Uncle Brock's birthday part 2: mmmmmMaggiano's

Our last meal in Schaumburg was at Maggiano's... one of my favorites!

And we did family style; oh yum!

The salad/appetizer course. Since (tomato-despising) Andy wasn't there, we enjoyed tomato caprese, bruschetta, and two salads.

Main course:
Chicken pesto linguine, gnocchi in tomato vodka sauce,
seared pork medallions, and chicken parmesan...

Mid-meal, we took turns taking Annika on walks. We ended up upstairs by Brittany's bat mitzvah. The sweet manager noticed Annika, and offered a few of the chocolate-covered pretzels the kitchen had prepared for Brittany's party. Annika was pretty stoked.

So thanks to Brittany, who we've never met, (and her parents who paid for it) for providing entertainment for Annika!

the bread kept this girl happy

and then dessert:

tiramisu, profiteroles (not shown), and apple crostada

and yes, dessert was good too. :)

sharing
and yummy leftovers too- what fun!

What a fun and delicious birthday weekend- thanks, Mom and Dad!

And Brock for having a birthday. :)

Uncle Brock's birthday part 1

We got to go up and visit Uncle Brock and Aunt Jen for Brock's birthday a few weeks ago...

Here's some of the fun:

California Pizza Kitchen... oh, how we love pizza (okay, we pretty much love all food)!

Rainforest Cafe
The fish were cracking her up.

...still talking about the fish...
...and of course, we can't NOT get a volcano... a rare shot with Mommy in it!
and the entertainment for the evening?
going up and down the escalators.
Can you just sense the guys' excitement?!

...then just before we leave the mall, Mommy gets in on the fun...
and then we head back to the hotel to recharge for another day of fun.

Our Annika

Many days I ponder nature vs. nurture...
am I making her this unusual?
Is my crazy rubbing off on her?
Or is this really the way God made her? (more organizing)

"Making dishes"
requires an apron, some containers, and running water (and apparently strange head devices), and provides lots of entertainment
She is one fun little girl!

What is wrong with this picture?

Everyday pictures

This was from the first nice spring day. I was giddy with excitement to get out!
Not that this is a good photo...
but it's rare for both to be looking at the camera at the same time.

Don't let her fool you... normally after she's done with her bottle she's attempting to climb over the back of the highchair. Annika brings entertainment. Yes, there's someone back there... Boo! an Alexa attack