Saturday, July 24, 2010

The Doobies + Check Out Our Italian Villa!

I have to admit, I'm pretty psyched about the upcoming trip to Italy that Carol, Rachel N., Jean H. and I will be taking - it's only about 6 weeks away!  Can't believe it.  Thought you might enjoy seeing the villa where we'll be staying - it's called "Fattoria Degli Usignoli", and here's the link:  http://www.usignoli.it/EN/index.php  (click on "ENG" on the right to see English version).

Last weekend while in Chicago we attended a Doobies Brothers and Chicago concert on Friday evening.  It turned out to be a perfect night weather-wise (so glad we didn't go this weekend!)  The two groups were fantastic, and the outdoor venue was awesome - had SUCH a great time!  Below are some pics of the concert, followed by a couple of pics from our trip to the dog beach the following day, and then breakfast at Rachel & Dave's on Sunday morning (where the doggies enjoyed getting blueberries and grapes out of the kiddie pool), just prior to our leaving for home.  It was a wonderful weekend - thanks for everything, kids!

Dinner at Moonshine's, near D/R's condo, prior to the concert on Friday eveing.

Charter One Pavillion on Northerly Island, near the museums
 

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

The 4th of July, Doggie Fun and Somebody's 60th Birthday!

Happy 4th of July, Everyone!
To Dave's amusement, Rachel's just not so sure about holding this hot sparkler!


Ally and Bella are SO happy to be in their favorite place - the water!
Taking a flying leap.....

Yes, we can be friends when we try.....
Awwww, dad with one of his favorite girls.....

And here, with BOTH of his favorite girls - home to celebrate dad's birthday....

Fun with the bumpers....It's "grampy" with the doggies!

And on the way home, look who gets a front row seat?  Why, it's Bellsie!

On the road again......
Decorating birthday cupcakes!The finished product...

Goofball daughters......
Katie woke up on this morning with her eyes almost swelled shut and her feet burning when she walked in the grass (this hasn't happened to her before) - we think she must have inherited my allergies to trees, grass, mold, etc., poor thing!  (She's beginning to look better by the time these pics were taken in the afternoon....)
"Hey, mom, don't put frosting on my nose!"

Celebrating Scott's 60th (!) birthday with his mom and the rest of us....

Cutie Pie!

"Happy Birthday to You....."
"You know you're 60 when getting lucky means a short wait at the doctor's office."......
He's still her baby boy.....

Katie and I gave Scott tickets to a Doobie Brothers and Chicago concert IN Chicago in a couple of weeks.  We'll all be going together....
My charming son-in-law is such a goof....

"Thanks, Dave and Rachel, for the great gift!"
He's kind of cute, really.

Awwwwww.....
And, to match her sparkling personality, here is Katie with her very OWN sparkler.....
Hope all of you had a Happy 4th of July!  (Isn't it about time for a family breakfast?)

One more pic - this is a shot of a mousepad I ordered for Scott that shows all of the family - I was pretty proud of myself for thinking this one up (from Snapfish).  I love that site.  What do you think?