Chicago visit

We just got back from 5 days in Chicago, visiting family.  We had a nice time, but boy it was HOT!  I certainly am not used to such humidity anymore.
We spent one day in Wisconsin, seeing Uncle Jim, Aunt Cathy, Aunt Judith and Great Grandma.
Got to check out uncle Jeff's new house, which is really nice!
Also, Dad's cousin's and great aunt came down on monday for lunch, which was a lot of fun too.  And caught up with Chicago friends Mark and Janet and their families.
Forgot to take pictures...oops!
The highlight of the trip for Ethan was taking the Metra train from Park Ridge to downtown with dad and grandpa.  And, apparently, unlike the Thomas the train experience he didn't get too scared before boarding.  Wish we could have stayed longer!

Superheroes

Ethan has entered a new phase--he is crazy about superheroes.  Where this came from we have no idea, he certainly dosent watch superman or spiderman at home.  I guess he picked it up from school.
He is really intrigued by the idea of having super powers and magic.  Recently we bought him a few superhero t shirts, which, he would wear everyday, if we let him

 He is especially proud of his batman shirt which has a velcro cape, or as he calls it, his "cate".  We gave it to him for his half birthday at the beginning of the month, and it has been a huge hit.  I have to say, I am not a big fan of comic books, or super heroes, but it is pretty cute.

It's a....

Girl!!!

We are so excited to announce that Ethan is going to have a little sister this January!
Just had my ultrasound yesterday, and everything is looking good.  We were very surprised to find out we are having a girl--the first one in 3 generations of Jason's family!
Below, you can see a few pictures.

The baby wasn't very cooperative for the ultrasound-- it took a long time to get all the pictures, and determine the gender...certainly kept us in suspense!
We told Ethan last night, and although I don't think he really understands yet, he says he is looking forward to "helping" his baby sister.

Apple picking in the backyard

The apples started falling from our back yard tree this past weekend, which, apparently, means its time to pick them.  Ethan and Jason had a lot of fun picking.   I was surprised they were ready so early, but I guess I have never had an apple tree before.  The apples are delicious, sweet, tart and crunchy.  Not sure what type they are but I think maybe gravenstein?  They look a bit like a granny smith, but are not quite as tart.
Perhaps an apple pie is in our future....