Wicked!

Parker, Halle and I went to see Wicked in downtown Chicago. We all loved it!

Wicked was in it's last days after playing for years in Chicago. Johnny and I saw the show last year with his parents, and Parker and Halle had been asking to see it ever since. When we heard it was on it's way out, how could we not take them? It's awesome to live in Chicago and have access to such wonderful musicals.

You might wonder where our third child was through all of this? Let's just say that Wicked wasn't on the top of Grayson's list. He and Johnny will be attending a sporting event instead! Hopefully a Cubs game when the warmth returns.

Weather Report 1/16/09

Months ago I was advised to stop blogging about the weather. Now it has been brought to my attention that without the weather blogs Wheaton Harris 5 has become, well, stale. Can't argue with that. It's just that the nay-sayers took the wind out of my sails when then put a stop to the weather blogs. See what happens? I think some people should just be happy to hear from me.....at all.

SO, WELCOME to the return of the weather blogs. I thought I'd start off with something dramatic. Take a look at THAT outdoor temp as registered on my satellite clock. Wanna move to Chicago anyone?

Grayson's 9th birthday

Grayson had his party at Brunswick Zone with 49 of his closest friends.

He enjoyed his Baskin Robbins ice cream cake. Perfect for the blizzard that was taking place outside.


I think he gets his great bowling form from me.

Joey, Zak, Quinn, Parker and Jordan having a good time.

The whole birthday party crew.


Can't believe that next year he'll be in the double-digit range!

A Look at our Christmas

The kids opening their stockings.

Bella awoke to a new bed, a new rawhide bone and a new rope toy! She was in her element!

The Dog from the North

Bella loves the snow! I thought she would be a princess and gingerly step into the snow to do her business. Nope! She thinks she's a snow plow. She heads straight into the snow nose down. She LOVES it!

She would stay outside for hours if I would let her.

At least her coat looks warm.

The only draw-back is what you find UNDERNEATH the snow dog when she comes back in. Unless I get the blow dryer after her or rinse her in warm water, she will melt all over the house. Silly dog!

Christmas Photos for Aunt Doris

Johnny's Aunt Doris asked for some pictures of our house at Christmas. I had taken some of the kids a few weeks ago while trying to get a picture for our Christmas cards. Here are a few that didn't make the cut!

Parker on the upstairs landing

Parker in front of our new tall, skinny tree.

Grayson in front of the back window revealing our winter wonderland!

Parker, Grayson and Halle hiding our skinny tree.

Me and my sweetie. We used this picture in our card. Don't ask....I mailed them late....it should be coming!

Sweet Halle under the stockings that Nana made.



Grayson by his favorite Christmas things...the nutcrackers.

Halle Jane

Halle and cousin Chatlie at the American Girl store in Chicago. Nana treated us girls to a lovely Christmas dinner along with Alyssa and Molly (Halle and Chatlie's AG dolls.)

Sorry for the "posed" pictures Aunt Doris, but I hope this gives you an idea of what Christmas looks like at our house. I'll try to take some more candid shots and post them for you. Have a VERY Merry Christmas!

Friends

Jen, Helen & Wendy

Meet two of my very best Wheaton friends, Helen and Wendy. Our families have spent a lot time together over the last year, and the three of us have been meeting on Tuesday mornings to do Beth Moore Bible studies. I am thankful for good friends!