While Mama's away

The Sparkles Play at Nana's house.

The kids had a great time with Nana and Papa while Mama was away on business.

Lillian enjoyed counting money

 While Cooper enjoyed playing with Grandma Joan's button box.

 Mo even got his own money house

 Legos on Nana's bed is always fun too

 And cooking in the kitchen

 Having lunch with Omi every day was a real treat.

 And so was playing games together.

 And nothing is better then a plastic tub of dinosaurs with a glass of juice.

Oh the fun they had...

Sir Thomas

  A quick visit with my favorite nephew on my way home from the UK

Just a few extra cuddles to tide us over until our next visit

This boy sure loves his toys 

See you soon Sir Thomas. We love you 

London adventures

  A day trip to London with my bestie was the perfect end to my trip to the UK.

All work and no play was just not acceptable for this mama. 

So off to London we went on the 9:58am train :)

Our day included shopping, eating, and seeing Wicked in the West End. 

Absolutely the perfect day

Great company, great friend, great food and entertainment (rainy UK weather) but a girl can't have it all :) 

We ended our evening with Haagen Dazs (Baileys for me of course) 

Cooper Man

As I was about to embark on my business trip, these sweet pictures were sent to me.

Cooper is sure having a fun time with his Daddy while Mama is away.

Sisters + Nephew

Aren't we adorable :)

Thomas David

Best part of a business trip to the UK...

Flying in and out of Boston and visiting with my sister and adorable nephew Thomas David.

 Whooo's the best AUNT!

Thomas is the best Snuggle Bug! I am so glad to spend a couple of days with him before and after my business trip.

Chicago

One short day in the Windy City and Rob and I definitely made the most of it.

It started with a speedy drive up from Indy for our passport interviews then straight to the closest thing to heaven on Earth...

Gene and Judes for hotdogs.

Then off to the train station before heading downtown to shop the Magnificent Mile.

Making the AMAZING discovery that all of my hard work exercise and changes in my diet have paid off and I am now down 2 pants sizes :)

A reminiscent visit to Navy Pier (remembering one of our early dates :)

Then to Giodannos for a true deep dish pizza

A quick stop at Matt's Charcoal Bar (awesome drinks and atmosphere).

Then back to the airport (this time Midway) to catch my flight to New Hampshire :)

It was a long but WONDERFUL day but what a great start to my trip.

I am blessed.

Hiding Hole

Lillian loves to go into her Hiding Hole every afternoon. She often plays in her secret spot or will watch a show or two on Netflix.

Can you find her under all of the bean bag animals?

It is her happy place!

Luci Dog

All of the Sparkles love Nana and Pa's new dog Luci. She is already a beloved member of the family.

Sick Babies and Cuddles

I hate when one of my Sparkles is sick but this Mama sure does not mind the extra snuggles.

 Cooper is doing much better today and has even managed to eat a bit.

No Nap!

 Cooper is one unhappy and very sleepy boy!

Valentines Fun

We enjoyed a quiet Valentines dinner at home together as a family. 

Homemade spaghetti sauce, spaghetti, wilted lettuce salad, and garlic bread completed our meal. 

After dinner the kids enjoyed opening their I Love you prizes. 

The kids had a blast and loved everything. 

 Volume 3 of the Mandy series for Madison

Lillian got the  Jake and the Neverland Pirate figurines and Bucky the Pirate ship that she had been wishing for.

 Everyone loves Bucky

 Cooper also enjoyed his Valentines pencil

 Enjoying Bucky all for himself

 Sibling rivalry at its finest

Back to playing together

 Even Luci enjoyed watching all the fun

Dog Park

The kids are loving Nana and Pa's new dog Luci (well the girls are and Cooper is getting better).

Sunday afternoon the kids piled into Nana's car with Luci and enjoyed an afternoon at the park with Nana.

Luci had a long walk and the kids enjoyed playing on the playground.

 There was even a lion on the trail- but we heard he was not dangerous.

 Slide time

 Everyone on the swings

 Check out Lillian's hair

 Cooper's turn

 Never too big for a trip down the slide.

Manicures, Pedicures

and Fresh Beat Band

What a fun night with my Sparkles!