I Love This Kid

My kiddo is truly a kiddo after my own heart.  He decided that he's ready for winter -- the only thing he didn't put on:  snowpants!  He got his boots, hat & mittens on by himself -- needed a little help with the jacket zipper, but otherwise dressed himself & was ready to go out & play.  Too bad it was 70+ degrees yesterday & he got REALLY hot, REALLY quickly & shed his gear shortly after I snapped this photo.  It's good to know my kiddo is as excited about winter as I am!

Trip to IL

I wish I could say I was an expert photographer and that I took lots & lots & lots of photos of my trip back to IL.  Truth be told, I kept forgetting that I even had a camera with me.  I did get to spend lots of time with my sisters & some of my closer friends & family.  I didn't get to see nearly the number of people I really wanted to see but those I did see, I got to spend some quality time with.  I will admit that this trip did not alleviate my desire to live closer to "home".  In fact, it made me want to live there more than ever.  My nieces & nephews have all changed so much since I last saw them and I hate missing out on it.  It makes me sad knowing that the next time I see my newest nephews (Benjamin & Henry) or my newest cousin (Sierra), they are going to be completely changed!

In any case, I loved my trip home and am exceptionally thankful that I was able to go!