Like mother, like daughter

I first saw Violet's shoes under the table and was about to remind her to put her shoes away.  It was the end of the day and I was tired and feeling frustrated I had to pick something else up - even though it's not that big of a deal.  I bent over to pick up her shoes and saw mine right under hers!  We both must have kicked them off during dinner and didn't bother to put them away.  It was a good reminder that I'm constantly teaching habits and that we are more alike than I know.  Funny how something small made me feel even more connected to my little lady.  It goes along with our family word of the week: awareness.   Awareness of the little things and how blessed we are to have a happy growing family.  Maybe in a couple of years there will be 3 pairs of shoes stacked up like this and I will remember, again, how good we have it.  All that from shoes, friends!

Museum of Transportation

We went to the Museum of Transportation today with friends and despite this serious looking girl, she really liked it. We got to spend an hour in the creation station playroom and then ride the mini train as many times as we wanted.

Exploring the big trains with Jake. 

Chicago!

We made a quick trip to Chicago over the weekend for a little babymoon.  It was awesome!  Violet stayed with Grammy and Papa on the farm in Tremont and did not want to come home.  I'm sure we have lots of great pictures of her time there to come!  We had a great experience taking the Amtrak and it was the most beautiful day when we arrived.

Necessary shot.

Lunch at XOCO was amazing!  We shared a cuban torta, guacamole, 4 beverages (including: iced mexican chocolate with mint, passion fruit fresca, and refreshing lime water), and the most delicious pistachio and dark chocolate churros.  Yum does not even begin to describe it.

27 week bump picture!  3rd trimester, ya'll.  Love the backdrop, too!

We have a special love for all things Atlas :-)

Zumba at Millenium Park (in the rain!)

It was the perfect little getaway for us.  We definitely want to go back another time!

Tenholder Visit

Grandma and Papa came to visit a couple of weekends ago and it was a super gorgeous amazing day to play outside.  Violet and Grandma had fun with bubbles.

Vi helped Papa measure and cut drywall for her baby brother's room

Looking good!  Don't mind the blue lips, ya'll.  What would summer be without popsicles?

Summer!

Chalk with friends

Sandcastle beach...again.

Pool time with big Jake!

Pregnant at the pool, ya'll! Every day. That's our plan until September.  It's the life!

Show week

The last week of the little gym is show week.  All of the kids in the class get to show the parents what they have been learning.  We started in the middle of the session and most of the girls were closer to 4 than to 3, so Violet had to keep up! She got to do gymnastics, tap, and ballet in her hour long class.  She loved it!  We went to dinner at Noodles & Co. before her show day.

Who's ready?  This jazzy bug!

"Mommy, can you make the kitty cat face?  Please?  I will take your picture, ok?"

A little front roll action

Her favorite part - making the train!

Straight harms and holding herself up!

Some partner work

Here's the thing: she's not the best dancer.  She's not great at staying focused.  She doesn't always do what the other kids are doing.  But, I think she has the most fun.  That counts for something! 

Making up her own moves!

Medal ceremony

Pretty proud of herself and with good reason!

Can you see it?

I've been nesting like crazy and going through boxes in closets.  I found this picture of me and I think I can see a little resemblance to my daughter!  Maybe the cheeks and face shape?  Minus the red hair, of course.  And that is definitely a look she gives!!