Chicago Trip

Daddy left for Boston Sunday night after an action packed weekend and Gma Susan arrived Monday just after noon. We enjoyed catching up with Gma and planning the house projects we were going to tackle. 

Gma and I decided that the most productive project was to paint the foyer, dinning room and kitchen. While Axel worked on homework from math class the two little ones went with us to Home Depot. 

They were quite the helpers in getting us set to paint the next day. 

Gma and I worked hard for two days to finish our big undertaking. I wish I would have taken good pictures of the finished product, but as soon as Gma left we were busy packing and getting ready to go to Chicago. Gma Susan left on Thursday. The kids and I headed to the library to get books for the next two weeks. They both couldn't wait to get started. 

On Friday I worked in the morning and managed to get to Axel's last day of camp ceremony. Axel received 2nd place for his MC35 level. This reflected his behavior and participation throughout the 3 weeks of class. 

He was able to pick out a prize. He wanted Qatan, but he ended up with Jenga. 

I had a long day packing and getting breakfast and lunch ready for our long day of plane travel. The kids and I were happy to make it to the airport and get seats mostly together. 

It was a beautiful flying day. 

We met daddy in the airport. He got on an earlier flight and had fun walking the Chicago airport for 2 hours. We were very happy to see him and get to our Airbnb. We decided to walk to China town. We found Phoenix Restaurant in our long hot and humid walk of 90 degrees. 

The kids enjoyed minimal down time throughout our stay. They read or we watched movies at night. We were able to see Luca and Encanta, which was a super family treat after walking for many miles each day. 

On Sunday we went to the Field Museum. 

We really enjoyed the different exhibits. 

Seeing Sue T-Rex was pretty cool.

Here is our first attempt at a family photo. It did not work so well. 

We also enjoyed the Egyptian exhibit. 

After 5 hours in the museum we decided to head toward the parks. 

Here is our second attempt at a family picture, which I think is much better than with Sue. 

We saw Buckingham Fountain and made it all the way to Millennium park, just to find out that it was closed for Lollapalooza. So we headed the 2 miles back to our place. 

On Monday it had scattered thunderstorms for most of the day. We managed to make it to the Museum of Science and Industry in the break of the storm. We enjoyed another 5 hours of entertainment. 

We started with the 505 submarine exhibit. I captured this picture for Gpa Bruce to show how small a cot he slept on. 

Although we didn't pay to see the Lego art exhibit Phoenix wanted to take these pictures with the couple of Lego displays outside the Lego exhibit. 

By far, the most laughter and fun came with the mirror maze. 

Afterwards we took a drizzle walk to the Japanese garden of Phoenix. 

It was so nice to be outside!

It was such a lovely little garden.

Happy 14 years of marriage to Keith and I! 8-8-22

Family photo attempt #3!

We walked to find dinner. As we waited for our sushi dinner I called Gma Sonia and Gpa Bruce. I was struggling to hear them. I didn't realize Keith had the kids mimic me. I sure got a good laughter when I was downloading the photos and saw these pictures. 

So funny and cute!!!!

These murals are under an overpass a few blocks from University of Chicago. 

I loved this picture of Daddy!

On Tuesday we had a lovely day and walked through all of the parks of Chicago, Grant, Maggie Daley, Millennium and all the way to the end of Navy Pier. 

Climbing the rocks in Millennium Park. 

Family photo #4! Yes, people in Chicago are that nice to offer 4 times!!!!

The highlight of the park, the BEAN!

So much fun taking silly pictures. 

Axel wishing he had a hat, so I gave him my sun glasses. After seeing his picture, "no thank you, mom!"

The end of Navy Pier.

Stop for ice cream! Delicious!

I loved this picture. This was the first time I have seen Rubix with a frown. We were less than a mile from our place, but had already put in 6 or so miles of walking for the day. 

Our visit to the roof deck. So cute!!!

Daddy and I finally got to run along the lake on Wed morning before we headed to Gpa Bruce's house. It was a gorgeous morning!

What the kids did while we went for our run!

After spending a couple of hours with Gpa Bruce and eating lunch we headed to my best friend from College's mom's house, Jen. We had a great afternoon hanging out and catching up while the kids played in the pool and around their amazing house and yard. 

Michaela and Phoenix rode bikes on the private street and Keith ran into an old coworker who lives a couple of houses away! What a small world!

On Thursday we headed to Spring Valley and had the privilege of seeing all of the Eicks and Uraniches. It was such a great day catching up everyone!

Phoenix was such an angel to little Gia, Cory's oldest. 

Great Gma Connie with the twins Sienna and Gram! 

Gma Connie and my cousins Mia and Gianna. 

Gma Connie and me. How I missed her! She hasn't changed a bit. Gina, Sonia's sister hasn't changed a bit either. Mia has become a mini Gina with the same voice and mannerisms. It was so much fun to see the cousins all grown up! I do wish we lived closer. 

Family photos #5 with Gpa Bruce and Gma Sonia.

The kids playing in green grass!!!! Huge open field of green grass!!!

Park time on our last day!

Rubix reading before bed.

Me with the parents before heading to the airport. What a lovely visit. We will miss our midwest family. 

We got back late Saturday night. Sunday we made sure to get in a bike ride and swim for the kids. I had to pack for the kids trip to Gma Susan's house. We met Gma and Gpa and the Jolley's for dinner. After dinner when we were putting everything in Gma's car Aunt Shannon realized that Axel may be taller. She blamed his shoes so he took them off and it is a very close call of who is actually taller. 

Auntie's sad, but I am so happy for Axel. I hope he grows another 4 to 6 inches. 

The little ones wanted in too.

Our 9 year olds. Phoenix has taken off and is now officially taller than Braylin!

On the way to Gma's! I cannot tell you how weird it has been to be without kids for the past 3 days. in our 14 years of marriage we have never been without the kids. We made sure to ride together after work, which has been really hard for me because it is hot, I have worked all day and I am hungry! I somehow managed. We have also caught up on work and I have managed to get this blog done!!! It is amazing my days are still long, but it is always worth it because I wouldn't want my life to be any other way. Keith and I feel so blessed to have each other and these 3 amazing kids to raise. We have such an amazing extended family who are such good people. How blessed are we to see and spend time with so much family over the past 2 weeks. 

Here are a couple of pictures Gpa Brian sent me on the kids adventures with them. 

Rubix said tonight that he likes Gma's house and is sad to leave. Axel said it is because he has been able to watch a few PBS movies and dessert every night and that is why he is sad to leave. I believe it is because grand parents rock and our kiddos have some loving grandparents. 

Axel said he can't wait for school to start. Make sure to check back in a week or two for our Back to School Blog!