Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago

We enjoyed a long weekend in the Windy City with Aunt Sandy...here are the highlights

We drove in on a rainy night. I love the city lights at night. "Some Gave All" was illuminated on one of the buildings.

A cafe au lait Aunt Sandy style that inspired us purchase a milk frother...and coffee will never be the same!

Sunglasses...our newest summer accessory!

Maggie Daley playground - so much fun!

This is the nest swing...the one where the dad's push the kids and the mom's stand back and yell "that's high enough!" 

Break by the bean (but we know it is really "cloud gate!")

Waiting for the Memorial Day parade to start 

The girls were able to tour a traveling exhibit of "Dressing Downton" that had costumes from Downton Abbey.  It was so awesome!   

Does anyone do flowers better than Chicago? Seriously, so beautiful!

The new ferris wheel at Navy Pier - you get to go around 3 times! 

Cafe au lait for the adults, pancakes with sprinkles and M&M's for the kids! 

Brandon manages to find the smaller animal on the carousel to ride! 

Traveler Tip: Skip the train ride at the Lincoln Park Zoo! 

Awesome zoo and the perfect place for a scavenger hunt!

Keeping with the animal theme for the day we had lunch at Rain Forest Cafe and received large balloon creations!  

Architectural boat tour.  Poor Brandon was suffering badly with his allergies

The kids got to meet some CFD fire fighters and got to sit in the truck! As did Elizabeth's three palace pets.  

It was a fantastic weekend and a perfect get away! We love Chicago!

Jump!

1,2, 3...jump....any guesses on who didn't jump?!

School's Out for Summer!

 We kicked off the first night of summer with a firefly party - yes that is a party where the kids catch creepy flying bug that have butts that light up - only in the midwest!

Oh it is just the beginning! I have already started to set ground rules.  First we have the checklist.  Get your checklist done before we do anything for the day!  Next, I bought new totes and as I collect their items that get spread out around the house they go into the totes, and guess what is #1 on the checklist...EMPTY YOUR TOTE! It is day 2 of summer break and I have only been called a meanie once!

Grant's End of School Picnic

In a way it is hard to believe the preschool years are over, but on the other hand I have had someone in preschool for 5 years - so maybe it is time?! Well ready or not, it is time.  I am so proud of his success and accomplishments.  We had a family picnic and the kids sang a few songs.  They then gave a us book of projects and pictures from throughout the year.  Thank goodness for sunglasses! The teacher had to send a note home to say everything she wanted to because she was so emotional too!  Closing chapters is hard, but there is a new one just around the corner!

Cuddles with Daddy

You know it has been a long day when the boys fall asleep on the couch at 7:30 and when I try to take  Grant to bed and Brandon whispers, "no, let him stay with me a little longer".  Melt my heart.

Basketball Fever

Shooting hoops before school - book bag is on that means he is supposed to be getting in the car!

Is it all about the b-ball at our house.  You can't walk through the garage without them grabbing a ball and hurrying outside to make a shot.  Although Grant says "Watch me shot!" and "Out of Balance!" (instead of "watch me shoot" and "out of bounds").  We are instructed to watch until they make a basket.  I know need to build in an extra 10 minutes before departing the house! This all reminds me of my brother! 

Even in heels as we are trying to get in the car to go out for dinner!

Playing

One beautiful spring morning before soccer the kids took the basket of Barbies outside and played.  It  was so cute.  That's all!