Recent Trip To Chicago...

I recently went to Chicago with a group of girl friends.  It was just for the day, but it was AWESOME!!!  I had so much fun.  We went to the Navy Pier.  We rode rides, ate, saw an awesome show, walked along the pier in, "picture perfect" weather, saw a Forrest Gump impersonator, AND got a free concert.  I didn't even have to drive! (Thanks Amber! :) Great day.  Here are some pics...

The MILLION story ferris wheel on the Navy Pier.....ok maybe I exaggerated a little....

It WAS high, though.  Can you see the fear in my eyes?  Seriously....

My "Ambers".  Some of the girls I went with, Amber B. and Amber Ann. 

                                                          Cirque Shanghai. 
The performers in this show were AMAZING.  Truly talented beyond anyone normal!  I would definitely go see this show again. 
This picture doesn't do them justice, there were sooo many crazy moves and dances and acrobatics.  They were too fast for my camera!

Perfect weather.  It was so beautiful on the Pier.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ConBzNeYOGM&feature=player_detailpage

                                                                      
                    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=26Y54YFj5hE   

 An awesome, talented singer/songwriter/pianist by the name of Jess Godwin was playing at the Navy Pier.  Jess has a nice follow up but isn't hugely well known yet.  She lives in Chicago, and in between gigs, she gives vocal lessons to kids to help pay the bills. 

 She is up beat, sings like a bird, and is a lyrical genius! 

 The two links above are videos of some of my favorite songs of hers. 

The first link is of her first and only (so far) video of a song called, "Katy's Side", and the second is of her song, "Swiss Family Robinson".  

 Miss Godwin was nice enough to sign my cd after they were finished playing at the Pier, and took a picture with me!  It was so cool.  She is really sweet.  She has stuff on Facebook, iTunes, and more on You Tube.  Check it out!

                                                          
                                 My celebrity moment.....

The GORGEOUS Chicago skyline as we left for home.  Good times were had by all.  Thanks, Chicago! :)

A favorite poem of ours....

Father, We Thank Thee

For flowers that bloom about our feet,
For tender grass so fresh and sweet,
For the song of bird and hum of bee,
For  all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For blue of stream and blue of sky,
For pleasant shade of branches high,
For fragrant air and cooling breeze,
For beauty of the blooming trees,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For this new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.
                                   -Ralph Waldo Emerson

I cannot stress how important reading is.  Not just in general, but especially to children.  Not only does it do wonders for their imagination, but it is so important for them to be read to so that they will have an easier time when they start trying to read.  Studies have proved how much higher children's scores are that are read to often, compared to those who aren't.  Even if you, as a parent do not care to read, you couldn't ask for a better bonding experience with your child!  So, what's a few minutes out of your day?  Let your little one pick out a special book and get reading!

Baylen, our oldest, taking the time to read to his little brother Broden. :)