Trip to Chicago - Grammas 80th B-day

Well--we have had such a great Summer. The kids and I visited Liz (my sister) and her four girls in Chicago. We had a bit of a drive from MSP there with diaper changes and the works (unfortunately Raegan didn't make it to the bathroom at the rest area and we had a bit of a mess to deal with--alas, we all made it!

The girls played dress up while Brody I believe was the Court Gester...they had a ball until Raegan found her heals were hurting her feet and that walking barefoot through the puddles was far more fun.

Liz took the older kids on an adventure through the city using public transportation. Raegan LOVED it! She got to ride a REAL train. Their adventure landed them (a mere 2 hours or so later...just got lost once:))at Ed Debevicks, where the waiter told Annika something about poop in her food from the cook, and Annika I believe told him that he was silly. They had a great time.

The highlight of the trip was Gramma Pat's 80th birthday! Such a good time seeing everyone. We were all at Brian and Rosalie's for the party and it was nice to reconnect. However, have you ever tried to take a picture of 7 kids (soon to be 8) 5 and under? Tough job!

Well, here are a few more fun pics of the kids as they are growing. Love to you all!

Catching Up

Quick Update
Well, Brody is walking pretty much full time now. It is more of a waddle (just like his Mom!!) but it is erally fun to watch him get so excited about it. He is so proud of himself. He has been feeling well and doing great. Such a sweet personality. Raegan is such a great big sister. She is always asking about the baby in my tummy and when it will be visiting us and is often found playing with Brody down at her kitchen. She asks about all of her cousins and prays for Aunts and Uncles and Gramma's etc everynight. We got pictures taken at church and she said "Oh Mommy, It's so beautiful." She loves her jewelry and purse which is filled to the gills with "monies" that she finds in my purse.

I am doing well according to the doctor and am on track for the 8:30 AM slot on March 21st at Waconia. In the meantime Brad has been wonderful about giving me free time to relax (manicure and pedicure for valentine's day!) and enjoy myself free of kids, knowing that in just a few short weeks I will be pretty well planted at home. Brad is ramping up with more golf lessons and a few of his regular personal training clients which really energizes him.

On a side note--book sales are maintaining and growing. I sold 35 copies through Amazon last month and am already at 32 for the month of Feb--so that is pretty exciting. Also, the Dutch version of 101 Movie Clips that teach and train will be released this Spring!! Exciting. Sara's friend, Eric, and his dad just finished reviewing the translation and it has been approved for printing! YEAH.

Love to you all!