Christmas Wonder

Even though it is now called Macey's, I thought it was still necessary to take Brennan down to the Walnut room to experience the big tree. To his delight, the theme this year was music and there were trumpets hanging from the branches. He couldn't get enough of it - and we couldn't get enough of his wonderment!

Thank you, God

I had hoped to post this in time for Thanksgiving but once again, time got away from me. No matter, we have enough to be thankful for all year round!

Winter Wonderland!

Although winter has only just come to Chicago, we've packed A LOT of fun into these past few weeks!

The Dorvacs' at Navy Pier's Winter Wonderland

Brennan learning the fine art of snowman making

Throwing 'snowballs' at the Winter Wonderland

Keeping warm at Zoo Lights

Decorating cookies with Mommy & Daddy

So much fun can be exhausting!

Shades of Fall

We Dorvacs' do love the fall - the colors, the costumes, the food & the friends - who wouldn't love the season?! Our little monkey seems to be enjoying his fall as well. He was a big help in getting ready for the festivities.

He spent lots of time with his friends - super heroes and animals alike.

He's even managed to find some quiet time to enjoy the fall colors. We hope you are enjoying your fall as well!

California or Bust!

The Dorvacs' spent a whole week in San Diego, CA enjoying the sights and the sunshine (well, some sunshine). We spent several days at Balboa Park (pictured above) in the gardens, museums and, of course, the zoo.

Brennan made lots of new friends and greatly enjoyed the local food.

We also spent an afternoon at the ocean and hung out with the sea lions. At first B was afraid of the big waves, but soon he was ready to jump in and play!

It was nice to spend so many days together - Mommy and Daddy were very happy to be with their little boy for the whole week.

The week ended with a beautiful wedding celebration. As you might imagine, Brennan was quite the dancing man at the reception, so much so that the band asked him to come up and play - and he was happy to oblige!

Fall Fun

Brennan, with his Dad, Mom and Aunt Jess, spent a wonderful day at County Line Orchard in Hobart, IN. There was a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, apple orchard and, Brennan's favorite, a Moo-Choo Train. It was the perfect way to get the whole family in the fall spirit!

Hair No More

Bears Vs. Hair



During commercial breaks from the big Bears vs. Packers game, Brennan's wonderful Aunt Trish gave him his first hair cut. It seemed to only be traumatic for Mom (turns out watching your baby physically transform into a little boy before your very eyes can be a little dramatic). Brennan was very good and payed more attention to his new book than the curls falling to the floor.

Before

Afterwards - cute as ever, just a little more grown up!

Laborless Labor Day

What can be wrong with a vacation that starts with ice cream? Nothing! To celebrate Labor Day the Dorvacs' went to Starved Rock for the night where we enjoyed the local food and views.

Brennan had a great time with all the rocks and sticks.

I think we wore him though as he spent the return hike asleep on my back! It was a great way to kick off the fall!

Tri with all your might!

Probably B's last day at the beach this summer

In our attempts to get every last juicy bite out of summer, we spent this weekend in as much sunshine as possible. The big event of the weekend was the Chicago Triathlon in which Wes competed and completed making this his 4th tri in as many years. Unlike some years when there is a large "Team Dorr" cheering section, this year's cheerleaders were small but mighty, and awfully cute, I might add.

Congratulations Wes!!!

Flower Child

Wes and I have always enjoyed the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Brennan seems to share our enthusiasm but for different reasons - he likes the gravel walkways, sticks and bugs. Today was too beautiful a day to not get out and enjoy some flower power - and bug power!

Brennan loved "smelling" the herbs - he would get giddy over it!

"Nice flowers"

It is hard to tell, but he found two sticks and kept rubbing them together singing - it was like he had made a little violin.