Iced Tea

We got an Iced Tea maker many many years ago. And, we wore it out.

A few years ago, I bought another one. We just could not get past the plastic smell and taste of the pitcher. I returned it or Goodwilled it.

Yesterday, we ran in to a store to find my FIL a Father's Day gift and I saw this iced tea jug. I bought it.

Today, we bought tea the the Farmer's Market and my tea is steeping as I type this. I am excited to see how this turns out. I like Bodum's designs and hope this lives up to my expectations.

As for my FIL, he built his own compost area in the back of their yard. We bought him a kitchen compost container to simplify his treks to out to the bin.

I am off the hook as far as the Big Guy is concerned. We got tickets to Seattle for Fall Break. We will head out there with the boys. I am super excited! We are considering that our gift to each other for the next few occassions!

Gladiolus - Finally!

Years ago, we planted quite a few Gladiolus bulbs. Each year the greenery grows, but we don't get any flowers.

This year we have one! It is gorgeous.

Wish we knew what the magic trick was.

Guess we just have to enjoy this one while we can!

Pumpkin is interested in the Coast Guard.

It seems like once they are on your radar screen, you notice them around a bit more.

We even saw them on the river in Chicago.

Last Week's Farmers Market

Last Thursday, Peanut and I "ran" through the Farmer's Market before his ortho appointment.

We bought some cauliflower. I am not a fan of cauliflower, but thought the purple cauliflower was worth a shot. I just steamed it. The Big Guy and I enjoyed it. The fact that it was fresh had lots to do with it. The purple color is just plain funny!

We bought some broccoli. That was a hit. Again, the freshness can't be beat.

We bought some strawberries. They were delightful. They just about melted in our mouths and they were so juicy.

We bought some fresh eggs. We haven't had them yet. They just make me smile when I open the frig.

Can't wait to stop by Thursday morning. I hope they have zucchini, squash, and tomatoes!

Happy Birthday, Teenager!

He got his birthday present yesterday - a day early. He spent the night at a friend's on Friday. We picked up his phone and just could not wait until today to give it to him.

I haven't seen that big of a smile in a long time!

After he went to bed we went to work on a few surprises for him.


We got him a few other things too. Buddy loved supervising the opening of the presents.

We played musical beds this weekend. We moved Pumpkin's bed down to Peanut's room. We moved the guest bed into Pumpkin's room. And, we moved the twin trundle bed up to the guest room. Both boys love having bigger beds! I still have to work out the comforters, bed skirts, and sheets. But, we were able to make due with what we have right now.

We went to mass at noon. It is late for us but may become the summer routine. We all exercised and ate homemade french toast before heading to church. It was nice. Peanut planned the rest of the day. We headed to Uncle Lou's for lunch and the Nike store to check out the shoes.

I spent the late afternoon making the birthday dinner. I made Italian sausage lasagna, with salad and bread for dinner. All of us gave the meal a thumbs up!

The last request of the day was Chocolate Pie. The recipe is one from my MIL. Peanut loved it. Pumpkin liked it minus the meringue. I am sure they will be fighting over it tomorrow!

I can't believe my baby is 13! I made sure I hugged him and kissed him as much as I could today!!

Chicago Fire

Part of the reason we went to Chicago was to take in a Chicago Fire MLS game. They played the San Jose Earthquakes.

I did not pack too well as far as rain gear went. It was drizzling even when we went to sit in our seats. We weren't quite sure what we'd be in for. We took a walk around the stadium and the gift store. When we got back to our seats, the rain was history. It was such an enjoyable evening!

The only improvement would have been for the Fire to win. They tied at 2-2.

There is an over the top fan section. If you want to sing, cheer and chant, you go sit down there in the endzone.

Our seats were 10 rows up from the field. It was wonderful to watch the players and see their talent first-hand. I love that the clock is continuous and you don't have to put up with television time outs.

We are living in an inferno. It is hard to imagine that just last week, we had our coats on! See that awesome Fire baseball cap.

I don't think my cap is too flattering, but it was the best bet to protect from some of the rain.

We might try to see a game in Columbus when we are in Cincinnati later this summer.

Palmer House Hilton

For our trip to Chicago, we decided to take a chance and book our stay through Priceline. It all worked out in our favor. We got a room at the Palmer House Hilton. The Big Guy and I stayed there years ago before kids. My MIL stayed there too - even more years ago!!

It is historic and it is beautiful. Yes. It was cold LAST week. Who knew we'd be living in a furnace this week!

The pickin' was slim for pants for Peanut. He's outgrown everything and I did not want to buy pants just for a few days in Chicago. He appeased me and wore an old pair of soccer pants.

This was outside the elevator on our floor. We were up in the air on the 16th floor.

The center ceiling and light fixtures were not that high. The Big Guy only had an inch or two to spare. I am sure the hotel had to be retrofitted to meet code. As a result, the ceilings were lowered to hide all the pipes and electrical.

The beds were comfy, even though, the boys were fighting for their own space in the double bed!

We've got a few more hotel stays on the calendar this summer. I'm thinking Priceline may just be the way to go!!