South Dakota Trip

The week after moving into our apartment, Dylan and I traveled to South Dakota with my grandparents, who had been in town for Easter. We had a fabulous week with family and friends.

Playing games with Uncle Ryan and cousin Trey.

Grandma borrowed a bike trailer, so D got his first bike ride! 

He loved it.

He also got his first wheelbarrow ride from Grandpa. :)

If you look closely, you see the "object" my mom is chasing, and that the "object" is fully ready for bed, dressed in his PJ's. I had gotten Dylan ready for bed and let him go out to say goodnight to Grandpa and Grandma. We were about to begin our wind-down routine in his room. The next thing I knew, this was the scene.

Shooting hoops.

Having a tea party with Grandma.

Checking out the cement that was just laid for a basketball court at Uncle Ryan's house.

My dear friend Jamie and her two youngest kids - Kaleb and Kai.

 My other dear friend Jaymi, my sophomore year college roomie.

"Pommas"

We went to  Toys R Us last weekend to get Dylan a nerf basketball set. We couldn't tear Dylan away from this Thomas The Train set though! We left the store to the request of "Pommas" (Thomas) from Dylan's lips. How many months 'til Christmas?!

Enjoying The New 'Hood

The plaza at Lincoln Square has been fabulous for us. It's just a huge courtyard area, and there are always kids there running around.

Dyan just runs and explores.

Checking out the "yow" (water.)

New (for us) parks to play at!

Checking out the tennis courts at Winnemac park.

Having a cookie at Mommy's new Starbucks.

Playing with our friend Kristin at the Gazebo in Welles Park.

D loved running down the ramp into Kristin's arms.

Easter

We celebrated Easter at church and Marc's Uncle Richard's home.

Heading to church.

I love it when we have an excuse to dress Dylan up. He looked like a sharp little man on Easter, if I don't say so myself.

 

If you know Dylan, you know that he has an obsession with opening and closing doors. He wanted to make sure that baby Morgan understood how awesome this activity can be.

The older boys were playing a game in the basement. Dylan had no idea what game it was, but he joined in anyway.

Great Grandparents

My grandparents and Uncle Paul were in town Easter weekend. Grandpa and Grandma came out to spend Easter with Aunt Kathy's family, and Paul went through Chicago on his way to marshall at the Masters.

Grandpa, Dylan and me.

Showing off the tickets Paul gave to Grandpa and his friend. They got to go to two days of practice rounds at the Masters. I think Marc may have been drooling a bit in this picture. :)

Grandpa with his "Heetland" granddaughters, and Tammy's boys.

 I just think this picture is funny.

D Gets Domestic

Helping fold laundry.

Getting things situated in the fridge.

Manhood

Plan B

We've had a change in our moving/building plans - sort of. As much as we'd like to move forward with our "Plan A" of building and moving to Lockport, the economy's caught up to us, and is affecting Marc's employer's business. We are feeling too unsettled to move forward with building a home in these circumstances, so have decided to hold off on building. "Plan B" is basically to rent - indefinitely - until we figure out our next steps.

It's honestly been a bit hard - just because we were sooo excited, and sooo ready for a house, more space, a yard, etc. But in the meantime, we are incredibly thankful for the apartment God provided (though it's small!). It's a lovely little place in one of our favorite neighborhoods in the city - extremely family friendly. We are enjoying our new 'hood immensely so far.

We know that God is at work, and we are trusting in Him during our time of waiting. We are thankful to know a God who does not leave us on our own, but is a merciful Shepherd who is with us and will be our Guide....

Jeremiah 10:23 "I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps."

Isaiah 40:11: "He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young."

And We Are Moving To......

Lockport, Illinois! But first, Lincoln Square in Chicago.

We decided to build in Lockport, and along with that decision came one to rent in the city while our house is being built. Moving day is tomorrow! We are excited for one more summer in Chicago, and a chance to be with our friends for a few months longer.

Lincoln Square neighborhood.

St. Patty's Day

My Moms Group did nails at Mather Nursing Home in Evanston on St. Patrick's Day.

There was a lot of green to be seen, including one woman's nails!

Moving

At long last, our condo sold, and we are packing up and heading to......we-don't-know-where. :)

Nana came last weekend to pick Dylan up for the weekend, so that Marc and I could have a power-packing party. She came bearing boxes and bubble wrap, which looked like pure gold to our eyes.

The scene after Day Numero Uno of packing.

Mickey D's

D scaled the play gym at McDonald's Playland last week.

Cousins

Last Friday we had a playdate with cousins. Above is my cousin Tammy with her 2 youngest boys, Carter and Colin.

Dylan got in on a little ping pong action with Tonya and Carter.

Spring Fever

We've enjoyed the park a few times this last week, with the weather warming up!

Bookbugs Storytime & Playgroup

We go to "Bookbugs Storytime & Playgroup" on Tuesdays. It's in a church basement at Belmont and Lincoln, and it's free! Hard to find those opportunities in the city!

Of the hour that's spent there, Dylan spends 2 minutes playing with the toys, 56 minutes on the stairs, and the remaining 2 minutes trying to get past the gate in the picture, where the tiny babies play. This is absolutely not an exaggeration.

Little Deadhead

Dylan sported his Jerry Garcia shirt for his dad's Grateful Dead concert tonight.

Olympic Hopeful

Dylan watched the US-Canada Olympic hockey championship game on Sunday with his daddy. He sported his personalized Blackhawks jersey in honor of the event.

Jesus and Nemo

Marc has been working with Dylan on saying "Jesus," pointing out that He is Dylan's friend. One day as D was eating and going through his repertoire of words, like he normally does, he suddenly said, "Jesus." Then followed, "Nemo" (as in the cartoon movie character).

I thought it was random at first, but the more I thought about it - the Bible sure does have a lot of stories about both Jesus and fish. Maybe Dylan's just ahead of the game....

Looking at a picture of Jesus in his baby Bible. (Isn't Jesus cute?) "Jesus" is now one of D's favorite words. :)

To be fair, here is a picture of Nemo.

Boots

We put Dylan in winter boots for the first time last week. Lookin' good, huh?

First time walking in his new boots.

Visitors

Dylan and I enjoyed some visitors last week:

 

Neighbor Dan was watching his nephew Logan for the weekend, so they came over for a visit. Dylan is showing Logan the view from our condo.

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Baby Luke, my friend Kristin's son.

 

Adoring his mama.

Isn't he such a cutie?!!!