Fall Break: Part I

 This year, for Fall break, Max picked Chicago, or you could call it a tour of the Midwest. I tried to convince him to go to an island so I could relax on a beach, but he really wanted to see Chicago. We spent a few days in the Windy City, then drove up to Green Bay for a Packers game, then a little drive to Madison for a night. It was a very busy week, but Max did pick a fun Fall break trip. 

The first day we arrived it was a rainy day. It was a light rain, but very cloudy and cold with the wind. A typical Midwest rainy day. Us Arizona people loved the rainy day. Once we got settled in at the Westin, we walked to Nike's flagship store on Michigan Avenue so Max could do some shopping. To my surprise, he only bought one pair of shoes and one hoodie, but the store was not as exciting as we had hoped. 

We headed back to the hotel in the windstorm.

The guys had deep-dish pizza at Grandpa T's favorite Chicago pizza place, Gino's East. They were out of gluten-free crust, so I had a bowl of iceberg lettuce with grilled chicken on top. 

The next day we went to the Shedd Aquarium.

We spent a few hours there and saw tons of fish. My favorite was the beluga whales. 

Next up was lunch at Eatily. Max loved this place in New York, so he wanted to go to the one in Chicago and get Alfredo prepared at the table. This boy was very happy!

We headed to the Ice Cream Museum. This was meant to be something different to do in Chicago and something for Max. Throughout the self-guided tour we tasted eight different ice cream flavors. My favorite was the cherry sorbet and Max's favorite was the chocolate with chocolate chunks that was made with oat milk.

For dinner, we went to Gibson's. This place was fantastic. Our waiter was amazing, and you could tell he'd worked there a really long time. Max and I shared an order of oysters for the appetizer. This is one of our favorite things to eat together. Andy declined the oysters.

The next day we went to show Max the Bean. He thought it was cool. It was nice that the sun was out and the weather was really nice. 

After the Bean, we walked around, and Max did a little shopping. He found a fun Chicago T-shirt before we took a picture on the bridge.

Next up was one of the things I wanted to do. We visited the Cloud Bar at the top of the building formerly known as the Hancock Building. This is also where I did the leaning experience. This is where you lean on the glass, and it moves forward away from the building, and you are looking straight down. It was crazy. I was a bit scared, but I am glad I did it. Max chickened out right before they started leaning the glass, and Andy said "no way" before we even went up. Besides that, the bar at the top was pretty cool to just chill and enjoy the view.

It wouldn't be a trip to Chicago without seeing a Cubs game. The best thing is that Ryan drove down to meet up with us and go to the game. The genes are strong in this picture!

It was a night game in the Windy City. This meant it was cold. I was freezing!!! I couldn't get warm. It was so cold that it almost ruined the experience for me. Max stayed warm with a hot chocolate. I kept going to the bathroom to stay warm. The highlight for me is that this stadium has a dedicated gluten-free food stand. It was AMAZING! I ordered a hot dog, and it was the first time in ten years. I was happy! More stadiums should do this.

The first part of Fall break is over. I went shopping in the morning for a little bit, and then we packed up and drove 3.5 hours to Green Bay.

August Roundup

 The month of August went by fast even though we didn't do much. This month in my annual photo book is pretty bare. I don't even have many photos to include in it. After a quick Summer break and a busy July, we really just chilled all month long. We went to two of Stella's plays. Max started golf again. No pictures from either golf or the plays. 

We did get to see our extended framily, Brian and Amber, a few different times throughout the month. That was a highlight since we don't see them much anymore. I only have photos to share from one of our dinners with them this month. We had a great time and I tried my first dirty martini. I learned dirty martinis are not my thing. There was a lot of laughter and plenty of drinks that resulted in an Uber ride home. 

Like I said, August was a chill month but a fast month. Not many photos to share with everyone, but September will be much busier with Fall break and hopefully many photos to share.

Birthday Celebration!

 Another year around the sun for me and another year of my two favorite people spoiling me. Max planned the day, so we started out bowling. Andy ended up beating us in two games, but I believe Max won the first game. We were just warming up. 

They took me to our favorite sushi restaurant. Of course, Max picked dinner.

We also had Nothing Bundt Cakes...because tradition!

The boys spoiled me like always and it's been another great year around the sun!

First Day of School

 Max started 7th grade on July 14th, and this means he is officially in junior high. When people say time goes by fast, they sure are not kidding. It's a whole new school for Max, with only three of his friends from elementary school going to the same junior high as him. 

I think this is a great opportunity for Max to get out of his shell and meet new kids. I know that will be tough for him to do, but it will be good for him. I know junior high can be tough with all the changes going on and these kids going through growth spurts and hormone changes, but I have a feeling it's going to be a great year for Max. On the plus side, his three best friends are with him.

Somehow this kid measured five feet and five and a half inches tall. He's definitely taller than me, and he's not slowing down anytime soon. 

We've been in school now for quite a few weeks, and it's going really well. Max is able to stay on top of his homework, and he's getting really good grades. We are proud of him since we know all the changes and the transition to junior high brought on a lot of anxiety.

Here's to a great year of 7th grade!

Camp WI: Part III

 For the last leg of camp WI, we spent it on the west side of Madison. Max was excited to open his birthday presents from Grandpa T and Grandma S. and lived in his sweatsuit the rest of the time.

A lot of time was spent on this deck. It's just so relaxing and fun to watch the golfers. Especially when they hit the ball of the course and right in front of the deck.

We went out to dinner to celebrate Max's birthday and of course grandpa let him order the king crab legs.

Since Tayler and Batu live on the west side we were able to catch up with them and have drinks.

Max got to golf with Andy and Grandpa. Max had a great time golfing. I did really well and played better than Andy and Grandpa T. Max is looking forward to golfing with them again.

Max got to spend time with Grandma S and Beau at the movies and also the pool with Beau and Mackenzie.

On the last night that I was in Madison, we played Left, Center, Right on the deck and Tayler and Batu were able to join us.

Another great time in Madison with family and friends. It's time to head back to Arizona so Max can get ready for school to start. I am sure Max will want to do this again next Summer.