My oldest friend

This is Suzanne, my oldest friend. Yes, we have the same name. We grew up together in OKC, attending the same church and school from preschool until junior high. Our moms were also very good friends, and we did so much together back in the day, anything from Awanas, shopping, sleepovers, and well, all the things kids do. We were even baptized together. I have few memories in my childhood that do not involve her in some fashion. It's really wonderful to have walked through much of life with her. Suzanne and her husband, Adam, currently live in Maryland and spent Memorial Day weekend visiting his sister here in Chicago, so we were able to grab a Starbucks downtown on Monday. I love that Suzanne was finally able to meet Maggie; I loved watching them together. There is something very surreal about seeing old friends connect with a part of the present in my life, namely Maggie. I hope Maggie has life-long friends like I do.

Wordless Wednesday

A special gift from Pops and Mema, a Paddington Bear carried all the way from England. M was loving chewing on his "From Darkest Peru" tag.

American Idol weigh-in

One week ago, America crowned Jordin Sparks her newest Idol. My take: she deserved to win, she continually grew stronger each week, she has an amazing voice (what a gift!), and by far, she's the most marketable; Aron says she is a pop producer's dream. I'm glad she won because frankly if Blake had, he'd be relegated to singing what the man wants him to sing and he needs to do his own indy track. He'll be far more successful as the runner-up. Tam, this post is for you. Weigh-in now. Shey, you, too!

Michigan, Michigan

Alas, we did not listen to the Sufjan song as we drove into Michigan, but it seemed an appropriate title for the post. Our family spent 2 nights in Saugatuk, Michigan this past Friday and Saturday. We enjoyed a nice dinner out at a seafood restaurant (we were the only customers) on Friday and Mags did great, playing for a bit then sleeping peacefully in her carseat. The room we rented was recently rehabbed, but wasn't quite ready for guests (no pillows, DVD player, and the stove didn't work), so the management upgraded us on Saturday to a 2-bedroom suite, which was fantastic so Mags could have her own space and we could have ours. We spent Saturday in Holland, Michigan (missing the tulip festival by a few weeks), drinking some tasty coffee and doing some shopping, though the sky was overcast. That night, when we got back to our room, Mags and Aron napped and I drove into downtown Saugatuk and shopped alone, finding a delcious spice store and promptly purchased some Hungarian paprika for a chicken dish we love. I walked through some art galleries, and overall just enjoyed some quiet time to browse. Overall, it was great to get-away, even though Aron has been fighting sickness, so wasn't feeling his best. But, he amazes me because he never once complained. We are enjoying exploring some neighboring states and cities here in the Midwest.

Mags sleeping peacefully in the car (though we are finding that she won't nap as long in there as she once would)

Playing with a toy on the bed

Yummy cafe Americanos served in large, glass steins

Chilling in Holland

Our lodgings, which overlooked the little bay below

A ship museum that we did not get a chance to walk through, but hey, it's still a cool shot!

The bay

Rolling Over

The product of four weeks of regimented practice; roll Mag roll!

wordless thursday

Sorry, the day got away from me yesterday!

bathtime

Mags is loving bathtime and has recently discovered how fun it can be to sit in the water, watch the suds, chew on the cup I rinse her with, and give a little splash here and there. I just love her face in this shot, though not sure what prompted it.

crafty

I believe I have mentioned that I am a part of a book club here in Chicago. We had our first meeting last week and it was my book pick (Peace Like a River). I made magnets with my favorite quotes from the book and gave them away as momentos of the story. They turned about pretty good, ifI don't say so myself. I enjoyed the process of creating them and they were well-received. I need a super cutting system like my friend Patty has, but for free-handing them, not too shabby (just don't look too closely).

first sleepover

Mags and I headed to a neighboring suburb of Chicago, Naperville, last Thursday and Friday. My new and good friend Kathryn grew up there, so we stayed with her folks. Kathryn and I have enjoyed getting to know eachother better these past few months; they live about 1/2 mile from us. We walk together weekly, quite often to our favorite Starbucks. She has a daughter named Amelia, who is 6 weeks younger than Mags. Amelia is a total doll and has the most amount of hair I have ever seen on a baby. It's lovely!! Kathryn showed me around downtown Naperville, which is a beautiful; it has a nice balance of quaint and mod (with a river and riverwalk too). We shopped, grabbed lunch, and talked over Americanos at Starbucks (of course). I enjoyed Naperville tremendously, and therefore, took Aron back on Saturday night; we ate at a fantastic fish plce and walked around afterwards.