Mother's Day.. my 5th!

I can't believe this is already my 5th Mother's Day as Austin's mommy.. oh how time flies!

We woke up and headed to church this morning~  a few pictures before we left!

After church we ended up at La Hacienda Ranch!  Nothing says Happy Mother's Day in Texas like mexican food, right?

Shane headed out with Austin for the afternoon while I did whatever I wanted... so what did I choose?  A mani/pedi, shopping, a movie?  Nope- laundry & updating my blog.  But I did end up meeting a sweet girlfriend for dessert later that evening!!

I love being a mommy to this precious little boy!  I love you, Austin!

Last Day of School

I can't believe school is already over... where did this year go?  Austin had a WONDERFUL year at Southlake Christian Preschool in the Turtles class!  I loved looking back at the pictures from September when he started school- so many changes (not only physically, but in his personality & especially his speech!)  One of the main things that made his year so great... his teachers!

Last day with Ms Jennifer & Ms Kristi

Austin is so blessed to have been placed in this class with such sweet, precious, and loving women- I couldn't have asked for better teachers!  I am glad that my little boy had such wonderful examples during the year!  We will miss them!

My big boy

I also loved looking though the 'Me Books' his teachers made this year- showing crafts, activities, special events throughout the year!  Lots of pictures & fun memories that we will have forever!  

I also wanted to document the gifts for his teachers- I made the containers and filled them with a bunch of different gift cards!  Hope they enjoy using them as much as I enjoyed making them!

Chicago- 2nd half

Day 3- Sunday
On Sunday morning we rushed back over to Willis Tower & thankfully the fog was not a problem!  I am not typically afraid of heights, but that SkyDeck messes with your mind- it was AWESOME!  Beautiful views of the city as well!

Scary

Afterwards we headed to the Chicago Cubs game- love that all 4 of us enjoy a good baseball game!  Unfortunately the weather was not fantastic and we had 3 rain delays... so it turned out to be an 8 hour day at the ballpark!  But thankfully the Cubs pulled out the win, and I got to eat lots of yummy ballpark food and get a new Cubs t-shirt!

So funny that the ballpark is in the middle of a bunch of neighborhoods...

In the middle of the game- tons of birds on the field... but the game did not stop. 

Extra seating built on top of adjacent buildings... so clever

True fan

We had awesome seats- thanks again to Jared

After the game we headed to Gino's East to try some deep dish pizza- it did not disappoint!

Days 4 & 5- Monday & Tuesday

On Monday Leah & I headed to shop and to the spa while the guys headed to a work event for Jared, then Shane & I cleaned up and headed shopping and to dinner at a wonderful Italian place!  Jared & Leah were at a work dinner- but we met up afterwards to wrap up a wonderful trip together with some dessert, of course!  Tuesday we headed home to our sweet boys, but we are looking forward to our next trip together!! 

Chicago- 1st half

First was Colorado, then Boston/NYC, and now CHICAGO!  We love our trips with Jared & Leah!  We typically alternate planning them, and this time it was their turn- which worked out well since Jared was working for part of our trip.

Day 1- Friday
We flew out on Friday morning & after arriving we checking into the hotel & headed to Navy Pier for some sightseeing!  It was a pretty cool weekend, so we bundled up in coats and took off!

Love all the beautiful flowers around the city

Lunch at Harry Caray's

Garrett Popcorn is a must!

That evening we enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Shaw's Crab House and then headed to a play.. it was a little slow & we were exhausted from 3:30am wakeup calls.  So needless to say, we were back at our hotels before the play ended!

Day 2- Saturday
We stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn (great suites thanks to Jared)- and so we were able to enjoy a FREE yummy breakfast every morning!  So after breakfast on Saturday morning we headed to Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) to check out the SkyDeck.  Unfortunately the fog was bad, so we decided to walk up Michigan Ave and around Millennium Park instead (and try the SkyDeck on Sunday.)

Kinda odd

Love

Such a fun place for concerts

After lunch we had reservations for a boat architectural tour- which was SO interesting.  Usually I'm not a person who enjoys history, but the tour was fantastic!  Jared's parents joined us since they were in town as well- fun times!  It was pretty chilly, especially when we got out on the lake- thank goodness for coats and hot chocolate!

With Jared's parents

Wonderful friends- the best.

Amazing to see the bridges go up to let boats through

That night we enjoyed a lovely dinner with Jared's parents and a few co-workers & then headed to a piano bar afterwards.  I've never been to one, but it was so much fun!

Claire, Leah, and me at the piano bar- love meeting new friends!