Chicago Gourmet

My sister and brother-in-law were so kind to invite me to the Chicago Gourmet with them yesterday. They were working the event and I just got to have some non-kid related fun! I had no idea how cool this event was!

The setting was amazing at Millennium Park...and you couldn't ask for a better day!

They give out a wine glass with a plate that wine glass can rest on. You walk around to each tent and samples wines, champagne, vodka, tequilla, etc...and also some AMAZING food that the tops chefs in Chicago prepare....

Each tent is decorated differently...some go all out (Target's tent below...the circles are canisters of spices)

In the chef tasting pavilions they had 3 chef tables set up. My brother-in-law, John Hogan, made an amazing seafood salad...you can tell by the line to get into his tent it was a huge hit!

The crew below working the Keefer's table...

Chef hard at work....

A couple of the other chef tables... Prairie Grass

Naha....

Then John did a demonstration on stage. Lin Brehmer (from WXRT) mc'd. The other chef is Tony Mantuano from Spiaggia. They were all quite entertaining. What a great chemistry they have on stage!

Great pic of Kris and John!

John and Tony

Tony, John, Kris & Lin

Me & Lin Brehmer

Sarah Grueneberg was in the audience...she is another chef from Spiaggia who is on this coming season of Top Chef...she wouldn't say if she won or not...

Overall I had an AMAZING time...thanks Kris & John for inviting me. It was so good to do something fun like this that wasn't about the kids....just what I needed. You guys are the best! xoxo

Photo Sessions...

I've been been busy doing lots of photo sessions the past couple weeks...stop by my photography blog if you'd like to check it out.... http://kimgayeskiphotography.blogspot.com/

Picture Day and a very serious playdate....

Aidan had picture day at school last week - where did my little man go? He was all excited to wear a shirt like daddy!

After school we had his buddy Anthony over...there were some very serious discussions about building railroad tracks!

It's been a year....

...and I still miss him terribly. We are moving on but it still just doesn't feel right...it's just not right without him. I still think "I can't wait to tell dad..." I still get angry that he isn't here...here to see my boys grow up. Just.Not.Fair.








Most days I do count my blessings...and there are many. I am remembering my dad on September 11th and am so grateful for the years I had him. I think of those children who were just babies on September 11th ten years ago who didn't have their fathers growing up. My heart breaks for them.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11

Let there be peace...

Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
We are family.
Let us walk with each other
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

eh.

Lucas - 15 months

I have a lot of request from family for an updated picture of Lucas. It seems I don't hand them out as often as I did with Aidan! Well don't worry familia...I will send you all one of the pics below!

Lucas - you are such a joy at this age. You have begun walking and exploring this world. You are so happy and so much fun. You watch with awe everything Aidan does (this honestly scares me a little bit...). You have started talking quite a bit - you say mama, dada, chlo chlo, jet, truck, and snack. I think "snack" is your favorite word - you LOVE to eat! You say a whole bunch more that we don't yet understand. Love you little buddy - love seeing you grow! xoxo

Funny Faces

It's tough getting a great picture of the boys together looking at me (that's why I love the not-so-posed photography)...but once in a while I try for one...I forgot that once a toddler starts walking they just get up and walk away from how you position them...ugh.

I always laugh when I get home and check out what I've shot...definately some funny faces!

pe o

Finally a pretty decent one...ahhhhh....

xoxo

BEFORE

AFTER

My latest project!