Shower for Elena

Elena is the mom of the twin boys (you know, Bryker's fellow triplets). Now she's having a girl, but she's leaving us for Montana. WHAT?! Well, lucky for her, her student life is ending so she gets to move on to the "real life" phase now. We'll miss her and her boys sooooo much (oh yeah, and her husband, too!).

Check out this awesome hat, made by Kris Tina.

The talents keep coming. Carrie made this amazing quilt.

The whole gang. (This was held at Mo's amazing new loft. So pretty!)

Wait, is Elena really pregnant? She hardly looks it!

And, of course, the famous Stephanie. We've served in Primary (the kids group at church) together for the past six months. I guess since she's been in there for more than four years, some people thought it might be a good idea to let her out. I don't think it was a good idea. Just kidding! We're all anxious to see where her new calling will take her!

And just for kicks, the "triplets."

Mmmmmmmm...

Thanks, Shana for the delicious pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!

Oak Brook

Gary had a conference in a nearby suburb that is known for it's amazing shopping, so Bryker and I went out Friday afternoon and we all stayed overnight in a hotel. The first thing Bryker did in the hotel room was climb onto the bed and make himself at home.

Unfortunately he didn't love the hotel porta-crib, but he certainly slept comfortably in our bed - and took a three-hour nap on Saturday!

The Field Museum

The famous "Sue"

The Boys. Charlie, Ashton, Seth, Bryker and Connor. How sad that all four boys except Bryker are moving this summer. Seth and Connor are twins and everywhere we go, people ask if those two and Bryker are triplets! (Bryker is only nine months younger, but happens to be bigger than the twins!)

Did I say "Survivor?"

Oops. We found the last bunny in our backyard on Saturday. Yep, dead (don't worry - no pictures). So the saga ends. Hooray for me!!

Now onto the good stuff. When Gary and I first moved to Chicago I had no idea there were miles and miles of beach! We discovered Lake Shore Drive the first week we were here and it immediately went up to the top of the list of favorite things to do here (at least for five months of the year). My friend Heidi lives pretty close to the popular North Avenue Beach so I parked at her house and we walked over. Check out Bryker and Claire. They have so much fun together. Both of their personalities are so funny. They are only six weeks apart and both of their dads are in the ortho program here in Chicago (which means both of their moms have survived their entire marriages living the student life!). Needless to say, we relate well! Bryker and Claire even have nicknames for each other. Claire is officially known as "Claire-Bear" at our house and anytime Claire is around, Bryker is "Marker."





Overall, we had a great day at the beach. Except for when Bryker threw his ball into the lake and then went in himself to get it. Don't worry - I pulled off a "Baywatch" save. Then a big wind storm kicked up and the stroller tipped over and hit Bryker in the head. He was talking about both episodes for days! Other than that...it was great. Cute little Oliver joined us towards the end, but after so much fun, my camera was buried (in my bag, not the sand). But I'm sure there will be more beach days ahead.

The Survivor

Okay, I know you are all desperately wondering how the bunnies are doing. Unfortunately, I have a sad update (at least some might think so!). Three out of the four bunnies didn't make it. Thanks to a STUPID CAT! Some cat got into the backyard and was playing with the bunnies and apparently when they don't stay in the hole with their siblings, they can't withstand the cold of the night. I chased the cat away twice (at midnight...yes, Gary thinks I'm crazy) and even blocked off the gate opening so it couldn't get in. But apparently it got in the next day. I noticed they were not moving all day so I put Gary on clean up duty. When he went out there, he noticed that one of the little bunnies was still alive. He or she (or it) is a survivor! It quickly hopped away but we have seen it in our yard a couple of times now. Go baby bunny.


For Memorial Day, we went to the zoo and Gary and Bryker saw a monkey urinating on some of the innocent bystanders. Too bad I wasn't there with the camera! (I was parking - yeah, it takes about 20 minutes to find a spot on holidays!) It was such a warm day that we had to make a stop for some ice cream after. Then we had a fun barbecue with some friends from our ward.