Dauphin Island Vacation

We just returned from a dreamy vacation on Dauphin Island, where we stayed with Wade's family in a lovely beach house. All 14 of us made wonderful memories together as we lounged in the cottage, played on the beach, frolicked in the water, sailed and fished the ocean, dined on the daily catch and relaxed with loved ones. This was Leila's grand introduction to our family and her first vacation (in only her second week of life).

Here's Liliana in her new flip flops and wrap-around sunglasses... ready for the beach. She poses on the large deck that stretches behind the house and overlooks the bay and a small pond that draws pelicans and other water birds. Plenty of seashells and hermit crabs lined the beachfront and provided entertainment for the cousins.

On the gulf side of our house was a gorgeous beach with fine white sand and very few tourists. We spent many days hanging out in the sand, collecting shells and watching dolphins (stingrays and a jellyfish, too) while the children played. Here's Liliana, who enjoyed a brief moment buried in the sand (thanks to Daddy). She couldn't get enough of the beach!

Below, the cousins (minus sleeping Leila Madeline) pose during a breathtaking sunset. The final photo shows the entire family together on our last day of the vacation.

Liliana's Athletic Prowess

Yesterday was a big day in the athletic arena. Not only did Liliana begin riding a "big girl" bike with training wheels, but she also made huge strides at the pool. Oh yeah, my baby girl jumped off the diving board and swam to the ladder seven times in a row--without a flotation device or assistance from Mommy or Daddy! You may have heard my cheering from across town.

Speaking of swimming, here's a video of contagious laughter and serious fun at the hotel swimming pool...

On the Road Again!

Liliana and I accompanied Wade on yet another work trip last week. This time we visited the Illinois cities of Peoria and Chicago, creating adventures all along the way. In Peoria, Liliana had a comfortable view from the jogging stroller as we galavanted around the downtown area. The riverfront had a great walking path with several parks for Liliana to climb and play. And, of course, she had a ball in the hotel pool.

In Chicago, we were excited to dine at our fave, the Grand Lux Cafe, and spend time with friends at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Here we are in front of a beautiful botanical display--one of dozens on Michigan Avenue. Can you tell that we just enjoyed the most delicious brunch known to mankind? The night before, we walked to the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park. What a mad crowd! I've never seen so many people trying to get a slice of deep dish pizza!

While Liliana and I hung out with my college friend, Tiffani and her girls, Wade had an opportunity to play golf. It was his second outing of the trip...so he was lovin' it! Here's Liliana with her new pal, Maddi. They're pretending to be baby beavers, like those in the exhibit behind them.

Below, the friends are joined by little Kayla (Maddi's sister) in a sculpture near the zoo cafe. The girls had a wonderful time, and I enjoyed catching up with my friend of 18 years (wow, that seems like a long time). Here's to old friends and good times!

Animal Paradise Adventure

I have to rewind to our most recent road trip and share this footage of our adventures at Animal Paradise near Springfield, Missouri.

The first video is sweet, while the second is a little crazy. Enjoy!

Two Days in Branson

Who knew Branson could be so much fun?

Midwestern Memorial Day Weekend

We just spent a week on the road, part in Illinois for Wade's work and part visiting my family in Indiana. Liliana and I had a ball staying in a hotel and seeing the local sights. She really dug playing in the pool and getting ready for summer fun at Chadwick.

Our time with family was relaxing and filled with hometown fun. Liliana played with her cousins, Luke and Clayton, the entire weekend. It was a delight to see the way they shared and communicated with one another.

Wade and I had lots of time to catch up with my mom and brother during the long weekend. I'm sure it's safe to say that Wade's highlights involved golf and my bro's new hawg. For me, relaxing with family was key.

Although I battled back & neck pain during the entire trip, I wouldn't change a thing. And next time, we'll bring Liliana's helmet so she can ride the Harley properly. Look how tiny she is on that huge Harley!

Chicago Weekend

We celebrated Mothers' Day weekend in Chicago. Wade had a conference for work, so we made it into a long family weekend. Liliana and I checked out Bloomingdale and the Indian Lakes Resort during Wade's sessions, and we spent time together in the evening.

The remainder of our mini-vacation was spent in downtown Chicago, where we hoofed it around town.

We took a trolley to Navy Pier, but didn't hail a cab the entire weekend.

Left: Wade and Liliana in front of the giant ampitheater.

Liliana especially loved the area surrounding the Art Institute. With its gardens, fountains, statues and millions of pebbles--she was in heaven. She especially enjoyed pretending the pebbles were birdseed.

Although the weather was on the chilly side, the sun made an appearance from time to time...and we soaked it up!

Believe it or not, this traveling puppet show was one of Wade's favorite attractions. Of course, Liliana got a kick out of it...but Wade talked about it for hours.

The highlight of my trip was a crazy good restaurant (and my new favorite) called The Grand Lux Cafe. The food and atmosphere were so incredible that we went back for Mother's Day breakfast. If you go to Chicago, you owe it to yourself to dine at the Grand Lux on Michigan Avenue!


Liliana loved Navy Pier. With so much to see and do, we spent half a day there. Our hotel was right in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, so we were close to all of the action.

Left: Liliana playing near the dancing fountains at Navy Pier.

No trip is complete without a visit to Rainforest Cafe! We were all enamored with the tropical ambience, and Liliana was thrilled to be surrounded by her favorite animals.

Minus the challenging 3-year-old behaviors, our Chicago adventure was delightful! The only thing that could have made our trip more spectacular would have been spending time with our Chicago-dwelling pals (who were all unavailable). We missed you guys!

Here's to Chicago & a memorable Mother's Day!

French Quarter

About ten minutes ago, I received the rest of the Mardi Gras photos. Normally I take all of the photos, but I was on strike during this trip. Suffice it to say that the strike is officially over. Anyway, I wanted to give everyone a better glimpse into the Carnival scene before moving on to the latest and greatest of St. Louis life. So, here you go!

Above: Liliana on my lap, Wade, Sarah (Wade's sis) and Victor outside Cafe du Monde, famous for their beignets (square doughnuts with piles of powdered sugar). Below: our little family enjoys large amounts of sugar. From the look on Wade's face, he was definitely on a sugar high!

More N'awlins Pix

The "W" gals on St. Charles Avenue.

Wade with his wife, bro and sis.

The performer bewilders Liliana.

Even crocs are friendly during Carnival!

Precious moments in the midst of Mardi Gras.

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!.

Let the good times roll! Here we are in N'awlins during Carnival. Liliana really had a great time, despite her "somebody save me" look in this photo!

We just returned from the Deep South, where we celebrated Carnival with family. Wade is from Mississippi, where (believe it or not) schools are closed for three days in recognition of Mardi Gras. We spent most of our time on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans watching the parades & catching all kinds of crazy throws. Little ones were definitely the big winners as floats passed by. And Liliana was no exception. Here's a taste of the items she received: dozens of unique beads, cups, and doubloons; a baby doll; a $25 box of board books; a porcelain clown; and about 25 stuffed monkeys, jesters, and other assorted animals. After all was said and done, we brought home five heavy bags of loot. Plenty to share with friends and neighbors!

Happy Fat Tuesday!

More of Our Trip

Wade and Liliana at Shedd Aquarium with all kinds of sea creatures behind them. Liliana explored the life aquatic while Wade and I enjoyed catching up with dear friends, old and new. What a treat!

Two dolphins "wow" the crowd as they fly out of the water at the aquarium. Although the resolution isn't great, I was thrilled to capture such a cool trick on camera.

On Christmas Eve, my family plays a game in which each person draws a number and selects a gift in numerical order. Each player can choose a wrapped gift from the table or steal an attractive gift that has already been opened by someone else. After some silly shenanigans, this is the gift I received when all was said and done. Gotta love Mexican artists!

Here's my mom on Christmas morning. She made this stocking (along with one for each of her three children) many years ago. Notice the toes on the stocking. I still have mine, but it has definitely seen better days!

In Michigan, we stayed in an apartment above my cousins house. It's a wonderful home-away-from-home for us every year. Left: Liliana pretends to have "thorns" in her feet and asks Mommy to help retrieve them. What a nut!

At the end of our trip, we spent time with my mom and brother's family in Indiana. I made chili for the group, and Wade agreed to chop the onions for me. Poor baby cried all afternoon! (Kinda reminds me of that YouTube guy that cried about Britney.)

A Photographic Overview

Liliana enjoys the high life at Chicago's Hotel Intercontinental.



Kayleigh, Liliana, Andrew, Nathan, Luke and Madelyn get ready for the dolphin show at the Shedd Aquarium.

We hung out with Joe and Steve (my good pals from college) and their families at Shedd Aquarium. What a great time for one and all!

Christmas morning in Michigan. Our little family prepares to open Christmas stockings.

Liliana and her cousins eating "Queen of Wheat" for breakfast. Thanks to Grammy Joy for a great time in Indiana.

A Little Life

Liliana buids one of many "cities" during our stay in H'burg.


Craft time on Thanksgiving morning. What a masterpiece!


"Cinnamon Stuff" made to order. Only $1.25 each.

Time, indeed, is a sacred gift, and each day is a little life.
~Sir John Lubbock

Touring the State Capitol

We recently took a day trip to the Missouri state capitol, Jefferson City. The purpose of our visit was to obtain our criminal background checks as part of our home study for adoption. While we were there, we also had an opportunity to tour the capitol building. Since I'm not a history buff, I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed the experience. The building itself was fascinating, from the grand statues and steps leading into the entrance to the lovely murals on the ceiling and the fossils embedded in the walls and floor. What an architectural gem!

While I took in the beauty of the capitol and the quaint little shops downtown, Liliana found pleasure in the simpler things. She particularly enjoyed experimenting with the echo of her voice in the capitol building while looking for every opportunity to climb steps (and there were hundreds). While we waited at the office for our records, she played for at least 30 minutes with stones on a retaining wall. I never cease to be amazed at the things that interest her and the way her sweet 3-year-old mind works. She is such a little dynamo!

Here's to the simple pleasures. ~Ramona

Reunited

Here I am with Katie, Kara and Beth on Saturday night during the annual 4th of July reunion. Every year, a group of cherished MCHS pals convenes in Madison for the weekend. We enjoyed a family pool party, Regatta on the river and a night out at the Broadway.