St. Nick's Day

It's St. Nick's day and the girls enjoyed opening the little gifts they found in their stockings this morning.

It's going to be difficult to get them off to school today!

Halloween at the Zoo

The Milwaukee County Zoo held a trick or treat Halloween event tonight.

There were cute "scary" displays all around the zoo and many stops for Halloween candy. All the kids were in costume and the weather was perfect.

China Lights

We went to see the China Lights tonight. They sure were pretty. The botanical garden was covered with beautiful light. These are just a few of the lights that were there.

We also attended a show where there were dancers. I didn't take the opportunity to take photos, it was just too fun to watch. Besides, at night they weren't turning out so great.

Lance Sijan Plane Dedication

Jeff's Legion Rider group participated in the Sijan Plane dedication today. Lance Sijan was a great American hero to was killed in captivity in Vietnam.  He was honored today with the dedication of an F-14 fighter plane that was placed near the airport in his honor.

The family was escorted from Humboldt Park to the airport by a group of 103 riders.

There were dignitaries who spoke at the event and we took the opportunity to take photos of them and thank them for all they do for us.

It was a wonderful event and I am glad I had the opportunity to attend.

My Friend Rose

This is a photo I've loved for a very long time. It was taken at a holiday gathering at my friend Carol's house. The photo includes Carol's mother, Rose. Over the past few years I have come to call Rose not just my friend's mom, but my friend. We played Words with Friends pretty much daily. Sometimes I had a lapse where I didn't log on to my iPad and sometimes Rose wasn't there either. But for the most part, Rose and I played that game with vigor. We chatted on the app's chat log and had 2 and sometimes 3 games going at once. We both agreed that we were each other's best competition. When I had my very painful spine surgeries, I spent most of my days alone recovering while my husband was away during the day at work. No matter how miserable I was during those days I always had Rose. I could count on her being there. I know Rose had some health issues too. But neither of us ever mentioned what we were going through when we chatted. We stayed positive no matter what. She was always there. I hope she thought that of me as well.

This week Rose passed away. I don't know what I will do without her.

Chloe's Organs

Chloe had a class assignment where she had to make organs and place them exactly where they should go. She was so proud of her accomplishment that she wanted me to take a picture. In this photo she is pointing out all of the organs.

I said to her "I see you made brains too". Her response was priceless. She said to me "It's brain grandma, not brains. We only have one".

So smart.

Chloe Places an Order

My granddaughter, Chloe who is 7 years old knows how to use the Amazon app on my iPad. She recently decided she loves Littlest Pet Shop toys. So she thought she would order herself some to add to her collection.

I did not realize how smart she was until this happened. I suppose I better pay closer attention to what she is doing on the internet now.

My Version of Spring

Even though we are past the first day of spring, today really feels like we're there. I think we have crossed that threshold where I have to worry about another snow storm so I can put my winter boots away and replace them with my motorcycle boots.

A sure sign of spring!

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

The Legion post hosts a breakfast with the Easter bunny each year. All Legion families are welcome to attend. At the event we get a nice breakfast followed by a visit by the Easter Bunny.

There's an Easter egg hunt and there are always plenty of eggs for all the kids to find.

The kids all get to visit with the Easter bunny where they receive an Easter basket full of goodies.

There are even crafts that the kids can make and face tattoos are available too.

The Cranes

We've had this adorable couple visiting us on a daily basis. I've seen them every day for the last few weeks. Jeff wishes they would go somewhere else but he won't actually chase them away. And I don't blame him for not wanting them here, they are tearing up the yard. They dig with their long beaks into the grass and yank up chunks as they dig. It's a little like having the lawn aerated. For now we will enjoy watching their grace as they walk around the yard and their beauty as their wing spans expand as they fly away.

Avery Shops

Avery has the most amazing personality. She insists on dressing herself and loves to wear skirts and dresses. Here she is at Gymboree trying on new sunglasses. Her mother wanted her to look at new dresses, skirts and pants but she wanted nothing to do with it.

What's not to love about this little cutie.