Parks

We spent one morning at the neighborhood park where we kids would go to play.  I even got a bee sting on my foot there when I was about 9 or 10 years old.  The older neighborhood kids pulled me all the way back home in a red radio flyer wagon.... one of the first lessons on the benefits of being a drama queen (hah!). The park has been very well updated and our girls enjoyed the new playground equipment.

Trails and beach

We ventured out the following morning into the brisk and sunny climate.  We hit the trails near my parents' home and walked for about half an hour.  At various points on the trail, we ran into these newly-constructed wood structures (presumably to saddle up on the horses??) which Lucia found to be fun and said "hooray" after climbing on to them. Afterward, we headed to the beach where Halmoni and Lucia perfected their rock throwing abilities.  The resort at the beach showcased the raw beauty of the lake.

Conducting gospel meeting

Northwestern University

A college campus always invigorates and stirs energy into my being!  The aura of knowledge seeping into bright, absorbent, eager, earnest minds mixed with the vitality and fun of youthful dreams always makes me happy. But stepping onto the very campus where I rushed from one class to the other, stressed over exams and papers, met lots of friends and envisioned many hopes... ahhhh, the feeling! And to share with my little girl the awesome rocks on the lake at the northern end of campus where my buddies and I used to eat HOT (read: suicide) wings and Jimmy Johns subs on sunny days.... ahhh, too cool!  And to climb those same rocks where Troy and I watched a bright orange harvest moonrise one evening thirteen years ago..... ahhh, tingly-kind of special!  We stopped at the rocks on the way home from the Shedd Aquarium on a chilly, but sunny afternoon.

The "BIG" train

Grandma and Grandpa met us in the city.  They took the train early Saturday morning from their house.  Lucia, her daddy and her Halabuhgee rode the train downtown to meet them.  Lucia was thrilled to ride a "BIG choo-choo train" instead of the small one we ride at our park.  Since they had a few minutes before catching the train, they stopped at the Caribou Coffee right next to the station.  That's my girl!

Shedd Aquarium Part II

Shedd Aquarium

We haven't been to the Shedd Aquarium for a LONG time, so we decided to trek downtown and explore it.  Lucia is probably too young to fully appreciate the whole thing but she liked the fish, frogs, iguanas, etc.  She liked the outside park area surrounding the Shedd even better, I think.

Library time

During the rest of the week, we relaxed, ate lots, explored new places, walked quite a few steps, and found the library on a cold morning when we couldn't play outside.

And before the party...

the girl cousins all ran around and played on the swingset.  The laughter and squeals rang throughout the neighborhood.  And the baby chilled with Grandpa.

Phoebe's Baek-il (100 days) Celebration

Our little girl is already three months old.  As you know, Koreans traditionally celebrate the baby's 100th day, stemming from when infant mortality was high.  These days, the baek-il is a great excuse to gather with friends and family, eat yummy food and lots of cake (and rice cake).  Halmoni and Halabuhgee bought all 5 granddaughters (plus Jessica, their 6th granddaughter, the American Girl Doll) matching dresses.  They all looked very cute together.  We also were happy to have "Uncle"Scott and "Uncle"Joel join us in the festivities.

Laughter is the best medicine

Phoebe learns to laugh:

 

 

Phoebe has randomly giggled a couple of times before, but today she started laughing at her sister and couldn't seem to stop!

Here's hoping these girls continue to laugh and play together...

Our excellent travellers

Our recent travels seemed even more exciting as our oldest girl comprehended the concept of traveling more.  She flew half-way across the globe a year and half ago but obviously didn't quite know what she was doing.  This time, she excitedly embraced the entire trip, eagerly waiting in line, moving through security with ease, walking the long trek to the gate (even maneuvering the moving sidewalks without any trouble), "reading" the safety instructions, etc.  These photos are from our trip out and back.  Phoebe also traveled great -- slept the whole time!

"Hurry up!"

The LONG walk to baggage claim

"You have my boarding pass?"

Home sweet home -- Chicago skyline

"Nice lady gave me a straw"

Safety first!