Lewis Park

Tinley has some great parks. We especially love Lewis Memorial. It's got great equipment for both Lola + Johnny's levels, mature trees that provide cool shade and a paved walking path. We've been twice this week. With the weather being as gorgeous as it is, we've been hanging out for a couple hours. Thank God for FALL!

What's Old Is New

Uncle Ronnie's vintage Fisher-Price Garage + 10 new Hot Wheels from Grammy = Tons of fun!

ND-SMC {Fall 2012}

A look at our perfect Fall day on campus yesterday.

80/90 Eastbound. Exit 77 calling me home.

 A new academic building on SMC's campus. Those are the French crosses as the Congregation of Holy Cross was founded in Le Mans, France. Spes Unica translates into "Only Hope" in Latin. AVE CRUX, SPES UNICA is the motto of the Congregation..."HAIL THE CROSS, OUR ONLY HOPE".

 The intersection of two pillars of the Congregation, St. Andre and Mother Madeleva.

 The gorgeous entrance to SMC's campus.

 Johnny got the best seat in the house at the bagpipe concert.

 A little football on the Quad.

 We ran into my cousin Jessica who is in her freshman year at ND. Such a treat!

 Taking a little break at the Morse Center, just before the band concert.

 It doesn't get any cuter than this boy and his 1000 watt smile.

 How did she get so big?!

 Oooh!

 Marching Band concert at Bond Hall.

 This picture is pure time-travel for me. This could be me, 25 years ago. Same outfit, same campus, same smile.

 The grotto, in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes, who appeared to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, France. Though Notre Dame is known as the Fightin' Irish, its roots are French. Notre Dame translates into "Our Lady" in French.

 Each candle, a special intention.

 I love the look on this couple's face. She got that alot yesterday walking around campus.

 Near St. Joseph's lake, looking at the ducks.

 Walking down SMC's Avenue with my future Belle.

I never took for granted for a second that it was an absolute privilege to study at Saint Mary's + Holy Cross. This is right outside the Moreau Arts Center, where I took the majority of my classes.

 Lola, headed into LeMans hall, to apply early!

Smarty Pants

Johnny is WELL on his way to knowing his Alphabet. He repeats many of the letters as he watches his DVD + practices his App. Today, I brought out the Melissa + Doug letter puzzle Lola got as a gift from Uncle Dave + Auntie Karen a few years ago...and damn if this kid didn't sit at the kitchen table and put the whole thing together! On his first try! WHAT?!

Our Week in {Instagram}

Getting one last pool day in on Labor Day.

Taking a page from our favorite book, "Brining Up Bebe"+ loving every second of it.

Up + Down the sidewalk via wagon as we wait for Team Stine to arrive.

Popsicles to cool off from our park play.

Jammin' a la Dave Grohl.

Totally obsessed with painting in the bath. Our Mommy is the coolest for letting us make a mess each night.

Seriously. I'm obsessed with her long straight hair. Now I know why my Mom + Dad refused to ever let me cut mine.

Mama gettin' craft-happy with the felt so her little pumpkins can decorate Jack-o-lanterns whenever they want. These guys need some major orthodonics.

Pool Fun

After Johnny's nap this afternoon, we hit the pool. It was cloudy and a little overcast, but the sun peaked out and the temperature was perfect. And because it was Labor Day weekend, it's wasn't too crowded. Just perfect. Nothing is better than the 4 of us together, having fun!

Our kids LOVE the water. 

Shake, Shake, Shake Señora...

So it turns out my super awesome camera also takes HD video. Nice! I knew that when I bought it but I have been so busy snapping pictures with it I have yet to switch over to video mode. Thought we'd give it a shot tonight and it's pretty cool. I can't wait to get it out in natural light!

Here's a little clip of our dancing queen. Dance class starts next Tuesday, just in time. She's dying to get back, as she loves to groove. Another year of Tap + Ballet and then next year she'll do 3 separate classes, focusing on Tap, Ballet + Jazz. She's such a natural.

PS....PLEASE ignore the dirty carpet. Can't wait to have it cleaned while we're in Florida for 2 weeks in November, ugh!