Annika and Lauren's trip to the Museums

Over the past several weeks we have had a chance as a family to see a few of the cultural sights of Chicago. First we visited the Shedd Aquarium, then we visited the Field Museum on February 16, and finally the Museum of Science and Industry yesterday. The girls loved the fish and other aquatic animals at the aquarium. Annika thought it was so cool to see a man swimming with the fish in the coral reef exhibit (he was cleaning off the coral). At the Field Museum the girls got to meet Arthur, a cartoon character on PBS.

They were a little timid at first, so mommy had to pose with them for the picture. Lauren did get up the courage to give Arthur a high five. The girls also loved the giant elephant and the T-rex named Sue.

Annika was so excited that see got to see some mummies in the Egypt exhibit (she's fascinated with mummies for some reason). Yesterday, the girls had a great time with us and Grandma Barb at the Museum of Science and Industry. The girls loved the fun house mirrors.


They also got to drive the U-boat on a ride at the U-505 exhibit (it is a captured German U-boat from WWII). They were in awe of the big John Deere tractor and corn picker as well.
I have also included a couple pictures of the girls wearing their new Disney shoes and socks, don't they look stunning?

Hopefully the girls will remember their visits to the museums here in Chicago. I have a feeling it won't be the last time we are there. That's all for now. God bless.

One Small Step for Emily, One Giant Leap for Wheelerkind

Emily took her first good steps today. She has taken a couple steps in the past few days, but today was the most success she has had yet. We are so excited for her although we know it means more work and diligence on our part. I've included a video clip for those who want to see her walk.

Let it Snow! and the Grand Duke

Today, Annika did have preschool despite the winter storm Chicago experienced. It is so nice not really having to drive anywhere most days! It was fun to send our Svenska Flicka off with her purple boots, bright pink hat, yellow jacket and blue mittens. It was more fun to see her coming home with Daddy as she walked on top of the 30 inch snowdrifts and threw snowballs at Dan's back. It's the most she's gotten to play in the snow this winter!

While Dan was gone to pick up the dawdling Annika, Lauren and I watched from our front window to see them come home. For the duration, Lauren made me play the Grand Duke. She and I exactly re-created the scene from Cinderella where the Grand Duke attempts to fit Cinderella with the glass slipper and then breaks it. But, Cinderella has the matching slipper and cheerfully exclaims, "I get to marry the prince!" Then Cinderella and the Prince (who formerly was the Grand Duke) did a funky dance to celebrate. The 18th century French would have been shocked.

The first time I was told I was the prince and had to marry Cinderella or Barbie--well, it felt a bit twisted on so many levels, none of which did Annika or Lauren comprehend. But now I'm a seasoned character and can take the whole thing in stride.

Annika and Lauren finally had a chance to use their painting easel tonight--one on each side of it. Be prepared--we'll be sending out a lot of new wall art for you folks. If you would like to display some of their work in your own gallery, let me know! I currently have 7 pieces on our wall--five of which are drying. We're running out of display space.

Emily is almost walking--it's weird to see this peanut-sized human growing up! She stands by herself and took three steps to Annika, unaided and without instigation tonight. Unfortunately, Dan was at class. Em has such a bright smile!

Megan has survived her first 3 weeks at our house. I have a feeling she'll be more spoiled than Emily. Since we know she's our last, and Emily is actually wearing out some of the outfits that she, Annika and Lauren have worn, we're having fun finding outfits for her as we raid thrift and second-hand stores.

Annika's Message for Uncle Steve and Aunt Sara