Baby, you're a firework

Being that it has been blazing hot this week, our Independence Day festivities were limited to activities that would allow us to sweat as little as possible, and yet still maintain a reasonable level of family fun.  With the little lady and man having been born with the "I'm-the-life-of-the-party" gene, we typically end up having a swell time wherever we are.  This year we enjoyed an evening of family-centered activities at the Mayfield Country Club on July 3rd where our All-American kiddos were treated to their first taste of cotton candy (which didn't last long), face painting, glow sticks, and just the right amount of fireworks.

Clearly in a festive mood, the little lady gets the party started.

Once the fireworks started, the little man found a safe and secure place on the lawn to "watch" them.  His eyes remained shut tightly until the rain started and we plotted our early departure.  Only on our wet walk to the van, did he begin to enjoy the explosive booms.

The little lady on the other hand expressively admired each loud bang of brilliance with hearty, "Oohs,"  "Ahhs," and "Did you see thats?"

July 4th we enjoyed a bit of park play, swimming, and ended our night with perfectly grilled steaks.  With our sweet ones tucked into bed, Jeff and I waited for the madness to ensue on our busy city street as patrons viewed the Shaker Heights firework display.  Thankfully this year, the little lady and man slept through it. 

What a privilege it is to live in this country, and daily live out the many freedoms we have been granted.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - real deal

North Woods 2012

The second leg of vacation took us three hours north of Milwaukee to Elcho, WI for a week of fun in the sun on Enterprise Lake.  We feel very blessed to have "Camp David" as a place the Larson family can gather and spend quality and uninterrupted (barring the occasional loon call) time together.  A week in the north woods leaves us sun-kissed, relaxed, and in need of a diet as Mimi treats us to a variety of good eats from morning til night.  This year's trip was extra special with addition of one new family member, George Mallof, and the anticipation of another, Pablo girl. 

This year was especially fun with the children being one year older and more independent.  We often skipped afternoon naps in favor of extended afternoons in the sun, and were rewarded with a few extra minutes of shut-eye in the morning.  It is rare that the little lady and man sleep in until 8, but we were happy to oblige and enjoyed our lazy mornings.  Highlights of the week included evening "cocktail cruises" with Dad as captain (who is never one to shy away from entertaining a crowd), lighting an assortment of fireworks after dark, roasting mallows morning, noon and night, Pablo's big gender reveal, and sharing meals as a family.

Showing new cousin, George, the lay of the land.

Taking advantage of having a cool brother-in-law with a speed boat.

Exploring the lake.

Teaching herself to swim.

Enjoying a paddle boat ride on the "Queen Sherry III."

Gorgeous sunset cruises.

Our dapper Captain.

Me and the Doc

Our little guppy.

In need of rest.

G.I. Joe

Pablo's cake party, and gender reveal.

"It's a GIRL!"

Jeff's annual pancake breakfast.

Keeping summer traditions, charting the children's growth.

Larson/Mallofs 2012

Chi-town

Every couple appreciates an evening out, and once children arrive on the scene, a night out on the town becomes even more valuable and might I add necessary.  One of the highlights of our vacation was spending two nights away from our blessed little ones in the heart of Chicago.  Divide and conquer was our game plan, and with the little lady under the watchful care of Nany and Papa and the little man under the watchful care of Mimi and Doc, we set off to enjoy our weekend. 

Saturday morning, Jeff arrived from Cleveland and spent the day golfing and carousing with one of our best friends, Mark.  He was also able to spend time with his new "girlfriend," Rosie, Mark and Maria's newest blessing.  I would have to wait a day to get my hands on their lovely little lady.  While Jeff was off enjoying a day of manly fun, I was busy catching up with girlfriends, meeting one of my best gals, Becki, at Old Orchard for lunch, and then reuniting with Madison girlfriends in the city for our annual "restaurant club."  We spent our afternoon gabbing in the comfort of the all-sweet Omni Hotel, and in the evening feasted on MK's finest.  Sunday morning, after waking early (some habits are hard to break), we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at RL, Ralph Lauren's stylish restaurant and hit up a few stores for some light shopping.  After many hugs and loving farewells, we each headed our separate ways and I joined Jeff at Mark and Maria's.  Spending the afternoon with precious Rosie, and friends was the perfect way for Jeff and I to begin our vacation together.  Later, Jeff and I would adjourn to the Hotel Felix to enjoy a kid-free night together. Monday morning we treated ourselves to a light breakfast and leisurely stroll down the Magnificent Mile before meeting other dear friends, the Bellitos and Livingstons for lunch. 

It was a delightful 36 hours, and I'm so thankful for the time we shared with friends and one another.  As always, a big shout out to the g-parents for granting us a weekend away for much needed refreshment, relaxation and fun.

Meeting little Rosanna for the first time!

"Mommy's Sleepover"

with

Amy, Julie, Sara, and Adri

"Hello Windy City."

Bucket List - Go to Milwaukee

Go West Young Fam

Two weeks ago, the children and I embarked upon on our fourth trip home to Wisconsin for a two week vacation.  Jeff would later join us by a more efficient means of travel, flight.  Armed with my trusty navigation system, new paper back books for the children, and snacks we hit the road, fueled by the little lady and man's giddy enthusiasm and an upbeat play list.  We now have the trip down to a science, and I'm pleased to report that even in my second trimester of pregnancy we were able to keep to one pit-stop.  The long hours of travel are worth it when we at last exit the "big road" and squeals of delight can be heard from the back of the van as the children anticipate pulling into their grandparent's driveway.  It is always a sweet reunion.

The first few days of our trip were spent at Nany and Papa's house.  There was no shortage of water fun, Nany's home cooked meals, playing with cousins, laughter, Papa's humor, and long days in the sun.  I especially enjoyed being able to share the news of baby Pablo's gender with each family member in person.  Think pink M&Ms and Cheryl's pink buttercream frosted cookies.

A few favorite memories from the week...

Sprinkler fun with Papa

Girl's night out at Habanero's with Nany, Dawn, and my lovely nieces

(Pablo seems to enjoy Mexican food.  The irony of her "name" and this particular food craving amuses me.)

Hitting the beach with the cousins

Lil' Miss Thang and Kendall

Little man and Zachy

Little lady and Trey

Me and Ty

Z, Trey, and pregnant me

Beachfront fun with Nany

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Pablo's a girl.