After such an amazing time in Niles last night, it seemed fitting for us to spend new year's day in Niles as well! Me, Jen and Baby Jeremiah first had lunch at Chile's (because the House of Dumplings down the street from my house was closed...). We had already walked down the hill with the baby in the stroller, so we headed back up again.

Then we went over to Niles. The Niles Cafe where they have REALLY good coffee was also closed, but it was such a gorgeous, cool day that we ended up going on a very long walk with the baby mainly because we got lost trying to find the Niles Community Park. But this getting lost was so worth it! After wandering through the neighborhood for a while, we found the back entrance and a wonderful paved trail...and what looked like a creek or a lake that we didn't even know existed. Baby J loved it...kept yelling "Hi Ducks!" and trying to quack like a duck...there were dozens of them out there...to his delight. we finally found the park with the lovely playground where Baby J gave us near heart attacks a few times...he goes right down the big slides...no problem. little daredevil! screamed his head off when we took him away...met some cool people down there. We stopped in at another place called "Joe's Corner" which was open down in Niles..apparently we got there right before they closed. Who knew we'd get such AMAZING service...we ordered coffees and warm chocolate for the baby...but the owner came out and said she had some minestrone soup left over and would we like some? She brought out steaming cups with pieces of bread and I gotta say it's the best soup I've had in YEARS...then the other lady accidentally made a soy mocha for me which I gave to Jen and she took it off the bill...they also had extra fresh bread which they gave to us too! I don't expect this every time, but will definitely go back there! Oh and we didn't get charged for the soup or bread either! HAPPY NEW YEAR!! we were exhausted when we finally got home, so while Baby J tore the living room apart (LITERALLY), we watched movies...HAPPY NEW YEAR!See More— in Niles District.