My Detroit Lions cake...not perfect...but done out of love, LOL!

So this was attempt number two...at making a Detroit Lions cake for my hubby.

It's not perfect, but I did my best.

It's yellow cake with chocolate almond buttercream icing and filling.

I told him...

"Honey, I love you...and I love your Lions...but I will NEVER attempt another Lions cake as long as I live!"

LOL!

It was total stress.

Poor little Lion.

Oh well...like I said...I did my best...and it was done out of love. ;)

I haven't given up...

No, I haven't given up my cake decorating...

(Oooh, that reminds me...I made a Detroit Lions cake on Sunday and forgot to show you pictures!  I will get those on here next!)

Anyway, back on topic...

I haven't given up my cake decorating...

I have decided I'm going to wait to take my next course in January.

Things are so crazy busy right now with marching band and football season and then comes the holidays...

I'm going to wait till things settle down.

I figure January would be a good "down time" to start up again.

This will give me time to keep practicing what I learned from my first "Basics" class.

Then I'll be ready to learn something new!

I'm hoping to make some holiday cakes...

I will keep ya posted!

Pictures will follow when I do!

(Oh, and I'll get that Detroit Lions cake on here too, I promise!)

I'm published!

Well, it may only be a one-liner...

But...

I'm published!

In ...

Ladies Home Journal...

The October 2010 issue.

They asked facebook fans, "What drives you crazy about your husband?"

Well you know I just HAD to respond...

Am I right?

LOL!

"He's always running late...and seems to think it's MY fault!"

Yep.

That's what I said!

LOL!

When he saw it published,

(I didn't tell him about it)

He says,
"Well it's true!  You DO make us late!  You hog the bathroom!"

Well,

Maybe I do...

But I told him...

"You should get up earlier and not wait till the last minute to get ready!"

LOL!

Gotta love him.

It's all in good fun.

I sure do love that guy.

He's definitely a keeper!

Do you like "ME" or the image I portray?

Today I had a thought...

I started wondering...

How many people REALLY know me?

I don't mean,

How many people know me better than others?

Not in the sense of "what level" do you know me.

But how many people REALLY know the REAL Melody.

I was REALLY thinking about this today.

And I have come to the conclusion...

That only two know me inside and out.

Of course God knows me inside and out...

He created me.

But the other person is my husband.

Honestly,

I think he's the only person that knows EVERY single thing about me.

Good, bad, and the ugly.

And this isn't a "poor me" post.

This was more of a "revelation" that came to me.

The thought that came to me was...

Is that I personally don't LET people get to know the REAL me.

I don't.

I just don't.

It's totally on me.

My fault.

If you can call it that.

And I don't know if it's a good thing, a bad thing, or something that really doesn't matter.

I mean,

People know "who" I am for the most part...

That doesn't change.

Most people know these things about me:

I'm a loyal friend to the end.

A good listener.

Giving.

Love cats.

Love Mackinac Island.

CDA Xs two

(Certified Dental Assistant and Child Development Associate)

I own a daycare.

I'm a coupon queen.

I have two sons.

I love being a mom.

I love my hubby!

I adore Twilight.

I enjoy gardening.

I am learning cake decorating.

I'm a girly-girl.

Love pink and yellow.

Love yellow roses and calla lillies.

Love anything sparkly.

Love high heels and flip flops.

Jewelry + Me = Happiness (LOL!)

Most people know these things about me.

But most people also assoicate the following with me:

Quiet.

Laid back.

Passive.

Christian.

And along with those things...many people think:

Doesn't drink.

Doesn't smoke.

Doesn't party.

Doesn't curse.

Strong family values.

High standards.

Yes...

You would be right on all counts.

But that might lead some to think...

BORING.

Guess what?

I'M NOT!

I can also be...

Funny.

Quick witted.

Crazy.

Silly.

Outrageous.

And some of you probably have no clue...

I have some quirky habits.

I have some weird taste in tv/movies.

I listen to pretty much the whole spectrum of music...(surprised aren't you!)

My thoughts and opinions are probably something you'd never guess coming from me!

I have some things I'm not proud of too...

I am impatient (the older I get, the worse I get).

I am moody.

I am extremely opinionated.

I am overly sensitive.

I can say mean things...yes, I do, and I'm not proud.

See...

There's a whole lot you don't know about me.

And I don't know...

Is it just me?

Or do you do that too?

Do you "present" a different you to people?

Or do you just let it all hang out?

What ya see is what ya get?

I'm trying really hard to balance the two now that I've made this discovery.

I'm trying to let the "real" me out...

At least the good aspects of the real me, LOL!

I'm trying to bring the me that I present, and the me that's real...

TOGETHER!

Wish me luck!

The older I get...the more set in my ways I become...and that's ok.

Yes...

The older I get...the more set in my ways I become...and that's ok.

Because...

I believe that I try my best to base all of my morals, ethics, and life decisions on my relationship with Christ.

I want the way I parent my children...

To be based on the Bible.

The kind of wife I am...

To be based on the Bible.

The kind of friend I am...

To be based on the Bible.

Just lately...

It seems I have seen and been a part of so many different heated topics.

Some really don't add up to a pile of beans.

They honestly mean nothing in the grand scheme of things...

But then, what does?  Unless we're talking about our salvation, right?

I mean...

There's the hot topics with parenting...

Breastfeeding or formula feeding.

Co-sleeping or using a crib.

Attachment parenting or cry it out method.

Natural childbirth or epidural/pain relief.

When to potty train.

How to discipline.

Preschool or not.

I mean seriously...

Does it really matter?

Who cares?

The ONLY person that should care...

Is the parent of THAT child.

And NO ONE else.

And you know what...

It's not our place...

To decide what's best for other parents and their children!

I think we all do the best we can.

We all love our children and want what's best for them.

So, why do we care what other parents are doing with their children?

We shouldn't!

Then there are other heated topics...

Politics.

OH...MY...GOSH.

Honestly...

I have never seen so many "so called christians" act so un-Christ-like when politics come up!

I won't even get started on how many "friends" and "family" members I had who were totally bashing not only our president, but also other political figures.

Maybe we need to be reminded of the scripture where the Bible tells us:

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (New International Version)

1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

We are instructed in the word to PRAY for those in authority over us!

It doesn't say PRAY FOR THE REPUBLICANS...or PRAY FOR THE DEMOCRATS...it quite simply says...

"ALL THOSE IN AUTHORITY"

Period.

I think that includes everyone.

And we can also include not only politicians, but teachers, pastors, bosses, ANYONE who has a position of authority!

Then there's the other heated topics...

We could go on and on all day...

Evolution.

Abortion.

Homosexuality.

On and on and on.

We as christians...instead of ARGUING...should be praying.

If we want to calmly discuss...

Fine.

But we have to be careful.

I have learned first hand that even when we think we are 'discussing'...

Feelings can be hurt...

Ours...

And those we "discuss" with.

So...

Be set in your ways.

I think it's a good thing personally.

Be set in the things of the Lord.

We can be open to new friends...

New activities...

New hobbies...

We can listen to others opinions, advice, etc.

But stand strong and grounded in the word of the Lord.

Don't be intimidated.

Though we may be called "close-minded" or "politically incorrect"...

That's OK!

I would rather be "all good" in the eyes of the Lord...

Than to crumble and be weak...

Just to look "all good" in the eyes of the world.

We are not called to "fit in".

We SHOULD stand out!

If we don't stand out as christians...

Then something is TERRIBLY wrong with how we are living our christian walk.

Be bold!

More FREEBIES!

I have literally become addicted to freebies.

There are so many awesome blogs out there for couponing, money-saving, and freebies...

Most of which are listed in my side-bar.

Yesterday my mailbox was filled with...

A FREE sample of Wisk detergent...

My FREE Baby Talk magazine subscription...

My FREE Ready Made magazine subscription...

My FREE Shape magazine subscription.

Honestly,

I have SO many FREE magazine subscriptions now I can't even count them.

I try to read them all.

I scatter them all over the house so I'll pick different ones up at different times depending on where I am and what I'm doing.

They're in my bedroom, the family room, the living room, even the bathroom, LOL!

I don't even know if I could list them all...

I know for sure we get:

Baby Talk

American Baby

Shape

Ready Made

Marie Claire

Cosmo

Woman's Day

Bridal Guide

Parents

Working Mother

OK

Town & Country

Oh my gosh...that's all I can remember off the top of my head...and they're all completely FREE!

I would NEVER pay for another magazine subscription in my life now that I'm aware of all the freebies!

It's awesome!

In Which House Do You Live?

(I received this on parents night from Nate's teachers and thought it was awesome.)

"I got two A's !'s" the small boy cried

His voice was filled with glee

His father bluntly asked,

"Why didn't you get three?"

"Mom, I've got the dishes done, "

the girl called from the door

Her mother very calmly said,

"Did you sweep the floor?"

"I've mowed the grass, " the tall boy said,

"And put the mower away"

The father looking at his feet and rug said,

"Didn't you clean off the clay?"

The children in the house next door seem happy and content

The same things happen over there BUT this is how it went.

"I got all A's" the small boy cried

His voice was filled with glee

His father proudly said, "That's great!"

"I'm glad you belong to me."

"Mom, I've got the dishes done,"

the girl called from the door

Her mother smiled and softly said

"Each day I love you more."

"I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said

"And put the mower away"

His father answered with much joy,

"Son, you have made my day"

Children deserve a little praise for the tasks they're asked to do.

If they're to lead a happy life, SO MUCH DEPENDS ON YOU!

Author Unknown

Oh my gosh! Too funny! And SOOOOO true!

Ok...there is one "naughty word" and gesture in this clip...
And I don't advocate that...
But this is HILARIOUS...
And what's sad...
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO TRUE!!!
Check it out...
http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/7148143

She said yes!

And that's all I'll say for now...

Teehee!

Well, ok...you twisted my arm.

I am so excited for Homecoming!

Evan's first dance!

And he is going with Emma!

Yay!

Can't wait to go shopping for him...

Though I have to admit...

"Boy" shopping isn't quite the same as "Girl" shopping...

You know...formal dresses, shoes, jewelry, nails and hair done.

But hey,

I'm not complaining.

I heart my boys

Soooooooooo much!

They are amazing!

And we have so much fun!

It will be so awesome to see him and Emma all dressed up!

Can't wait!

Pictures will surely follow!

Stay tuned!

I'm so excited for them!

October 9th!

Nervous for them?

I can't help it.
I'm a nervous, worry-wart by nature.
I shouldn't be.
It's bad for your health.
It's bad for your skin.
I should give it to God.
But by nature, I worry.

I worry not only ABOUT my kids...
But FOR my kids.

I worry each day when I log on the Parent Portal to check Evan's grades...
Fearful he's missing an assignment or didn't do well on a test.

I worry about his social life.
Will she yes when he asks her to the dance?
Will she break his heart someday?
Will he get hurt by other kids careless words or actions?

I worry about Nate.
I worried until he learned to ride a bicycle.
(Whew, we finally mastered that one!)
I worry will he learn to swim?
I worry will his sweet little sensitive self get his feelings hurt?

I worry less about myself now...
(I guess that's a good thing.)
And more about them.

Though I guess I shouldn't worry.
I need to channel it into "concern"...
And how can I help them with each situation.

So...
Here's to my new goal...
Guidance WITHOUT worry!

Zeeland East-Zeeland West Game...Evan's first marching band game!

September 17, 2010 was the big Zeeland East vs. Zeeland West football game.

This was also Evan's first time playing in the marching band at a game.

Look how handsome he looks...so straight and tall!

It was also an "alumni game", so all alumni band students could come back and play as well...those are the ones you see without uniform.

We had lovely weather.

It wasn't too hot, not too cool.

They did a great job on the National Anthem.

The best part was, we won the game!

Take that Dux!

Our mascot...

Zeeland Chix!

Evan and Caleb walking by.

The halftime show was amazing.

Nate and I particularly enjoyed "Single Ladies", LOL!

They did "Hits of the 2000s".

We had a great night and can't wait till the next game...

which is...

HOMECOMING!

Yay!

Zeeland East-West Game 9/17/10 National Anthem

Zeeland East-West Game

9/17/10

National Anthem

Zeeland East/Zeeland West Game 9/17/10-Half-Time Show

Evan's first performance with the Zeeland High School Marching Band.
Zeeland East vs. Zeeland West Football Game
Sept. 17, 2010

Teenagers...

Wow.

Is this uncharted territory for me, or what?

Things...and teens...are WAY different than when I was one.

I know...

Every parent says that.

But wow.

It's sooooooooooo true!

First of all, I don't feel old enough to HAVE a teenager.

I thought only "old" people had teenagers...am I right?

LOL!

Anyway...

I'm trying desparately hard, not to be the embarrassing parent...

The fuddy-duddy parent...

The parent that totally embarrasses their kid.

But at the same time...

I'm trying hard not to be cool (don't worry, I don't think I stand a chance at that)...

I'm trying hard not to "befriend" my kid.

I'm trying to basically not come off stupid and dumb...

I'm trying to give him enough space...

So that's HE'LL come to me when he needs to talk...

Ask "enough" questions to get him to open up without prying.

But still set rules and boundaries.

I think I'm doing ok.

I think.

I feel blessed...

He has good friends he hangs out with...

At school and at church.

He has a girlfriend...

(Oh my gosh)

Yes...he has a girlfriend.

But I do have to say, I'm VERY impressed with his choice.

She's not only a cutie...

She seems very mature for her years...

Very grounded...

Very sweet.

And I like her family from what I know so far.

He went to a picnic with her family and her mom came to our door to introduce herself, give me names, phone numbers, addresses, and times they'd be back.

Yes, I think I like this family.

LOL.

He's always been an honor student in middle school...

But his last year, he struggled a bit.

I've tried to explain how different high school is.

If you don't pass, you don't get credit, you don't graduate.

I think that lit a little flame under him, LOL!

And also...

Put the goal that if he keeps his grades solid,

He can try out for lacrosse in the spring.

I think that may be helping as much or more than the "graduation talk", LOL!

He's going to ask his girlfriend to the Homecoming dance next month.

I'm excited and nervous at the same time.

Wow.

Again...

Am I really this old?

He  bought her a birthday present.

(awwww)

Have I mentioned I like this girl?

I really like that she's different from most of the other girls at his school.

She seems much more conservative...in a good way! ;)

(applause)
From what Evan has told me...

She studies hard.

She's in drama.

She works at the library.

I like her.

(did I already say that?)

So far, things are going well.

I'm trying to just enjoy it day by day.

But I do worry sometimes...
That is won't always be this smooth.

I'm the worry wart in the family.

But for now...

I'll just take the good and run with it.

Yay Ev...

Proud of the choices you're making.

My Food Network "crushes"...LOL!

First let me say, that most people who truely know me...might think they have me pegged.

But I seriously doubt it.  LOL!

Most people consider me "the conservative girl", "the quiet girl", "the one who never loses her temper", "the nice girl", "the great friend".

I do hope to be all those things...and more.

But...

I have "other sides" to me as well.

Some that many are probably not aware of, LOL!

For example...

Most of you know I am in love with Food Network.

And although I can follow a basic recipe and turn out a decent dish...

I am by NO MEANS a good cook on my own.

With my addiction to Food Network, comes a couple of my "celebrity crushes" if you will.

I never would have thought about it until I was scanning my facebook wall and saw a question posted by Food Network asking who our FN "crushes" are, LOL!

Well, of course...my first pick is...

Yes, Bobby Flay.

I simply adore his sweet personality.

He's charming.

And absolutely adorable.

And most of you would probably guess this pick because of his "boy next door" good looks when I speak of my celebrity crushes, LOL!

The next one might surprise you!

As I mentioned, I do have "other sides" to me!

LOL!

My other pick would be...

Guy Fieri.

Yes, I think he's adorable too.

In a different sort of way.

He's hilarious.

He absolutely cracks me up.

But...

I also think he's adorable in a different way as well!

Ha!

I bet you'd have never guessed that one, huh?

LOL!

Of course, none compare to my teddy bear of a husband.

But those are just my celeb crushes, LOL!

No one is as adorable and funny as my hubby.

And I'll take him anyday...

Whether he can cook or not.

But I must admit...

He does whip up a mean Hamburger Helper!

LOL!

Just me...

As I scan through random blogs from time to time...
Reading about people I don't even know...
I'm intrigued.
Ingrigued not only by random strangers lives, LOL...
But by their blog layout and "WHAT" they write about.

In my usual quest for "perfection" in every area of my life...
I long for the "perfect blog".

I see sooooooooooo many adorable layouts on other gal's blogs.
I see various topics...
Some are strictly about family.
Some are about adoption.
Some are about infertility.
Some are about food/recipes.
Some are about crafts.
Some are about coupons.

And they all look so organized.
Like they have a "plan"...
A "goal" if you will.

And here is my pathetic little attempt to blog...
I have no rhyme or reason.
I just pour my heart out about whatever random thought rolls through my little pea-brain at that time.

I write about my family
I write about our silly cat.
I write about money-saving and coupons.
I write about vacations, birthdays, school functions, church activities, and more.
I also just spout off about everything and anything when I'm happy, sad, angry, and more.

But there is no one theme to my blog.

It's just me...
Rattling off this and that.

But then I got to thinking...
That's what makes it "MY" blog.

I shouldn't want to be like other bloggers.
I'm NOT LIKE other bloggers.

I'm "ME".
I'm unique.
There's no one like me (thank goodness you may say).

So this is it.
My feeble little attempt at continuing to blog.

Yes, it may be random.
Yes, it may be unorganized.
Yes, I talk about everything and anything.
But this is it.
That's all I got.
Enjoy...
'Cause this is me!

Excitement, stress, chaos...

I hate to say it...
But it seems that "I" am a little more in love with the whole marching band experience than Evan is.  I'm really bummed about that.  I ADORE marching bands and was so excited as he "graduated" from middle school band to high school marching band.
Well, after going to band camp, all these Monday night rehearsals, etc...he is not really enjoying it that much.
I have to say that it really disappoints me because I love marching bands so much.
Everything about them.
He has only been to one "track band" football game...so he hasn't even been in full uniform or done any of the half-time shows yet.  I am hoping after this Friday's game he will have a change of heart.
I do have to say, it is FAR more comitted and chaotic than I ever imagined.
It requires A LOT...not only of the student, but the family too.
Band camp, Monday night rehearsals, being early to all the games, festivals, concerts, parades, etc.
Very tiring.
And sooooo many things are falling on the same day as "band events".
I see he has a marching invitational on the same day as Homecoming dance for crying out loud!
I do wish they'd put a little more thought into the planning of certain things.
I know he'll want to go to the dance, so I hope he'll be done with the invitational before the dance starts.
Surely other kids will be questioning this too.
Oh, I'm sure it will all work out.
(We'll see...)

I have been rather stressed lately.
Feels like we haven't been able to rebound since our trip to Chicago.
I feel like the house is a mess.
I feel exhausted.
I feel like life has been chaos since that trip.
It was a fun trip, but non-stop exhaustion as well.
And we came back and had to start school/work the very next day.
I hate doing that.
I say it every year when we take a trip.
But no one listens to me.
But then again, no one else has to catch up the laundry, dishes, housework, making sure school things are in order, etc.
Ho-hum...what's a mom to do?
Anywho...

I am excited about one thing.
We do have one thing going for us.
Jam was able to schedule one last "us only" trip before winter sets in.
We are going away for his birthday.
Just the two of us.
My parents will keep the boys.
YES!
And it's our kind of trip.
No plans.
Nothing to do.
Just sit on our behinds and do nothing.
YES!

So...until then...
We keep chugging along.
Trying to keep up with work, household chores, the boys schoolwork, events, church, etc.

Come on October!  Woohoo!

There's a reason we have TWO ears & ONE mouth...we should listen TWICE as much as we speak!

I have learned today (as I stated earlier) that wisdom doesn't neccesarily come with age.

There are people double my age who are so immature and need to seriously grow up.

I would like to say how proud I am of my fourteen year old son Evan.

You are to be looked up to Evan.

I have NEVER in all your fourteen years heard you utter anything mean or hurtful about anyone.

We all could take a lesson from you.

I know you are human...I know you may have negative feelings at times.

But I have to say that I am so proud of you for always thinking the best and being so positive.

Your dad always says, "There's a reason we have two ears and one mouth...we should listen twice as much as we speak."

That is so true.

And I see that with you Ev.

You listen a lot.

You don't jump right in with people and assume the worst.

We could all learn a lot from you.

Myself included.

I admire that in you.

There are adults who would do better in life just watching and learning from you Ev.

If everyone just listened more, spoke less, was more positive, a friend to everyone...
The world would be a nicer place to live.

I'm so proud of you.

I am learning...

I am learning that just because people may be DOUBLE MY AGE, that doesn't mean they are any wiser or more mature.  GROW UP.

I am learning that some people will tell lies about you.

I am learning that some people will believe all those lies...
And instead of going straight to the source, they choose to believe the lies and ruin a perfectly good friendship that they had with you...all because they chose to believe lies.

I am learning that many of the people I grew up with and thought were my friends...were just acquaintances...friends to my face...though I think I REALLY knew that already, DEEP DOWN.

I am learning that the internet, social networking (i.e. facebook) can be a wonderful tool for connecting with old friends and family...but it is also a means of destroying relationships for the above mentioned "so-called" fake friends.

I am pretty much learning...that the only one we should trust is GOD...and ourself...you have to go with your gut, your heart, your feelings.  You generally know when you get that feeling about someone.  I don't believe it's just a "feeling"...many times I believe it's God and His Spirit is gently nudging us or giving us direction.

I would really like to learn not to get my feelings hurt so easily.
I would really like to learn to not care what other people thought.
I would really like to learn that if others choose to believe certain lies, then so be it.
I would really like to learn that if others choose not to give me a chance, then that's ok...it's their loss...because I'm a really nice person...and I love my friends.

9/11 Slideshow

This was my post from last year about my rememberance of 9/11...
http://melodysmuse-melody.blogspot.com/2009/09/september-11.html

I don't care if others become non-challant about it...I will NEVER forget.  I will never become callous about it.  It is as real today as it was nine years ago.  It was life-changing to me.  I only hope and pray that I never take for granted the freedoms I have in this country and those who serve to keep it that way.  Thank-you God...and may God Bless America.

Chicago...Day 4...The Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and Friends...

We started out Sunday just going out and about exploring downtown.

We stopped for donuts and then took off to see what we could see.

First we came across Trump International Hotel And Tower.

It's so tall, I couldn't get the whole thing in the picture.

Pretty cool.

Then we did a little window shopping on The Magnificent Mile.

I was amazed at all the expensive stores, LOL!

The designer stores...the things you see only on celebrities.

(sigh)

Then we took a trolly over Navy Pier.

Evan and I on the giant ferris wheel.

Jamie and Nate on the ferris wheel.

It never stops.

As they are unloading people...they are loading the next group.

I was so excited to be able to meet my friend Laura on Sunday night for coffee!

We became friends several years ago on CafeMom.

And though neither of us are there much anymore...we chat daily on facebook.

We had such a nice visit!

To be able to meet face to face for the first time was just so much fun!

And sweet thing that she is...

She brought me some Garretts popcorn!

What a doll.

We had such a nice visit!

Day 3 in Chicago-Adler Planetarium and Field Museum

Day 3...

Today we went to the Adler Planetarium first.  It was a lot of fun and very educational.  The photo above is the Gemini.

This is a photo of the video screen that filmed the boys while they were doing an anti-gravity simulator.

America's next astronauts...

Outside the planetarium...

Next came the Field Museum.

The boys and Jamie are actually in this picture on the steps of the museum...LOL...but I know you can hardly see them...teehee!

They had soooooo many neat displays!

This is Sue.  She is a T-Rex.  She is over 90% accurate with only a few of her bones being replicas.  The head on this display is a replica because her real head is too heavy to place on her skeletal frame.  Her real head is on display upstairs in the museum.

Part of the Asia Pacific exhibit...I loved this background. :)

Here's Sue's head!

One of mine and the boys favorite displays...pretty kitty!

Not a fan of the snake hanging down...ick!

And...here is Jamie and his twin brother, LOL!

I couldn't resist!  Teehee!

He's such a good sport!

We had such a good time.  We took a taxi to and from the museum campus...oh what an adventure that was!  We won't even get started on the driving habits of the Chicago folks...that would be a whole other post...and it might not be pretty.  LOL!

Chicago...Day 2...Museum of Science & Industry

(Facebook friends can see ALL of our Chicago pics on my page.)

We started our day at Bella Becino for breakfast.  After that we headed off on our adventure for the day.

Today we went to the Museum of Science & Industry.

Thought this was a really cool background in the submarine exhibit.

This is the U-505 German captured submarine from WWII.  We went on it and were given a tour.

Sorry, no photos allowed inside. :(

There's Natee...

Ready, Aim, Fire Ev!

Frontier exhibit.

Those crazy boys just clownin' around!

This was a really cool shadow exhibit and when you moved those little "bubbles"/colors followed you.

Farm exhibit.

Nate on the John Deere.

Now that's a big wheel!

An exhibit on poop?

Yes, what boy wouldn't want a picture with the "manure exhibit".

Astronaut Nate!

And astronaut Ev!

Apollo 8.

More exhibits on space...

Check out this futuristic car!

And of course, girly me had to have a pic with this futuristic light up dress, LOL!

This was a REALLY COOL shadow exhibit.  When you stand still, the fluttering butterflies will "land" on your shadow in various spots.  Very cool.

Ev and Nate getting a shower...

Nah...just a vapor/mist.

I thought this hall of mirrors was pretty cool.  What girl wouldn't?

I mean you can check your hair and make-up the whole length of the hall!  LOL!

We got to watch some baby chicks hatch from their eggs!

This first picture is the "older" ones who've dried out a bit...they're all nice and fluffy now.  Teehee!

Here they are actually hatching before our eyes!

This plane was huge!  We got to go into it and sit in the seats and explore.

We ended our day at Giordano's for some Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza.  My oh my was it tasty.  I think we must've walked 50 miles today.  Our feet feel bruised and we are exhausted.

Tomorrow we hit up the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium.

I'll be sure to share our "exciting" driving experiences here too.  You won't want to miss those.

Stay tuned for more adventures!