May 30, 2011 by Dad.

Today was another wonderful Spring/Summer day and one of our last in Chicago. We decided to visit the Morten Arboretum’s Children’s Garden one last time ( so sad ).

Leading the way; Catching tadpoles; Etienne, Daddy & Cezanne; Conquering an big acorn !

Cezanne & Etienne; Tree-house Cheeeeese; Lost in Lavender; Big Hugs for Brother

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May 29, 2011 by Dad.

We decided that for her milestone 5th birthday we would treat Cezanne to a very special gift - a real American Girl Doll. These are very special dolls and there are only a few stores in the US, one just happens to be in Chiacgo. With our pending move to California and all that she has gone through and will still go through because of the move and the fact that she is turning 5 and add to all that the fact that she has been going on and on about this doll for months now, we felt it would be something we would do for her. We drove into the city on an overcast and rainy morning, parked the car and walked over to the store.

Etienne and I strolled around while Mommy and Cezanne looked and each and every doll and read all about each one. The girls had done some homework and had already figured out what they were looking for but still needed to look at everything, just to be sure they did not miss a thing. For those of you unfamiliar with American Girl Dolls this store and the associated dolls they each have a back story and the dolls try teach principles and life lessons through their stories, books and movies.

Cezanne finally picked Julie, the 1970s era doll who went through a big move to a new city, San Francisco coincidentally.

Once Julie had been selected and paid for we were trapped in the store by a torrential down pour. When there was a break in the rain we made a dash for an ice cream palor around the corner and enjoyed the most delicious milkshakes before heading home.

Cezanne & Julie, Mama & Cezanne in the American Girl Doll store in Chicago

Cezanne & Kanani, Cezanne and the recent dolls of the year, Cezanne picks Julie !!

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April 3, 2011 by Dad.

Etienne, showing off his new shirt designed by Uncle Brett, Cezanne cutting in

Focus turned to Cezanne, and then funny faces…

The really funny faces…

Rachel ( from Gymnastics ) had her 5th Birthday Party @ Gymnastics !

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March 13, 2011 by Dad.

We joined good friends the Basson’s for a trip into the city to visit the Shedd Aquarium. We had not been before and figured it was about time.
Cezanne had a great time ( all because Chloe was with her ) but I must admit the Aquarium was a bit of a disappointment, even the “dolphin show” was more educational ( read BORING ) than a spectacular ( read lots of jumping and splashing and amazing animal tricks ). I got the feeling they were codling the dolphins (and by that I mean pamper, not the other meaning of the word which when I looked it up was actually quite funny when applied - to cook (eggs, fruit, etc.) in water that is just below the boiling point; cook gently), either that or they were stuck with a bunch of lazy duds

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December 25, 2010 by Dad.

Since we were not going to see Daleen and Wener and Chloe and Megan on Christmas we joined them on Christmas Eve for a feast and some snow sledding. Cezanne had not really had much luck with sledding in the past, the few times we did go she got cold far too quickly or fell out the sled and the fun was cut short. This time we had company and being a little older helped as well. The girls had a great time sharing sleds and then eventually sledding down together in Chloe’s sled which was much faster and straighter than the red sled we brought. The snow was falling and caused some misfocussed photos but the general result was worth posting - chilly fun and warm smiles…

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December 19, 2010 by Dad.

December sure is full of traditions and most of them seem to be tied to the playgroup. We joined the group again this year after missing last year due to the fact that we were is Disney ( wish we were there ). Cezanne really loved getting to see Santa and was sure to tell him her list of 4 things she had picked out. We were unsure how Etienne would take to the jolly red fellow, check his blog and see how he did

The kids enjoyed the breakfast and seeing one another again and then were forced to pose with Santa for the ever popular group photo.

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December 11, 2010 by Dad.

Before we left home for the annual playgroup Christmas party we took some pictures of the kids at the tree since they were dressed in their fancy Christmas outfits. Cezanne took posing to a whole new level thanks to Barbie Fashion Fairytale !! I love the serious modelling going on above !!

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December 5, 2010 by Dad.

Our competitive gymnastics class arranged a secret Santa Christmas party. The girls all got to sit together at one big table. I do not think there was a lot of eating going on but there sure was a lot of monkey business ! When all were done with dinner the gifts were handed out. Cezanne had Mila as her girl to get a gift for and as it turned out she picked the exact same thing Mila had picked for Lola, her secret santa ( 2 Barbies ), as you might expect Mila was very happy !! Cezanne scored as well getting a Zhu Zhu pet, a Ken doll for Barbie to marry !

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December 5, 2010 by Dad.

Our playgroup again decided to take the Polar Express and we all met on a very cold morning at the Lisle train station for the mad dash on board the train ride to nowhere and back

Basically everybody lines up in the freezing cold, the train pulls up, the doors open and people get on board and race to find seats together. It is a mad house ! The kids love it ! Santa and Scrooge, Princesses and Elves all make their way through the train handing out treats and smiles.

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October 17, 2010 by Dad.

The fall season is full of special events the first one we attended was Boo at the Brookfield Zoo. We joined friends Chloe & Megan and the rest of the playgroup for a day of running around the zoo in costume. I am not sure how many animals were actually seen, but we did get a chance to see the new bear habitat which is awesome and well worth checking out !!

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