Playing Hookie

 I think Chicago is more beautiful than

New York.

 Does anyone else agree?

Playing hookie for this trip got off to a rough start.

(The flight was SUPER bumpy)

We were de-iced in St. Paul and were delayed

 for an hour and a half.

But once we arrived at our classy hotel,

 Park Place Hyatt

on the magnificent mile all travel blues were erased.

We went to Gino's East for Deep Dish pizza.

We also got to enjoy a few laughs with Jim Gaffigan. 

He finds parenting comical just like we do. 

The original Chicago

Theatre is a beauty to behold.

Yes, I threw back a zantac before bed.

 The architecture in Chicago was a photographers paradise.

I was taken by the detail and design of the Wrigley Building.

 And, yes Chicago is for all you foodies too.

I found cupcake heaven.

Magnolia's Bakery.

 I already have emailed headquarters to discuss

bring one to Kansas City. I had the devils food cake cupcake.

It was chocolate bliss.

 The Big Bean

Truly an artistic marvel. The day was perfect for photos.

The Navy Pier, Chicago.

Beautiful.

The ferris wheel was 15 stories high and a little windy.

Lunch at RIVA's was a favorite for me.

The asian shrimp salad was so good. 

 My Favorite Stop: The Sky Deck at the top of Willis Tower

The second tallest building in the world with a view. 

It was so amazing to look out over Illinois for miles.

 Stepping out onto the glass room that over hung the side of the building was

a little toe tingling.

Those are my Danskos.

 Can you see how small the cars and people are?

Total overall grade: A

Go see Chicago. (Maybe not in April)

Take a scarf and your Dansko shoes.

Happy Travels to all of you.

Sweet Madness

The Cousin Came for a Stay Hurray!

Did you grow up with cousins?

Our cousins are the best.

They made the long, long road trip

from Utah to visit us.

Two mini vans full of

cousins and Aunties and Uncles.

We had "cousin hangover" when they left.

We ate out.

Stayed up really late.

Went fishing.

Played basketball, racquet ball and tennis.

Took bike rides.

Viewed the Kansas City lights at night.

Played the guitar and mauled the cat.

Thanks for coming cousins.

We loved your company.

Our door is always open friends.

Come on over to Kansas City.

We'll show you the western frontier before

the california gold rush. Get in your cars. Hop a plane.

Come visit!

#followmeonintagram

 I love the idea of telling the story of our lives

through photos.

Instagram.

I'm hooked.

I also like writing about life...

Blogging.

So, come join the fun on instagram

with me.

#iknowyouwanna.

My username is sweetmadnessmama.

Here is a sample of my life

threw photos this past week.

Have a great week.

Catch you back here next Thursday.

I'm rededicating myself to

Top ten Thurs. I've been slacking.

Ian turns 10

Have you ever met someone

who is good at everything they try.

 Welcome to my world with Ian.

He is good at every sport and loves to be outside

for hours.

He only comes in to EAT.

He has an amazing appetite. I love that he loves my cooking.

He is kind and helpful. 

Nickname: Chicken nugget

Happy 10th Birthday Ian

Love you .

Easter 2013

We have been delighted

to host Ben's family for Easter.

Jill & Rod Bills

and their beautiful five children

(their oldest, Matt is on an LDS mission

for two years).

Phil & Kristy Wilson

and their beautiful four children.

(Plus a friend Liz).

Are you doing the math yet?

And our tall and handsome

cousin Jake.

We wish his family could have come.

They are moving into a new home this week though.

So, will take Jake.

Yes, Fifteen house guests.

Two dogs.

One Cat.

We have had so much fun. 

We let our children even miss a

little school this week to make some

memories with their cousins.

Our Easter...

It was a beautiful day to remember

the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

His sacrifice for me.

The gift of Resurrection and

Eternal life.

I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday.

Happy Easter to you & your sweets.

Sweet Madness