It's Still Freezing Outside ...

Spring?! Sorta. There are blossoms on the trees and the sun comes out just enough for a tease, but today it's still below freezing (according to the "feels like" temperature) - they don't call this the Windy City for nothing! On the colder days, we go indoors to play. And I must say, one perk about living in the city is that there are a good number of indoor places to play (for a price, of course).

Like a stop at the Auto Show, but not before we get to look at normal cars in the glass walkway over the street.

And free test drives we get to watch on the show floor - the performance section was the most interesting to see.

 And pretending to be Mickey Mouse and control the water in the fountain.

 BUT the best part was the kids' Ford F-150 test drive for Mickey!

 We also sometimes to to Costco and wander around . . . but that also sometimes led to Mickey's first blackeye.

 We also love getting cards and stickers from Grandma.

Or we go to Target and pretend to play lacrosse like and Deej.

 Or going to the Harley Davidson store to play. Mickey says, "I'm a motorcycle guy." :)

 And then crash during quiet time at home (though he usually won't take naps anymore).

 With all the public transportation we've been taking, Mickey had to use a nebulizer to heal - and he did it for a week like a champ.

We couldn't pass by the Orchid Show one cold week either!

 And Goose learned some new tricks! Like sitting up on his own!

And rolling over! (Both from front to back and back to front).

And winning wrestling matches with brother.

 Can't forget Skyping family! Mickey especially loves Skype book reading!

When we can get out, we love heading to all the parks around. AND Mickey FINALLY found the joys of slides and will run around to go down again (can you believe it mom!?)

 And on especially warm days, we head out to do the closest thing to hiking as we can here.

I must say, we especially LOVED the sun and nature and can't wait for more! (Oh mr. sun, sun, mr. golden sun, please shine down on me .... :) )

We can't forget our trips to the temple! The Mr and I have to take turns so we make it a family affair and Mickey always asks if he gets to go in. :)

Oh, and one thing in particular that we have enjoyed here more than any other place we have lived is the vastness of biking paths and destinations. Thankfully we were able to bike through a nature preserve this Spring to get our hearts moving again. ;) Looking forward to lots more of that when summer hits!

Lunch picnic break on the bike ride.

Put Me In the Zoo

"I will go into the zoo.

I want to see it.

Yes, I do."

Duck pond at the zoo - he's seen ducks millions of times, but it's always a favorite.

With all the cold weather, it was hard to stay outside with the littles, so we ventured into the ape building to see the gorillas. Mickey loved it! 

All my boys in a tree. :)

When it warms up, we definitely want to come back and see the sea lion show. But for now, it was definitely fun to just watch them swim around.

Warming Up

... to the city any way. The weather is definitely not warming up here - it's colder here (for longer) than I ever remember Utah being. BUT, we are exploring the city and finding our way around to people and places we enjoy. We started off our adventure here with our Family Christmas Outing - a present we give to the whole family to go do something fun together, to ensure that family time doesn't get lost in all the gift giving and toys. This year, we went to see Disney on Ice - Frozen. I've always wanted to see a Disney on Ice show (for years when I was younger, I secretly wanted to be a figure skater . . . in fact, I still think it would be fun). We figured there's no better time than when a show Mickey loves is also showing (that and Mickey loves his nickname namesake, Mickey Mouse).

Loved it! So much fun! Mickey enjoyed it too. . . but did get a bit nervous at the "scary" parts with bad guys (like the marshmallow snow monster).

New Year, New City, New Home

We're so transitory. Last year we moved 4 times. This year I'm hoping it will only be once (but it may end up being twice - only time will tell). BUT, for now, we have signed a lease for a new home we'll be moving into next week, in Chicago! Can you believe it? The Mr. is moving into full-time employee instead of full-time student. Wow! This will be crazy, but we're excited for this new page in the story of our lives. Keep following and we may share all the fun things we find in Chicago. :)

Anyway, here's a few picture updates of our boys - love them!

Being kings (idea brought on by King Mosiah)

 Blessing Goose:

 And a bike Mickey takes/rides all over the house:

 

Days of Gratitude

Happy post-holidays! We hope you were all able to spend time with your loved ones! I am trying to be more grateful, so bear with me.

"We can choose to be grateful, no matter what. This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer."
(Click here for the full talk from President Uchtdorf).

1. I am grateful when Mickey splashes water all over the counters, floor, and himself when washing dishes with me. It means we have clean water to wash dishes with and, more importantly, that Mickey is willing to help and work with me.

2. I am grateful for the trial of not knowing where we're going to live or work next month. It is very stressful, but it is helping us to find strength together, to find a greater capacity within ourselves, and to turn more to our Heavenly Father. (There's a new video about this here).

3. I am grateful when sick children wake me up in the middle of the night. It means I get to spend at least one more moment of time with my precious Littles in this world where life is so fragile. It also means I get to hear Mikey say "thank you" when he's mostly asleep and I help adjust him to breathe more easily.

4. I am grateful when the Mr gets up early to play ball, even when he wakes up the boys or can't stay to help Mickey go back to sleep while I feed Goose. It gives him the exercise he needs and helps him be happy.

5. I am grateful for a job, even though it is far from family. It will give us a chance to learn and grow and have a new adventure.

6. I am grateful when it's a little chilly in the mornings. It's still warmer than what our grandparents had to live with in winter.

7. I am grateful when Goose falls asleep in my arms.

8. I am grateful when we get to visit friends and say goodbye. I know I will see them sometime-even if it's not until the next life.

9. I am grateful that we finally have a place to live in where we're going.

10. I am grateful when I am sick, sore, or in pain. It reminds me how amazing my body is and how much I take it for granted.