Old friends...

Tonight I had dinner with one of m oldest friends, Mandy. She emailed me last night to ask if I'd be her date tonight for an awards banquet here in Indy. Um, of course I'll be your date! We hadn't seen each other in about 3 years so it was long past time to get together. It's amazing how quickly we picked up where we last dropped off. We were laughing in no time and reminiscing about old times. Mandy and I grew up together in Moon Lake Village back in Hoffman Estates...I'm thinking we met when I was in 3rd grade...so maybe I was 7 or 8. Regardless, it had been too long. I was proud to be Mandy's date, as she was awarded with a pretty prestigious sales award for her company. I'm so proud of where you've been and what you've done, Mandy. And I'd be honored to be your date at many more of these dinners. Thanks for a delicious meal at Ruth's Chris and for some belly-aching laughs. Love you, girl!

Better late than never...

A few people have sent me pictures in the last week that I just have to share. First, Andrea sent me a bazillion pictures from her wedding photographer. How thoughtful of her to share these with me...so fun!

Waiting for the bride...
LOVE this pic...Izzy is having the time of her life

Adorable

Shake 'em if you got 'em

And then Amanda sent me these from the 4th of July at the lake:

Hilarious...sticking out her gut

Peak!

Love this Bug

Laney was just following suit...everyone else was doing it so why couldn't she?!

First day back at Goddard...

The girls had their first day at school today and I was a nervous wreck about bringing them back. Well, to be honest, I knew Izzy would be back in her glory. But I had never brought Delaney to any school before so I was a bit anxious about how she'd do. We dropped Izzy in her room first and her first question was, "Where's Lukey?" Apparently we arrived to school a whopping 2 minutes before her best bud Luke got there. As soon as he arrived they were off and playing in no time. Then we brought Laney to her room and I just choked up. Set her standing on the floor (complete with shoes...this was her first day wearing SHOES!) and just couldn't move. The teacher was over the moon to finally meet her and I couldn't say one word. Mike immediately started in on Buggy's habits: she usually gets a morning nap (but will be missing it now in the new 1 year old room) and she doesn't need to be rocked to sleep, she will eat everything in sight and want more, she handles a sippy on her own just fine, etc. Mike went into daddy mode while I was in shock that I'd have to leave my baby girl with perfect strangers. Next thing I know I turn and see my best friend in the doorway...I made a dash for her and the tears just flowed. Jaime gave me a big hug and I had to walk away, I couldn't watch what would or would not happen as I left. As soon as I drove away Jaime sent me a text saying both girls were happy as could be. Phew. I then promised Mike and myself that I wouldn't call until nap time. As soon as I called I was relieved to hear both girls were having a great day so far. The director also sent me these pictures:

Buggy lovin' school
Could she be any happier? (Or cuter?!)

I was told Laney loved this climber and was hiding under it playing peek-a-boo throughout the day

I met Mike to pick up the girls and I'm happy to report that both of them had wonderful first days. Laney took a small 45 minute nap (she usually gets two naps, totaling 4ish hours!!) and was the first one done with her lunch (no surprise there). Izzy fell right back into step playing with all her old buddies. We were told that Izzy and Luke act a lot alike and were two peas in a pod. Love it. Both girls were worn out tonight and went to bed at their normal times. However, we were told that tomorrow is when the sleep deprivation and tiredness will set in. Oh joy. I'm just happy they are in a school that nurtures a safe, fun and healthy environment. And one where my best friend takes her boys to and is there right in the nick of time with a hug.

Splashin' with friends...

The girls and I had a three day weekend with nothing much on the calendar. We love weekends like this! Friday morning we went to a splash park to meet the Moosbrugger boys (and Meg!) for some water fun. I'm sorry to say I didn't get any pics of Meg (and she has a fun new haircut, so she was lookin' hot and I didn't capture it on film - sorry Meg!). Here are a few fun pics...

Laney Bug & Izzy Lou
Jude & Oscar

Buggy doing the downward dog pose

...wonder where she learned it?!?

A cute pic of Luke & Iz at the pool Sunday

Saturday morning I met a new running partner on the Monon for my 16 mile run. I figure when I'm running these distances that I need someone to hold me accountable and to motivate me to go another mile, and Meggie has run 3 marathons...so she is a perfect fit. Learned a few things about marathon training and a lot about her on our run. Who knew I could talk and run at the same time?! Anyway, we ran so early in the morning that we were able to beat the rain. The rain that lasted the entire day. Boo. But the girls and I were able to meet Jaime and the boys out for a playdate before naps. After naps it was movie night at our house. Sunday we went out to breakfast and then the pool. Like I said, no big plans in our house...just the way we like it!

Izzy is sporting a new Beatles t-shirt. Mike is always picking up fun retro shirts for Izzy...and whenever she wears them I feel like she looks like a tomboy. This one I just had to dress up...with pink ribbons on the shoulder and pink leggings. I just couldn't resist...ha!

And finally, Laney has really started talking this past month. Her words are: dada, mama, bye bye, and woof woof. She has also learned to wave and point. Cannot believe she is 11 months old!

This is Buggy's 'woof woof' face. Too cute.

Goodbye, Tyler & Elissa

Well today was Elissa's last day as our family's nanny. I have been dreading this day for the past month and it finally arrived. I was hoping if I didn't wake up this morning that it would just pass, this day. But I woke up. And Elissa & Tyler came and went. Hugs were exchanged, gifts were exchanged, and goodbyes were said. I shed many tears. Izzy blew kisses. Laney waved (backwards). We sure will miss these guys (Izzy calls them her buddies). Thanks for being our buddies for the last year. And thank you for caring for our girls like they were your own. We love you and will miss you!!!

I just love this pic of Tyler & Elissa...it captures her spirit perfectly! (Photo compliments of Molly Connor Photography)
Tyler & Elissa gave Izzy markers and stickers so she could make them pictures and send in the mail to them! It will be so fun to have pen pals now!

Elissa opening her gifts from the girls: a photo/memory book and a necklace with Tyler and her husband's initials on it

Thanks for a very fun year, Elissa. We love you and miss you already!

Girls' weekend in Chicago...

So I decided I needed to have 1. A girls' weekend and 2. A change-up in my training. The perfect culmination of the two was running a half marathon in Chicago with my best girlfriends from home. Friday afternoon I jumped into the Feller caravan to Chicago (thanks, guys, for letting me tag along!) and we were off on an adventure.

Friday night Mary and Jenny and I picked up my race packet and ate at Garibaldi's (my favorite Italian food and also where I worked in high school). The girls went out that night while I stayed in and got some sleep. It stormed the entire night, not letting up even in the morning. Thunder and lightning storms and pouring rain. I took off for the race and was soaked just walking to the start. The race was delayed 30 minutes and STILL the rain was pouring down. The girls arrived just in time for the start and were major troopers and took pictures of me along the course while cheering for me the entire time. Let's just say my performance was lackluster; I was soaking wet, running soggy shoes/socks (read: BLISTERS), I had stomach issues almost from the get-go, and the event staff ran out of water (!!!) at mile 8. My finish time was 15 minutes SLOWER than what I just ran the Mini just 12 weeks ago. Let's just say I was very disappointed and ready to get out of my drenched clothes and shoes and move on with the weekend. (And wouldn't you know it - the sun came out on our drive home from the race!)

The BEST friends a girl could ask for
Mile 3

Finish

After the race Jenny and I drove into the city to meet Erin for a 12 o'clock Cubs game (vs. the Cards). We lucked out and had Suite tickets (thanks Jen & Mike) so we enjoyed the game in comfort of free beer and food. Again, thanks Budweiser for the suite! PS-The Cubbies won! So much fun. We spent the rest of the day in Wrigleyville (the world's largest beer garden)...and then went home to rest and ended up staying in and watching a marathon of Jersey Shore. Girl time!!

Shaded seats, thank goodness

Sunday morning the Feller caravan got an early start back home so we could go to an Indians game in Indy.

Laney enjoying the game

Both girls loved the cold ice cream (it was 90 degrees!)

Some other random pics:

More crafts (I'm kind of addicted to making these as gifts!) The "A" for Brenna and the "G" for Mary.

Izzy making brownies

The girls having a tea party...love that they are starting to play a little more together. Most times Izzy wants nothing to do with her sister, while Delaney wants to be doing everything Izzy is doing! Ha!

All the Single Ladies...

Mike spent the past 3 days on his annual boys' baseball trip (Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincy) while the girls and I stayed home and did fun girlie things. I had Friday off and we spent the morning with Deanna & Connor at the zoo. It was a HOT one but we somehow managed to survive. D and Connor are old pros at the zoo, as they are members, so they showed us the ropes. I LOVE that D knew exactly where to go, what to see, and how quickly to do all of it. With (almost) 3 year olds, their attention span is limited...so we flew by some non-essential exhibits (snakes/desert) and ventured on to the more important ones (see pics). It really was my kind of visit - and we all loved it. Can home to some 4 hour naps!

Connor & Izzy looking at the sharks
Looking for Nemo (please note Izzy's accessories, which were her choice: two plastic fish rings, hair bow AND a head band with two piggies)

Zebras

Rhinos

Elephants

Deanna took both kiddos on the carousel (um, did I mention she is 29 weeks prego at the zoo with us in this heat!?!?)

Saturday morning Brenna came over at 7am to watch the girls while I got a long run in (thank heaven for girlfriends!!!). Then the girls and I went to the pool to meet Lori for swim lessons (I manned Laney Bug while Lori did lessons with Izzy Lou). We then spent a few hours swimming and hanging out. Lori and Izzy enjoyed the lazy river...and again, what would I do without such amazing girlfriends to get me through a weekend sans husband?! I'm so fortunate.

Bubbles

Saturday after naps we headed out to dinner at Chicl-Fil-A and some playtime in their toddler play area (we had to get the sillies out!). Sunday morning we woke up and headed out for breakfast and then a trip to Sam's Club. It was a bit overcast all day, but we still managed to squeeze in another trip to the pool. After naps we actually hung out at home and watched some movies and snuggled on the floor with some popcorn. We also managed to do some serious potty training all weekend and spent every minute at home in big girl undies. Here's to hoping some headway has been made! (We did get some ice cream - a very rare treat - on Saturday night b/c Izzy pooped on the potty!!!)

We REALLY miss Mike and are anxiously awaiting his return in a few minutes. The girls and I had a lot of fun; however, I'm not sure I could do this all the time. I have tremendous respect for single parents out there - this is some hard work! But I must say, being able to do 3 days (sort of) on my own is quite gratifying!