"Maybe Next Year..."

I guess even my cutie-pie son couldn't help the Bears win the Superbowl. What a sad, sad game.

Christmas in Chicago, 2006

Durbin-Whitaker-Bennett Family

See the child running loose in the background of this picture? Yes, that's my child. Jack thoroughly enjoyed running all over the front campus of Wheaton as we tested out the lighting for our family Christmas picture; I'm sure everyone else enjoyed watching me frantically run (something I have not done in quite a few years) after him as he headed toward the street.

Our traditional Whitaker Christmas meal: grilled salmon! Every year my dad comes up with some new, interesting way to marinate and/or cook salmon...this year's Island Teriyaki marinade was a real winner!

Blueberry-peach cobbler, two apple pies, all made completely from scratch by moi.

Jack and Mika watching Elmo. By the look on Jack's face, I'm not sure he's too happy to be sitting so close to his cousin...

...But he sure does like to dance for her!

Mikaila loved just about everything about Jack; all he had to do was walk across the room--didn't matter if he was grumping or cheerful--she would smile and squeal.

Jack and Papa's game: Jack throws the ball down the stairs to Papa, who throws it back up to Jack, who then makes this face and laughs gleefully.

Ooooo! Baby!!

Trying to get a picture of the three of them...took about four of us to hold Jack down long enough for this picture.

And they're done!

Uncle Jonathan and Ellie

One of Ellie's first almost-smiles.

Mikaila, my favorite niece

Holding Ellie

Photo Shoot

When my sister was in town we tried to do a photo shoot with the three cousins. As you can see from the photos, my kids were the least cooperative. Jack pretty much cried the whole time, and the only way we could get him to stay in the frame was if he was lying down with his blankie. I didn't post all 100 pictures as most of them involve one of my kids crying or fleeing the scene. Mikaila behaved beautifully, and there is a precious picture of her below.

(I have since decided that it is not a good idea to be the photographer AND the mother of the subjects, especially when they are this young. Too much equipment, too many diaper bags, too many tears.)

Elisabeth Kate (1 1/2 months)

Mikaila Ruth (7 months)

Jackson Thomas (20 months)

Happy children

True Colors

When Brett Favre died and arrived in heaven, he found a large mansion awaiting him, complete with a Green Bay Packers flag hanging out front. "Well that was very thoughtful!" he said to God. After a quick tour of his own house, Brett decided to go explore the neighborhood. As he strolled down the lane he came upon a long drive that wound up a large hill, ending at the foot of an enormous castle. The castle had blue and orange flags flying from its turrets, and Chicago Bears emblems in every window. Two large statues flanked the entrance, both adorned with Bears' helmets. "You know," Brett said to God, "I don't mean to complain, because I love my house. But I always assumed that I was a little more successful in life than Walter Payton."

"That's not where Walter Payton lives," repled God, chuckling. "That's MY house!"

Who knew?

GO BEARS!

Preview of things to come...