Chi-Town Recap

We've talked before about my love affair with Chicago. I absolutely love the city. So much so, Hubs and I actually talked very seriously about moving there many moons ago. It's without a doubt one of my most favorites cities in the USA and visiting in the summer and fall is the best of all.

Last year Mom and I spent nearly two weeks there! And this year since the whole family was headed up we settled for a cookie decorating class instead :) haha! 

We had such a fun night together, and actually learned a lot too!  

The next morning we packed up the car and hit the road. As our final farewell to summer we planned a weekend getaway with all fun things Chicago before the littles head back to school. Uncle Max joined our car and the kids were pretty pumped about that. 

 First stop ... dinner and a walk along the river.

 We passed right by Bennett park and little man thought that was pretty cool.

 We had a yummy dinner and played some bocce ball in the basement of Pinstripes.

 And stopped for some swinging at Molly's Cupcakes.

 The next morning we were off to explore Maggie Daly park - A MUST - if you've got littles in Chicago.

 And then made our way to the symphony ...

 And the bean!

 And rounded off the afternoon with a little no pants dance in the Millenium Square Fountain.

 Then we nearly fell asleep standing up at Hot Dog Fest in Lincoln Park.

But found every last bit of energy we had to use it on the bounce houses.

 Then we went back to the hotel to take a quick rest and get cleaned up for some hang time with our cousins. And when your cousin owns a boutique custom suit shop, BLVDier, you take full advantage!

 Then we hit up Warm Belly cookies - WOWWWW.

 We had a yummy dinner at Sweetwater and once again marveled at the city on our walk home.

 The kiddos slept, hard.

 Then we were off to the Children's Museum.

 And Navy Pier.

 Then we had a farewell dinner for Max before the big move to LA.

 The next day we explored Mag Mile.

 And headed to the Reds vs. Cubs game that night!

 The next day we headed home ... but not before making a Cracker Barrel stop, duh!

It was the perfect end to summer 2017! 

Welp, it's Wednesday

It's been a busy end to summer round here. Lots of here and there shenanigans. Lots of waiting on this person to come help us with this project for the house. Lots of driving from here and there to get that one piece that we seem to be missing. Lots of plans. This week I have some sort of school orientation just about every day before the kiddos officially start next Tuesday ... and it's got me all crazy. I'm thinking back on summer and just thinking of all the things! So many things. Lots of a lot of things! So, instead of talking about every 'thing' to wrap up the end of the season, I'll condense it into five little things. I think a nice tidy list makes everything seem better.  And here are five little things. 

{ ONE :: WEDDING }

For starters, we headed to Henderson, KY to watch one of my college besties get hitched at a beautiful little winery tucked away in the countryside. .

 Bennett was there too ... but he found some pals and we never saw him the entire night.

 Megan sure looked pretty :)

And two of my favorite people rocked the dance floor.

And just to squeeze it in ... because it was (sort of) on the route ... we also made a pit stop to check out the new brewery, Tin Man Brewing, in Evansville, IN. We got the special behind the scenes tour with our new business partner and master brewer.  Bennett was mostly impressed with the real life Tin Man robot that sits inside the tap room (Not that this picture would let you know it) .

{ TWO :: BENNETT + BASEBALL }

Our sweet Bennett ... he had a BIG Sunday when his Tee-ball team was honored at the Minor League Baseball - Bats - game during the opening ceremonies. Their team was able to walk out onto the field and sing the National Anthem with the players, watch the first pitch be thrown, and had their names announced on the big speaker.

 Little sister watched in amazement and was so jealous she didn't get to go out on the field.

 Fame suits him well. Not phased even a bit!

That's Bennett near the pitcher's mound -- he saluted the flag holding the third basemen's hand -- what a little stud.

 On his way back in he had a little swag to his walk and happily high-fived the umpire.

 And couldn't wait to tell daddy ALLL about it!

And while we're on the B topic ... just like that it was time again for Bennett's annual kidney scan! I remember like it was yesterday when we had Bennett's 20 week anatomy scan while he was in utero. They told us our baby may not be healthy. He had several markers for many things, and most of all hydronephrosis, and a lot of fluid on his kidney! Man was I a hot mess in the weeks to come. But, as He always does, God saw us through, and we came out on the other end stronger and perfectly fine. Bennett continues to have to have scans once a year to check on the fluid levels ... but to date they have remained the same since they were first diagnosed nearly 4.5 years ago! WAHOOOO

 And little man is so good and brave during his appointments! Way to go buddy!

{ THREE :: LAINEY }

Lainey is making herself and her toys right at home here at the new house. Eating dirt and burying things in the yard. What a gal. I really don't know what to say about her right now other than she is truly a sour patch kid ... although she's usually more sweet than sour. But MAN, does this girl have some sass.

Moreover, the terrible twos are hitting a smidge bit early in this house and whheeeeewweeee are they coming on hard and fast. She is the sweetest little munch, tough as nails with the biggest appetite and softest heart around ... but goly ... she's giving me a run for my money!

{ FOUR :: HOUSEGUESTS }

We had our first and very MOST favorite house guests. When MaKenzie, Ross and 'THE GRILLS' arrive you know you're in for a good weekend. We had an absolute BLAST and cannot wait for them to come back down - ASAP!

We swam in the pool for the very first time. We played on the slip and slide and had all the giggles.

We ate a yummy dinner together and had some down time.

 We headed out to see our favorite boys in purple, Louisville City FC.

Fam Bam!

 And we had some yummy morning snacks, complete with snuggles ...

 And a took a big walk before it was time for them to head home :(

{ FIVE :: FAMILY }

And finally, when we catch a minute to breathe. We snack and catch up on some cartoons. The days are long, but the years are short my friends. Cherishing all the days. Every last one of them.