Chicago for Mother's Day

We took last Friday off and headed up to the windy city for our niece Olivia's first birthday party! We broke up the 6 hour drive by meeting Grandma and Grandpa at a Cracker Barrel a little more than half-way through our journey (they were driving up from Southern Indiana). For any of you West Coasters that don't know what a Cracker Barrel is think chicken and dumplings, grits, and country fried steak with a big front porch filled with rocking chairs. Colin and I both got peach pancakes and I seriously think those were the best pancakes I've ever had. When the waitress cleared our empty plates and asked if there was anything else she could bring us Colin looked at her and exclaimed, "Pancakeys!"

We stayed with Jeff and Erica and they were wonderful hosts as always! Keith's Aunt and Uncle came over on Friday evening for a pizza party so it was really nice to see them since we don't get to often enough.

Playing ball with Auntie Erica

Having fun at the park

Saturday morning was rainy. Somehow we got Colin to go to sleep for an hour or so before the party even though he doesn't take morning naps anymore. I guess the journey wore him out. Or maybe he just really loved being able to sleep in Jeff and Erica's beautiful nursery that is all ready and waiting for their baby!

The party was in downtown Chicago at the Aqua building where Todd works and where we have stayed a couple of times when we've gone up there. It has a couple of party rooms. It was a lovely party with lots of family and friends. The birthday girl looked adorable in her multiple party outfits and was smiley and having fun the whole time! It was great to be able to be there for her special day.

Olivia the birthday girl!

When we got back to Jeff and Erica's we drew names for the Derby, collected a pot, and watched the fastest two minutes in sports. Congratulations to Jeff for drawing Animal Kingdom!

Sunday morning Jeff and Erica hosted a lovely pancake breakfast for Mother's Day and everyone gathered for HUGE stack of cakes. Heather, Todd, and Olivia drove in from the city to be there too. We ate a great meal and opened gifts. I got a lovely pair of white gold hoop earrings to replace some that were taken in February. So nice! Before we left I got my gifts from Colin - a jar that was decorated and made into a vase, a cardboard sign for my desk that says "Mommy, love you to pieces" and has puzzle pieces glued on, and a bracelet with tiny pictures of Colin glued in the links. The rest of my Mother's Day was spent riding in the van on the way back (complete with lunch at Wendy's). But it was still a lovely day. I got to spend it with people I love and that's what matters most!

Opening gifts

A homemade vase and sign for Mama