celebrating 5 years of bea

Bea's dream: cousins, candy and crafts. Look at that joy!

We made Halloween houses and I had no idea how into it they would get. Especially the boys!

Iggy could have his own show on the Food Network. 

Cordelia and Emmett really enjoying each others company, offering decorating tips and frosting support.

Look at that attention to detail! I'd love to walk up and m&m driveway and into a candy corn house!

I hope she felt and special as I think she is. 

bea is five!

Beatrix is five, FIVE.

lincoln park zoo fall fest

Lincoln Park Zoo had their first ever fall fest this year. It was sooooort of similar to Zoo Lights. We made it a ladies event and met Auntie Rosie there.

The girls went down the fun slide and the operators expected ME to go with Cordelia. Yes it was a steep flight of stairs up and a fast and bumpy ride down. But I don't think that would have been an enjoyable ride for a wide pregnant lady. So they let it slide and allowed Coco to go on her own.

First ferris wheel ride for the kids. It seemed wildly unsafe to me. It took everything I had to snap this picture of Bea before quickly putting my phone away and holding onto them. I think my age is starting to show.

fall art show: tim burton inspired

Most parents were creeped out by the Big Eyes pictures, but they were my absolute favorite! And I love that Coco isn't smiling. 

This show was mainly about photography and fashion, based on a bunch of Tim Burton movies. 

Coco as Pee Wee.

There was also a fashion show. The kids modeled an assemble of their own creation.

These art shows are so special. The kids have always been so excited during the prep process and so proud during the show. 

school block party

Bea's new school threw a block party a week after school started. The girls are always down for a party, especially those that are in the street.

Cordelia loves pigs, it's no secret. 

What's a block party without some apple bobbing. Bea is thinking strategically while Cordelia is thinking 'bout cheatin'.

They had this cute little set up where you can bid on a bunch of junk with tickets that cost pennies. The kids went crazy for it. Then they patiently wait and hope their ticket gets picked.

Coco moves fast when she wins something!

A baby wolf.

A prayer bear.

Never let them play musical chairs without a long talk about losing.

loco coco

These pictures don't best illustrate Coco at her finest. They are just recent one's I have on my phone.

This is Coco with "her guy". This is actually Scott's Homer toy and he shouts rude things when you press the little yellow button. She loves him.

Cordelia and I had some alone time at the park. Here she is taunting an older boy because he can't do the fireman pole. You can see a few tats on her arms. But what you can't see is the full tat sheet on her lower back. She gave it to herself before anyone else woke up that morning. 

steamy air and water show

Every year we try and make it to the air and water show. We jam the kids in the bike trailer and pack a picnic. This year was no exception. EXCEPT there were swarms of dragonflies. Tons. Big ones. All up and down the lake front. We got to our usual spot and then walked in hope of finding a clear area. You were only safe in the shade or on the cement.

We opted for the shade.

The shade wasn't enough for Bea, she had to have the Mexican popsicles.

The dragonflies eventually left after a couple of hours and the kids went up and down the rocks while we watched the show.

My sweaty sweeties.