Chickago (Chicago chick style)

Downtown Chicago from the 95th floor at the John Hancock Building

Christmas tree at the Drake Hotel

Nina, Alix and Sara

Mom Kari just returned from Chicago where she spent three amazing days with amazing women in an amazing city. I have been there before and done it before but the city seemed extra fabulous this time. Maybe it is because my days as a mom are a lot easier to spice up with, well just about anything. Don't get me wrong, coming home to my three boys was nothing short of heart filled bliss but I did enjoy a break from "what'll it be ... oatmeal or waffles?" 

I met my St. Olaf College gal pals Nina, Sara and Alix Thursday night and we basically ate, drank, shop, toured, talked and giggled until Sunday morning. We saw the American Girl store when we shopped Michigan Avenue and that was absolutely enlightening as a mom of boys. It is a small city for dolls where you can buy clothing, furniture, books, accessories, pets, hair brushes, shoes and you name it for your American Girl doll(s). There is even a doll salon, a doll hospital and little doll chairs for your doll to eat lunch with you. I would have fainted with excitement if such a thing were available when I was a tyke. We also took a 2-hour tour trolley ride and saw a good part of the city and heard some fun and interesting stories. That particular trip was topped off with drinks and appetizers on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building. The best part was being with the girls just catching up and sharing our lives with each other.

My dear friend Carolyn picked me up from my hotel Sunday a.m. and brought me to her adorable neighborhood just north (I think) of Chicago. We had breakfast at the Kitsch'n, caught up and then she brought me back to her hip condo. There I was honored to meet and get to know her fiancé Chris and their dog Bart. It had been way too long and it was a perfect cherry on top of my trip.

When I came home I was walking from the plane through the airport listening to a man from Boston tell me about the health care presentation he was modifying for the next day when I saw two little blond boys take off running and screaming "mommy!". Needless to say I ditched health care guy and was gleefully tackled by my little guys. 

St. Joseph and Saint Steve

Jude watching his leaves float away

Steve and Mary Jane

Jackson, Honor and Will

One of the oh so hip lofts

Steve and Todd atop the rooftop garden at the lofts

On Saturday we headed south for a very quick trip to St. Joseph, Missouri where Todd's best friend Steve and his family hosted an open house to showcase his latest project to the city of St. Joseph. He converted a very old building into hip happening lofts and retail space, 258 of them to be exact, and we are ultra proud of him. Steve was (and is) very supportive in Todd's quest to work for himself and be his own boss and we are eternally grateful to him. We hold Steve, Mary Jane, Jackson and Honor really, really close to our hearts and consider them family. Good peeps they are indeed.

Jinkies! Three Scoobies?!

Halloween night on a Friday night? Perfect. And even more perfect was the weather. I imagine wherever you are that your weather was pretty darn fantastic too. And despite the fact that I have consumed 2 butterfingers, 1 Kit Kat and a nibble of Skittles (only in the last couple of hours) the whole weekend was a big hoot. Will was Scooby Doo as were his buddies Tyler and Ryan. Jude was a puppy, cousin Gracie a witch (a nice one so she could be pretty), cousin Reese a kitty and Todd that weird creepy guy he is every year. Gaga came over to take charge of our candy bowl so we all hit the streets for oodles of treats. And they are still here. Where shall I hide them from myself?! 

Little Goblins Run

This last weekend Will and his buddy Nolan "competed" in a race at a local lake. It was adorable! Most kids were dressed in costume, but anyone who really knows Will knows it takes a LOT of peer pressure to get him into a costume so he did not wear his Scooby Doo duds. I was so proud of the boys and got downright teary. The look in their eyes was so intense as they ran and they just looked so proud. Alice from Alice in Wonderland won, just so you know, but all the kiddos were winners and the medals proved it ; )

Half empty or half full, hmmmmm.

Today Todd woke me from my slumber with the words "wake up, our basement is flooded". Fun, eh?! After some ranting, stomping and impatient gestures (and loads of wet vac yuck) we decided we are pretty darn lucky AND blessed. The air is very heavy with the doom of the economy and we just feel extra lucky to have each other. Houses break, money comes and goes and business isn't always bustling but we have each other. And you have yours : )

Fall Fun with Friends in Minnesota

We just returned from a feel good, yummy kind of trip to Minnesota. We started out by seeing our Minnesota family, the Princes (minus Cori who is in Chicago). My "sis" Kristin is heroically battling Hodgkins Lymphoma and it was so nice to be able to see her and hug her. She is in our daily thoughts and prayers as she keeps on intently living, laughing and loving (her motto). We love you sista Kristin! My mom went with us to Minnesota so everyone enjoyed that part of the visit too.

The next day we saw our old neighbors from St. Louis Park for a play date. Three of the five girls (and now one baby boy) were born within weeks of Will so we had many a good time together. We couldn't stop staring in disbelief at how much the girls have grown and how beautiful they all are! It would be an understatement to say that we miss this fabulous group of friends. By the way, if any of you from Minnesota are in need of photography services or know of someone who is, Jeff's blog is on our blog list. He is wicked good! 

The next day we headed to Mike, Catherine and Caden Langer's house for what seemed way too fast of a visit. As usual we were treated like royalty and indulged in delicious conversation and superb cuisine. Friday night we saw baby Owen Robertson and oh yeah, his mom and dad Katie and Travis ; ) Owen is a perfect addition to the boy crew! The next day the Langers took us on a very unique mini golfing excursion where an artist has created a course on his farm using a lot of natural and recycled materials. If you are in MN check it out! It is called Big Stone Mini Golf and Sculpture Garden. We also went to the Landscape Arboretum which was not a bit short of dreamy. A  small highlight for Kari was a steamy cup of Caribou Coffee.

It is hard to sum up fabulousness in words on a blog. To try and do so, there were many great times with many great peeps! And thanks to Scooby Doo DVDs the boys did very well in the ol' minivan. 

More pumpkin patch fun

I told you we can't get enough of this place! Here are some photos from our trip to the pumpkin patch with dad.