surprise!

I (Jane) flew out to Chicago this past weekend to surprise my dear friend, Lydia.  Her family was throwing her a baby shower, so when I found a great deal on a round-trip ticket, I jumped at the chance to be there.

Can't wait until they are a wee family of three - so fun!

 Another fun part of the weekend was to be in town to celebrate Lita's birthday - so, I surprised her as well.  Lots of fun snuggles with Eliza Wren were had by several of the Petersons' clan.

I was also able to spend some sweet time with Erik's brother, David, and his lovely bride-to-be, Carmen.  We'll see them next during their wedding festivities this June!

Eliza Wren loved being at Grandpa and Grandma's house - so much space to crawl around in, fun cabinet doors to play with, and a wee chair just her size.

Chicago: #5 - Park Day!

Our favorite day in Chicago was the park day.  It was gorgeous weather, we packed a huge picnic and went to an awesome park filled many fun places to play!  

Meredith had her first try at the money bars - woot!

David's girlfriend, Carmen, and Aunt Aleksa :)

game rules...

Erik lovin' the sun, siblings and play time!

                                                

 Cheerleaders have arrived!  

Auntie Lita and Meredith came over to check out the rousing basketball game.

Meredith found a special new lap to sit on while cheering on the sidelines. :)

A very fun day in the sunshine!

Chicago Trip: #3 - family time!!

We had lots of time to hang out with family during the 5 days we were in the Chicago suburbs.  Meredith played with all her aunts and uncles, grandparents, two great aunts and a great uncle.  

It was a full week!

Aunt Aleksa and Meredith made up a super fun and energetic peek-a-boo ball game

One....Two...Three with Grandma and Daddy!

Lots of special snuggles with Auntie Lita and the perk of viewing photos of her cat Max on her phone whenever Meredith said, "Kiiiittttttyyyyy?"

Erik and David had an arm wrestling contest.  I had to take Meredith out of the room because she thought her Daddy was in pain and she began wailing! :(

Special back rubs and snuggles from Uncle Bruno

Jane was able to squeeze in a girlie afternoon for chocolate milkshakes and pedicures! ooooo-la-la!

Fun with Friends

We spent many happy hours in Chicago land with dear friends. Meredith had some fun times with Lydia - she loved all the games Lyddy played with her! Lots of smiles....We had a lovely brunch with the Bruhns and Kawallers on Saturday, July 3rd. Meredith slept through most of it (yay for Mama!) and woke up afterwards to have some time with Meaghan. Meaghan got quite a giggle out of Meredith's baby sounds... :-)

Robb and Megan Robins spent an evening with us for a quick coffee and lots of catching up. Robb wore his famous glasses and gave Meredith a try...What do you think? Should Meredith go for this new style?

Chicago visit

Meredith met lots of new friends during our time in Chicago-land from June 28th - July 6th. Her favorites were by far her Auntie Lita and Uncle David! Of course, she spent some quality time with Grandpa Petersons and Grandma Petersons too. :-)

Auntie Lita tastes pretty good! (Meredith received a fashion consultation with her Auntie during this visit - thanks for the Osh Kosh!!)
Uncle David made a special trip just to spend time with his wee niece - thanks, Uncle David!!