Crumpets and birdhouses

The weekend before Mother's Day we went to Rockford to celebrate with my Grandma. The ladies in our family took her to lunch at one of her favorite places, a restaurant called Crumpets in Genoa. It was an adorable restaurant that served different soups, sandwiches on croissants, muffins, and fruit among other things and had delicious desserts. We ordered a few and shared them! I liked the cozy, Victorian atmosphere and loved having lunch with my Grandma, a few aunts and Sara and Sandi. After lunch we went to Steve and Barry's and did some shopping - everything was $8.98! It was my first time there and I had lots of fun and tried on lots of clothes! I got a few things that I really like. One of them being a SJP "Bitten" brand dress that I love. And for $8.98, such a deal!

My Grandma

Meanwhile the boys went to my Grandma and Grandpa's house with Patrick, Dan and my dad where my grandpa had arranged for them to build birdhouses and had all of the supplies cut and ready to go. I love the pictures of the boys with Great Grandpa working on these birdhouses. They both turned out great and are so adorable. Henry is waiting for a wren to come live in his house.

Henry and Great Grandpa working on Henry's birdhouse.Gabe building his birdhouse with Great Grandpa.Gabe showing off his finished product. It sounds like the boys had a great time being in Great Grandpa's basement. It's like man's land down there!We think Henry looks alot like Grandpa Hogan. It's the shape of his face, I think. You can kind of see it in this picture.

We all gathered at Grandma and Grandpa's house for pizza after the ladies got back from lunch and shopping. It was delicious! Then we surprised my dad with a belated birthday celebration complete with cake and gifts. Gabe and Henry helped blow out the birthday candles and open the presents!

That night Patrick, Henry, William and I spent the night at my dad and Sandi's house. Henry loved waking up there on Sunday morning and was anxious to play with Papa Bug at 6 a.m. when he woke up! He was sad to say goodbye and when we got home on Sunday evening he said, "no, I don't want to go home. I want to go to Papa and Grandma Bug's house!" (very adamantly) He definitely has a special bond with his grandparents.

Henry, Papa Bug and William blowing bubbles on the front porch. Notice all of the other toys - Henry loves to take out everything.

*Note: I borrowed the pictures taken Saturday from Sara. Patrick had our camera but he used the video camera to tape the birdhouse building extravaganza instead. And I'm glad he did, it's a great video and I'm thankful to have those memories. Thank you Sara for these pics!