Johnny's First Day of School

Well, today, the day came. Johnny went off to "school"--and overall, he did great. Ever since I started back to work 2 months ago, he has become very, very attached to Mommy. He is very aware of the change in our family and let's just say he's let us know he's not trilled about it. Lola went from 3 1/2 to 3 full days of school per week. She was a little upset when I would go to work the first week or two, but now it doesn't even phase her, thank goodness.

Overall, Johnny's teachers said he had a great first day. He cried off and on from time to time, because he missed me, but when we picked him up he was so happy and I swear, he was beaming with pride as we walked out of the building. He had an "I did it!" look all over his face--he knew what an accomplishment today was. And it wasn't just the day--it was all we've worked for since we found out at 2 months old he'd have to work for things.

He is in the 15-24 month room, even though he's 2, because he misses the September 1st cutoff. I'm glad though, because at 2, they don't get their binkies! And he still needs it to sleep. His teachers were very impressed at all he already knew. He shocked them a little when he starting pointing to the alphabet and naming all the letters, haha. Show off.

Shockingly, no tears were shed by Mommy. Mostly, more than anything, I was excited for him. My heart didn't break when I dropped him off--but when he called out for Lola as we left this morning and she cried as she stayed behind with Grammy, realizing he was going to school but not hers, it was very hard. They have become SO close these last 6 months--fantastic playmates. I can't wait for next Fall when he can join her at the Academy.

There goes my hero, watch him as he goes.

 Big sis was so proud of her little brother and couldn't wait to pick him up.

 His first school paper.

3Floyds

Ronnie & John have been on quite the craft beer kick over the last few years. They talk about beers like guys used to talk about cars! One of their favorite spots to hit is 3Floyds in Munster, IN. It's about a half-hour from Tinley and one of the best microbrewery's in the world--people flock from all over the world just to attend their Dark Lord Day.

Attached to the brewery is their gastropub--an amazing restraint with a menu to die for. Tons of small plates are offered to make your taste buds dance. I had been wanting to go myself, so we chose this spot for our Valentine's Day dinner. John got home late Thursday night, so we waited until yesterday to celebrate. He picked me up after work and we went to dine. We then stayed over night at a hotel just down the street from the restaurant--a very nice 18 hour getaway. Huge thanks to Mom for holding down the fort so we could escape for an evening.

The best damn beef jerky I have ever had. And I'm a girl that knows my jerky.

 Another one of my all-time faves--smoked salmon. This was house-cured and it was out of this world.

 Fried rice with wood-grilled praws. Oh my.

 French fries that went perfectly with the malt vinegar on the table.

 Bye 3Floyds. See you again, very soon.

St. Valentine {2013}

Their Valentines...

 My morning text from my Valentine.

 Waiting for Daddy to get home from Detriot tonight! Head over heels...

 Chocolate from my Boss!

Winter Wonderland Weekend

We has an awesome time up at the lake this past weekend. It was great to get out of town and relax! We were very excited to show Pop what it was all about--and although he had a blast, I think he's looking forward to the lake water being melted (aka Summer!) next time he visits. He may be a native New Yorker, but he has grown quite used to the Florida warmth! He was a good sport and only froze a little :)

We hung out at the Geneva Snow Sculpting Festival and had dinner at Popeye's on Saturday. Then, on Sunday morning, John shoveled Lola & I our own personal rink out on the channel, which according to an ice fisherman was 11 inches thick. Safe and sound. Johnny liked the snow, but was really only happy when Mommy was holding him and spinning him around on my skates. Lola wouldn't come in to save her life. She was in heaven. 

In my 25 years of going up to the lake, this was my first winter visit. Now that it's a year-round place, we look forward to many, many more visits to enjoy the very fun season that is Winter. 

A gift I got Dad & Sue years ago. 

Pops and Beers.

Art on the walls.

Lake Geneva

Popeye's on the Lake--Bloodys for Sue and I with beer chasers.

Waiting in line.

Balloon animals. Papa tipped the nice lady for some extras.

Daddy being a good sport.

Uno.

View from the house.

Bert.

Breakfast time.

First jump into the powder.

Standing out on the channel--so weird!

He is catching up to her so quick!

My man, making me a rink. LOVE!

I would be lost without these.

Snowball fight!

We forgot Ruthie's skates. Opps.

My little Kristi Yamacuchi!

He took a header into the powder.

Isn't that a gorgeous rink?!

I couldn't get over how adorable my boy looked in his snowpants.

Naptime.

Bye-bye lake. We had fun!

Bagels at Boatyard before we go!