A few of my favorite things

This is a blog that I am going to work on over the next few days, but wanted to get the pictures up so I can go to bed!

1)Chicago is one of my favorite cities. I spend about 5 days there each summer for Pampered Chef National Conference. The picture shown here makes it even sweeter - with my two beautiful girls. It was taken outside Shedd's Aquarium on 12/10. Isn't it cool?

2) This is one happy girl! She's holding her new build-a-bear whose wearing her favorite color!

3)This is another very happy girl holding her new Bitty Baby.

4)One of Katy's favorite people is her Grandpa - Bumpy. This is her on the cell phone telling her Grandpa about her new bear! Can you tell she's loving it? She loves the phone too.

5)This is my family. They were standing next to a HUGE anchor on Navy Pier in Chicago. It was extremely cold. We had a lot of fun on Navy Pier and didn't even have to fight the crowds outside!

6)Ever wonder what it would be like to share secrets with Ronald McDonald? Looks as though I found out! This picture was taken at the Muncie Children's Museum. Katy was playing and I was lacking entertainment, so...

7)Guess she wanted to see what it would be like to sit on his lap! Good thing they're both still smiling!

8)Mornings can be really challenging around here, but this particular morning brought at lesat some of us smiles. Katy always wakes up first, so we sent her in to snuggle her sister awake.

9)My Grandparents are really enjoying having us in the same town. They thrive on visits, especially from the girls. This picture was taken on my Grandmother's birthday. We had them over for dinner. It's one I'll cherish.

10) My favorite picture of Katy. We were out raking leaves one day, and she wanted to jump in them. In an uncharacteristic moment, I told her to go ahead...not to worry about what she was wearing (I hate extra laundry and she hates getting her good clothes dirty!). This is one of those priceless pictures.

11) One happy girl and her Grandpa Bumpy. Although the occasion was a sad one (and tough one), Lilly loved being a "moving truck hog"!

12) I think someone else loves being in the truck too. She's shown here with her best friend.

13) Katy snuggles with Grandma at our farewell party in October (Bob and Larry are making their guest appearance too from the looks of it!)

14) Throughout the course of life, people come and go, but some stick with you through thick and thin. God brought Laura into my life about 6 years ago, and I had no clue she would be my sounding board, my encourager, my confidant, my cheer squad, my dear friend. I'm so thankful for her.

15) Whether it's a pedicure, a play date, a Pampered Chef party, or just hanging out with the kids, Robin adds a lot of fun where ever we are!

16) The old saying "Roses are red..." doesn't seem to hold true here. These roses - a dozen of them - were a present from my Pampered Chef director at my last consultant meeting. They were a goodbye, a congratulations on your growing team, congratulations on your sales, and a "you'll be missed." They sure looked great on my counter that last week before moving.

17) These 3 smiling faces are special ones. Of course you probably know the younger two, but the one in the middle is Sarah. I've known Sarah since we were very young. Now Sarah is married to a dear friend of mine. I love spending time with Sarah and Spencer too. This picture was taken when she stopped by to say goodbye before we moved.

18) This is my Grandpa and Grandma Lytle. They live here in town, and love to see us and spend time with us (as any grandparent does!) We're enjoying being closer to them. I've never (until now) lived in the same town as them.