AVP Chicago Open

The AVP was in town this weekend, and despite some fall like weather, it did not disappoint. My favorite team, and reigning gold medalists, Todd "The Professor" Rogers and Phil "The Thin Beast" Daulhausser made it to the finals, but lost in a grueling 3 game match. Phil lost a pinky toe nail some time in the second game, but that did not slow him down a bit. Their 5 tournament winning streak came to an end to some worthy opponents: John Hyden and Sean Scott.

Do you see me over John Hyden's left shoulder above? I am right behind the girls in the green shirts. This was national TV, the AVP on NBC. I guess my 15 minutes of fame is over. John Hyden is a 2 time indoor Olympian and holds the collegiate record for kills in a match of 57. The record may never fall as he set it before the NCAA converted to rally scoring.

The women's title was captured by Elaine "EY" Youngs and Nicole Brannah. Above I got a pic with the EY and Nicole. They represented the US at the 08 Olympics, and placed 5th. EY has the 5th most wins of all time on the womens side.

It was a great weekend of volleyball. Can't believe summer is coming to an end.

Spa-ahhhh

Dinner in downtown Scottsdale at Olive & Ivy

The hike The view

The spa

This gloomy, premature fall we're having here in Chicago has been tough to take, especially since coming back from such a gorgeous weekend in Scottsdale. My mom, my sister and I have been doing a spa trip to Phoenix for the past four years, and I don't think I've ever looked forward to it quite as much as I did this year.

This year we went back to the Camelback Inn and we all decided that we would stick with Camelback from here on out. The resort is surrounded by the desert mountains and is so peaceful.

On Saturday, Lisa and I did a hike through the mountains. We'd never really explored the surrounding area before and it was awesome, and you would not believe some of the homes we saw...unbelievable! Then we spent the rest of the day at the spa and pool just unwinding and having fun. I'm not much of a spa snob, but the Camelback spa is my all-time favorite. My massage was a little too intense (I was totally sore the next day), but I definitely needed it. Carrying around 17 lbs of baby all day long, along with getting into some of the most contorted positions while nursing a very squirmy 6-month-old have made me feel about 100 years old sometimes. I think the massage must have helped, though, because even if I feel old I got carded at dinner. (A nice ego boost...but, seriously, once you have stretch marks are you really allowed to get carded?!)

It was hard being away from Zoe and Jody for the first time and pumping six times a day was kind of a pain. But all the relaxation and Mirel Girl bonding was awesome! Is it too soon to start counting down to next year?

Mom's Away the Kids Will Play

Zoe and Grandpa J and Uncle Jason and Aunt Heather

Diana went on her annual spa getaway with her mom and sister this past weekend, so that meant I was my first time alone with Zoe for more than a day.

I survived with a little help from my family.

My dad came down on Saturday afternoon. We had a good lunch outing to Little Italy and even got in a full family nap.

Jason and Heather came down on Sunday morning. I got to go the beach to play some beach volleyball. Then, we went to Stanley's for a late brunch. We got to eat outside and enjoy the great weather. Good stuff.

All in all is was a nice weekend. Zoe ate and napped without issue. However, Zoe and are are so excited to have Diana back.

Can't Wait

Labor Day can't come soon enough! We cannot wait for my family to come in. It's about time Zoe got to meet her cousins.

Wigging Out

Check out Zoe modeling her new 'do. This look is called the Lil' Kim and Zoe rocks it like nobody's business.

At my mom's group yesterday, one of the mom's busted out this pink "Baby Toupee" that she received as a baby shower gift. Totally random present, but it was the perfect prop for our mom's group. At this point, the babies in the group are still a bit too young to do much playing, so plopping the wig on all the girls for some impromptu phone photos kept us all entertained. Check out www.babytoupee.com for some funny (and pretty disturbing) baby toupee pictures.

Workin' On Her Fitness

With Zoe's 6-month birthday just around the corner, she busted out her workout clothes and started getting serious about this sitting up solo business. After plenty of wobbles and topples she's now sitting up like a pro...mostly. Way to go, Zo! Below is some video footage of one of her grueling training sessions:

Three Amigos

This weekend we had Kristin and Lydia and Chris and Andrew over for dinner. With Andrew finally getting the all-clear to hang with other babies, we were excited to meet him and introduce Zoe to her new buddy. At just 10 weeks, he spent the evening sleeping. Zoe was never such a sleepy baby, even at 10 weeks, so it was really interesting to see. He was a total cutie and will be having fun with the girls in no time.

Zoe and Lydia noticed each other a little bit more again, and I think Zoe really liked Lydia's ladybug helmet/hair accessory!

Even though our nights end much earlier these days, it was fun getting together and seeing the babies all together.

Identity Crisis

Yes, our blog is having a bit of an identity crisis. I've been changing the color schemes, adding pictures, etc. and nothing seems to be doing it for me. I'm just not feeling any of the stock template options on Blogger. I stumbled on this one today and I liked it. But then I realized it's the same template as the Hunts, and I don't want to be stealing their "look." Sorry Matt and Alison.

I'll have to do some internet searching for Blogger templates I suppose. Uh, because that's how I should be spending my few moments of free time these days.

Breakfast Time

Dear Mom and Dad,

What are you waiting for?! Please give me some cereal already. Otherwise I'm going to keep slobbering all over yours.

You know you love me.
XOXO,
Zoe