Last Goodbye*

Way back in 1999 (or was it 1998?) I decided to pick up and follow Pete to Chicago. The first few months, while I tried to find a job (other than Barnes & Noble barista), I just stayed with him (and his roomies) in his place on Montrose. Pete was working in the International department at Shure back in those days, which meant he was taking frequent trips out of the country. I didn't really know anybody in town until Pete introduced me to Kevin. Kevin used to make sure I had something to do so I wouldn't get too bored and move back to Iowa. We'd go out to dinner or movies or to free shows at the House of Blues...(the benefits of working at Shure). I was with Kevin when we hung out and had some beers with the guys from Los Lobos. Cesar Rojas told me all about where to eat in New Orleans. (In case you wonder, he recommends Mothers for breakfast.)
Eventually Pete got moved out of International, I made more friends, Kevin got married and we became friends with Beth too. Together they made a friend for Clara (you've heard of Max) and now they're all picking up and moving to Belize to run a pizza joint. You know, just because. So Friday there was a going-away party at Pete's boss's music studio.
Michelle (Jonah's mom) came with 9-day-old Lucas. I might have absconded with him for a while. Can you tell I'm doing the "you can't have him back!" mom-block?
There was some playing of instruments. Here's Max checking out Pete on the drums.
There were several different arrangements of musicians throughout the night, but for a while these guys launched into "One" (U2). And it just seemed a little emotional.
You can see Jonah waiting patiently with his drumsticks there on his dad's lap. And if you look closely you can see Beth got a little teary watching Max dance.
Anyway....long story short....we're going to miss these folks. I know, now we have a reason to visit Belize (my intended honeymoon destination...alas) but honestly, in this economy?
I guess the best we can hope for is that they have happy reasons to come back, and maybe that Kevin joins facebook.
We love you guys!!
*And really Friday wasn't the actual last goodbye....we had a last-minute Moody's burger with them last night too. Clara just wanted her chance to say bye to Max. Hopefully Beth will post some photos....

Thursday through Super Sunday

It's been a busy several days. Last Thursday was conferences for me. While I ironed my clothes in the morning Clara helped out by leaving me some treats on the ironing board.
Lego lion and Os. Thanks Sweetie!
Friday we had a busy day at the library and crafting, then visited Grandma and Bampa while Pete had a night out downtown with his friends.
Saturday Clara stayed home with Pete and Henry and I went to the Greenbriar carnival. Ellen was Pocket Lady. I've been known to wear the Pocket Lady skirt myself in the past...
Henry got lots of time in the bounce house.
Then we played Bingo and Henry won the "postage stamp" game. He got himself a big inflatable orca.
He got his face painted...
Such a sweet kitty face on such a tough guy.
Oh, and I let him have some cotton candy.
After a long nap we went to hang out with Max.
Max is going to be a year old in a few days and he's already working on his big boy moves...
Check out the slow move-in. Look at Clara's face.
She reaches out for him...
And goes for the friend hug.
Which Max was cool with.
But then he laid one on her.
There are more shots from the love session, but I think that pretty much captures it.
Yesterday we went to Jonah's house for the Super Bowl.
The boys were pretty much non-stop action.
Trains trains trains...
Clara learned to turn the t.v. off, but no one seemed to mind too much. It was more of a food, conversation and play-centric Super Bowl party than a football-centric Super Bowl party.
We've had a very nice evening tonight too! Henry pleased us very much by napping at Grandma and Bampa's today. We couldn't believe the difference in him. He was not cranky or bossy or having melt-downs at all tonight! We celebrated by making individual tortilla pizzas, which were much more delightful than I anticipated! Henry gave his a green pepper smiley face.
Hooray for happy healthy kids!!