Mom and Rhys

Rhys and I took a "fun trip" together.

I've taken both kids to visit my mom on their own but this was just a fun, quick getaway, thanks to my employer! I was able to bring a guest - so Dom and I decided Rhys would be the lucky attendee. He was excited but wished it would have gotten him out of school instead of over the weekend.

So, one quick flight to Chicago.

And lots of fun seeing good friends - the Nolidans - before getting ready for the big PARTY.

The Shake Shack was a big hit on Rhys - not sure P agreed. :)

Followed by an amazing afternoon at the Maggie Daley plaza. Wow - that is one cool urban playground.

The only tickle in the day was that I had booked us at the wrong hotel...instead of House of Blues, I had us at the Hard Rock ... but that's ok, it was a quick 5 minute cab ride to the right destination.

We ended our visit with a trip to the ChristKindleMarket ... VERY busy on that mild day...but we both gave it two thumbs up!

Claudia is awaiting her turn...where to next?

Fun with Zhjo Zhjo: Christmas 2015

My dad is always up for an adventure and loves to try new things.

When he came in town to celebrate Christmas - but really to go see Star Wars with Rhys - we checked out the very fun "Craft Brews" shop, a new restaurant in Clayton, Star Wars, Carriage rides, nature walks and more.

Daughters

There are so many fun things I get to enjoy with Claudia now...like getting our nails done, together!

She likes to be the "worker" who comes over to fix things - now it's "fixing our kitchen" - Dom and I really want to update our kitchen...and are going back and forth between a "cheaper" solution (I love IKEA and STL finally has one!) - or taking out a wall and opening up the kitchen to the dining room which means new furniture as well -- a bit more expensive solution but might make us happier here in the long term.

Now we need to start meeting with contractors...fun times ahead, I write in jest.

And here's Claudia getting ready for her  date with Dom last Friday night for dinner.

Rhys and I stayed home and ordered pizza and watched a movie on the couch. Pretty good deal all around I think.