It has happened - this has been something we have been working on for over a year now. After witnessing the joy found in our couple friends after having one of their own, we recognized it was not only an addition that would bring a new spirit into our home, it was our responsibility to move on to the next stage in our relationship. So, we are happy to finally announce after months of unsuccessful efforts, Wii has joined our family!



Flashbacks of Christmas ’91 brought with it a quiet sob of joy – for a void caused by the loss of Allen’s Super Nintendo had been filled (now with the ability to download old school games) while standing in line at Best Buy – dazed – for the chance to relive childhood moments was quite surreal. For what it’s worth, that was the best $199 Grandma could have ever spent. Who would have known that Mario Kart (Yoshi being Allen’s favorite) would teach the driving skills essential for survival on Chicago streets or the efficiency only to be exemplified by the 6 hr. and 4 min. record down I-65 to Nashville?
Not to limit the amount of Nintendo’s life-learning-lessons, abilities beyond pure physical talent were gained too. Cost-benefit analysis came with the gathering of bananas in the most dangerous of places for Donkey Kong’s sustained health – despite the chance of falling into a screen-less oblivion. The hard lessons of high-risk high-return and diversification were learned through not following the beaten path (yes, there were at times a bunch of bananas, and sometimes nothing at all).
So while our new Wii gets Heather boxing random-nameless “Miis” – the chance to be 10 again is worth reliving the horrors of Wario’s castle.



Okay, so after all that - we have been enjoying summer in Chicago! Allen has been in school trying to make up for the credits he lost after switching into the business college. Despite our new addition - we have made it to the beach a few times and have set a goal to go on a bike ride at least once a week. Thanks to Heather's stellar action poses and Allen's sweet photography skills - we captured this shot. (credit to Brian for throwing the frisbee)

We've heard of tandem bikes and we've heard of Mormon families doing weird things for fun - so could this family possibly be....Mormon? - all wearing helmets - matching spandex shorts - you decide. Oh....did we mention the whole family is riding on ONE BIKE?
Among our Chicago adventures this summer was the Death Cab For Cutie show in early June. It was nice to enjoy one of our favorite bands right down the street from us.

While in the music spirit - Heather came across this little number on Youtube. Please take the time to check it out, you won't regret it. If only Allen had been this talented at that age...oh where he'd be now......

Hey Jude - The Beatles