Trick or Treat

We enjoyed the kids' costumes this year more than ever. We planned for Nathan and Maya to be garden gnomes and Matthew wanted to be the red power ranger. Nathan's costume was small for him (he grew up fast) and besides he didn't like wearing the beard that went with the costume. At the end he wore a green dragon costume. Maya wore her garden gnome costume and changed into her princess dress after her dinner.
We also enjoyed carving pumpkins and putting them to display on our front porch. We also visited our families and friends in Naperville and Lisle and took pictures with them.
For Linnet's birthday this year we went to the Brookfield Zoo and had a ball. Kids cooperated in taking an awesome picture on the bails of hay displayed by a giant pumpkin (in the middle).

First Half of August

The first week of August we went to a baseball game at the Kane County Cougar's stadium. This was a TGIF event from the Systems' Department at Nicor. Kids enjoyed all activities, specially the fireworks. This was Maya's first time at a baseball game. On Saturday we went to Ralph's World concert at the Morton Arboretum. We danced a bit and sang along, and everyone enjoyed jumping up and down.

Our 2nd Trip to the Train Museum

We started the month of August by taking a short trip to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois. Even with the hot weather and direct sun light, we had fun. Specially since this time, grand parents and little aunt came with us.
Later on that Sunday we stopped by the near by Donely's Stake House. The restaurant was right next to Donley's Wild West Town that we will visit soon.

March of Dimes

Past Sunday, my Mom and Mina joined us in the walk for babies or better known as March of Dimes. The event was sponsored by Nicor and few other businesses. We walked for more than 6 miles that took us over two hours, but I hardly broke a sweat. Matthew walked the whole time and I told him how proud I was that he could finish the walk by himself. I could tell that he enjoyed walking with Mina and my Mom. I suppose walking with a few hundred people, helped him stay focus. Nathan walked part of the way, but he mostly sat with Maya on the strollers we brought with us.
Maya was able to eat while we walked, but didn't take a nap until we got to our car. We finished the event with eating hot dogs, getting baloon sword and jumping in a dragon! Overall, it was a fun activity and I sure was happy this year it didn't rain.

1st Half of March

So far, the first half of this month has been very busy for us. Linnet is working 20+ hours per week, and with the weather getting warmer, kids want to go out more often. They of course need an adult supervision!
Matthew had a Dady day at his pre-school, where I saw his developments. I got a tour first from his teacher and then from Matthew. He showed me almost everything in his classroom, and ate my two donuts. We also took a picture with his teacher. Maya began to crawl backwards, and is getting better at keeping her balance and does not fall forward, when tries to crawl. Thy boys have so much fun playing with her and making her laugh.
We also visited the Brookfield zoo, I think this was Maya's second visit. I think Nathan enjoyed the visit more than anyone else. He gave up his sandwich to Matthew, so he can play a bit more. All of them loved to visit with the animals. Bahareh was kind enough to go with us, and gave me a hand holding Maya and running after Nathan when he chased the geese. We were all tired after we got back, and kids fell asleep in the car. I'm sure the second half of the month will be more fun, specially we have the NouRooz to be prepared for.

February Snapshot

A lot happened in the month of February. We had a surprise visit from my aunt Jhaleh and cousin Arsalan from the land down under. We had a weekend together that sure was fun for us, and hopefully they enjoyed it too. We visited the Navy Pier and the Sears tower ( I still like to call it Sears! ), and my first time visiting Skydeck Ledge. We visited the CC's pizza, and Matthew enjoyed few games at their arcade. We also visited downtown Downers Grove and the ice sculpture festival, as well as watching the Avatar in 3D. I thought it was way over rated!
Nathan and Matthew received their treadmill and amazingly still excersice on it. Maya won every one's heart by her big smiles, and her favorite new game was to get piggy back rides from her brothers.