Chicago - part 2

There are many people in my life that I wish lived closer.  And Ed's brother and family are some of them.  I know that we would do sleepover nights so that we could have a night out without kids.  I know we would utilize babysitters and double date.  I know we would get together and make pizza on a Friday night and let the kids play.  I know we would have an ongoing Canasta tournament...involving bloody mary's, white wine, and Dairy Queen.  But right now, they live far away.  And already our long Labor Day weekend seems like a blur. 

But moments like the one above make me really wish we had cousins that lived close by. 

 Miss Morgan has been known to not like her picture taken.  But this weekend she smiled big and cheesy for almost every single picture I took of her.  I LOVED it.  Maybe she is just starting to "get" her Aunt Sarah.  When the camera is out...it is best to just smile and get it over with.

 Miss Sydney's first big girl swing at the park.

When I go visit someone for a weekend I always come home inspired (sometimes it is to organize, decorate, clean, move furniture, change my ways).  This time I was reminded how fun it is to meal plan and try new recipes.  Aunt Becca takes the time out of her busy working mama role and bakes homemade graham crackers and many other yummy meals and treats.  We were very well fed and I am still needing a few of the recipes she made for us.  This week I have three recipes to try.  Woo hoo!