Back from Chi-Town

OK, so we've actually been back for about 3 weeks now, but I'm still digging out from all the "catch-up" stuff and trying to get the house ready to put on the market at the same time--whew!

Enough excuses...here are some pics from our recent trip to Chicago to visit Hubby's sis and family. (Thanks Marc & Anna for opening your beautiful home to us, feeding us amazing food, and adopting our daughter for the week!)

Our first day there we went to the Field Museum of Natural History. It was amazing, and definitely worth more than the three hours we spent there (including lunch!) I'd like to go back sometime and spend a day (or two) in it.

Kiddos and me at the water wall outside the museum.

I had planned a very special meeting at the museum with a "pen pal" of mine. We met four years ago in an online forum for new parents when our little princesses were newborns. We've kept in touch over the years (with a few others from the forum) and realized we would be vacationing in Chicago at the same time. We finally met face-to-face. So nice to finally see you in person, Hannah!

Little Miss was fascinated by the "color of animals" exhibit

Little Man was just into pushing the buttons...any button!

And who doesn't love the penguin exhibit!

Little Miss explaining that the squirrel died with a nut in his mouth.
(She had asked Hubby where all the animals came from and he explained that when
the animals died, the museum brought them there so we could come see them.
She was astonished that they all died in so many interesting poses!)

We spent one day at an amazing park near their house that is part of a Federal reserve.

The whole gang at the park

Little Man loved the slide!

The cousins on a HUGE climbing rock (notice Little Miss is keeping her little bro safe!)

We got to have dinner and spend an evening with my aunt & uncle.
The kids adore Uncle Dan & Aunt Chris!

One day we took the whole crew to the Brookfield Zoo. Again, I wish we'd had more time to see it all, but that just means we'll have to go back! It's an amazing zoo!

Of course we picked the coldest day in July to go, so the first stop
was the gift shop to buy everyone a sweat shirt.

Then the big rainstorm hit. Fortunately, Hubby had found a nice
eating area under some umbrellas to keep us dry!

The petting zoo was a huge hit.

The girls even got to see one of "Santa's" reindeer up close.

The cousins with a bald eagle (while Little Man napped in the stroller)

Our last day with the cousins was spent celebrating Mandy's 4th birthday (the real reason we went!). She loves pigs, and chose to have a piggy party, complete with piggy cupcake decorating...

Of course, eating them was the best part!

...and piggy bank painting!

And a general all-day celebration of Mandy!

Happy Birthday, Mandy! We love you! Thanks for sharing your birthday with us!