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My birthday was last Thursday and while it was pretty low key I did get to spend a couple of kid-free hours shopping.  I bought myself a new purse and wallet but more importantly, I got to browse around and look at things I didn't even plan to buy without a kid screaming at me or asking for something.  That was huge!  We had a family celebration on Thursday night with dinner and carrot cake and then went out with some friends on Friday.  It was a great couple of days!

Me and Suki before dessert

Max thought it was his birthday!  We lit a candle for each of the kids so they could help me blow them out.

Post dinner - my two cuties!

Dinner (well, mostly drinks) at Old Town Social

Miggie, Gretchen and Me

I can't wait to see what thirty-four has in store for me!

UNDIES!!!!!

Diapers are soooooo last year!

Contentment

"The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have, and to be able to lose all desire for things beyond your reach"     - Lin Yutang

I am constantly struggling to find the balance between wanting more from life and being happy with where I'm at.  I have been trying to focus on living in the moment more and enjoying what we have today instead of thinking about what we'd like to have tomorrow...it's not always easy to stay focused. 

Is this something that you all struggle with too?

BathTime

Holiday Fun

The holidays came and went way too quickly this year.  As the kids get older it just gets more fun and more special.  I would love for it to last just a little bit longer.  We are trying to create new traditions while embracing the ones we had as children and we try to take advantage of all the amazing things this city has to offer this time of year.  I wanted to share some pictures of our holiday fun...brace yourselves though because there are ALOT of photos.


Christmas tree at Marshall Fields on State Street



Suki, right before going to see Santa

Christmas tree at the Chicago Botanic Gardens



Max laughing at the Chicago Botanic Gardens' train exhibit



This is pretty typical when I try to get them together for a picture

Their favorite part of making cookies

Suki and I went to a gingerbread making class at a local bakery

Santa was good to us this year!

The kids both got Kickboard USA scooters and Paul Frank helmets

Max's train set from grandma (i love the look on Suki's face in the background)