Girl shopping time is good for the soul.
One night we set up a "home theatre" in their basement and enjoyed a fun night in with the kids, somehow it ended in a nerf gun war.
The Helms' actually live in a suburb of Chicago, called Palatine. It has much more of a small town feel and they bike or walk practically everywhere they go. Even in the winter. They are warriors. This was so different than our world because we have to drive 15 miles to get anywhere, besides Mimi's. We enjoyed walking the kids to school on Friday and walking to an ice cream shop late one evening for dessert. It's much faster pace there, and we adjusted well to our slow life when we returned home.
We couldn't have asked for a better weekend with these dear ones. We're slowly convincing them that they could move to Nebraska. Although, making these special trips to see them will always be some of our favorite memories.
It took us several days to recover from that crazy weekend, but we can't wait to do it again!
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Thanksgiving 2015
We spent 5 days celebrating Thanksgiving, one evening with James' parents, one day with the Huenefeld's, one day with the Nuss', one day with my parents and one day watching the Husker game and Star Wars with James' cousins. After eating brick oven pizza Wednesday night with Paul and Dori, I vowed to not wear pants for the rest of the week/end. 17 weeks pregnant mixed with endless food equals disaster for my zipper and button. It was a lost cause and truthfully, just not worth it. Dresses and leggings for life. I put jeans on today because I felt like I needed to adult a little bit.
-The ligament pain this time around is unreal. As long as I don't move, I'm good.
-Been feeling baby movement since late week 13. Been really irregular so far, mostly little "pops"
-Hangry for days...
-We find out the gender on Dec 23, James is convinced we'll leave it in the envelope and open it on Christmas. I'm convinced I have the patience of a 3-year-old and can't wait additional days...
Also it's too cold to take pictures outside; I'm done.
We're making more progress in the basement, pictures to come. Our church ladies' group is hosting a Christmas tour of homes this weekend, somehow I ended up on the itinerary. Quickly I've realized that EVERY SINGLE ROOM in my house needs paint. All of them. My whole house hasn't been cleaned since before we found out about baby. There's pencil marks on the wall, smudged windows, unfinished basement rooms, and lights missing fixtures... But guess what? I'm letting them in anyway. None of those things will magically be fixed before Saturday, but my heart can still be hospitable even if my house isn't perfect. I love having people into our home and hope they can feel at home here, even with our evidence of "life" all around.
Our journey to Chicago and back, growing on the farm...
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