G & G and KFC!

Chicago day 3

Up and at em! Vicki invited us on an afternoon of shopping and fun in Long Grove, Illinois. So we got dressed and headed to this small little 'village of shops' and kicked things off with a great lunch.

The Bloody Mary babysat us, and Mom kept an eye on Olive.

Funny enough we found this place that specialized in Olive Oils! It was like a brewery with 40 different taps to sample from.

We ended up buying a plate.

One Brazilian vendor had some great sandals for Rebecca, and in the corner of her shop, I saw this painting, and it made me think of Olive in the future. We'll have to wait and see..

In another 'garden' shop we found some great artworks, including these wire sculptures hanging from the ceiling.

I really dug this giant Crane.

Olive on the other hand, was a little wary.

So then we headed out to McHenry for an afternoon boat tour of Pistakee Bay.

So beautiful.

Like I said, so beautiful.

:)

And Grandpa had the engines revving, eager to get us on the water.

Once he got past the 'no wake' zone, Grandpa put the pedal to the metal.

Hang on!

Within 5 minutes, we were out on the open water. It was wonderful having the lake to ourselves and the wind in our hair. Grandpa was point out a lot of scenic parts, but that engine was so loud, I didnt hear a word..

But I had fun!

No explanation needed for this house: The Pistakee Bay Yacht Club.

And whatever parts I missed, Vicki told me all about..

One boatride, and one great sunset later, Mommy and Olive took five in Grandpa's favorite chair.

Two neighbors from across the bay stopped by.

We got home about 8, and we had a dirty Olive to take care of. So we cleaned out the sink, grabbed the baby, and soon we were splish splashin away.

Mom got to dry her off

A nice end to such a busy day, eh mom?

Chicago day 2

Day 2 was here and Olive was ready to party..

Grandma was anxious to greet her little grand daughter,

while mommy and daddy were eager to taste those bloody maries.. (what is it with drinking out in Illinois..? It is like 'the' thing to do out there.)

Let the day of beach hats begin!

Everyone is happy! Yay!



Great day for a poolside BBQ, and all our friends and family from McHenry were stopping by.



Such a great shot..





Me and my marine haircut were helping Bob in the kitchen, just listening to all the grown ups cooing and cawing at Olive.



Let the party begin!

Some great laughs that afternoon, as always.

Thanks everyone..



Gilligan!!!!!



Thats one proud grandma..!



We've been eager to take this photo for a long time: "Olive in Chicago"

Wahooooo!!!!



After a long day, and after Olive was fast asleep, we all gathered around the computer and did our taxes.

Let me tell ya.. CPA's know how to party!

Over the river and through the terminal Pt 1

So an early day it was as we packed up Rachel's civic and she took us to LAX. Olive was on her best behavior as she curled up in a little ball and slept the whole way there. (We were VERY lucky, I know..)

No diapers, no screaming, not even a peep. We, along with all the passengers in our section were completely surprised and relieved..

They're here!

Rebecca and Olive arrive, looking for Grandma Garrison.

We did find her out front waiting in the car. Once she saw us, she pulled a Dukes of Hazard move, climbed out the window and slid over the hood. She came running at us with a huge smile on her face.. It was so great to see her so happy to see her son.

Funny thing though. Mom went right past me, straight to Olive..

Grandma had some catching up to do, and she did.

It had been six or seven weeks since they had seen each other, so they had lots to talk about. It was pretty special moment.

Great Grandma Lois tried to cut in but Grandma G held her ground.

But Olive was in a grand mood, as always. And it was so exciting to be in this living room, the one I played in since I was Olive's age, and to be here with my daughter.

wow.

But the excitement started to die down a bit, as mom just kept playing with baby for another 7 hours..

After brokering some baby time for 'a later time and date', Mom finally decided to share the kid with everyone else...



And then the Great Grandparents moved in and worked their magic. Grandma was singing songs and making new chirps and whistles, I was getting jealous. Olive was enraptured!

Grandpa, always the gentleman, awaited his first dance with the baby.



And another 14 hours later, Great Grandma Lois acquiesced.



More to come..!