Chicago

We loooooved Chicago! We got there on Tuesday and headed over to the Navy Pier for a late lunch after checking into our hotel. McKayla got to ride on Thomas the Train, eat gelato and run around the pier. That night Todd was able to meet up with one of his college friends for a concert while McKayla and I had a room service picnic on the bed and played in the hotel room. I had to work the next two days so Todd and McKayla went to the beach, the aquarium, ate Chicago dogs, and went to some parks. When I was done on Thursday we headed over to Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) and went to the top. Todd and I even stood out on the glass boxes that are pushed out from the the building (you look through glass under your feet to the street over 1,400 feet below). We met up with our friends (who so kindly let us stay with them for the rest of the weekend) and went to Dues Pizza to get some famous Chicago deep dish (so yummy!). On Friday we went to the beach, hung out at the pool, took a nap (I looved that), walked Magnificant Mile (we took McKayla to the American Girl store to pick out a doll and she squealed with delight as soon as we walked in...she got a bitty baby that has blonde hair and blue eyes just like her), and went to a fabulous lunch at Joe's Stone Crab. That night we went to a yummy Mexican dinner with our friends. On Saturday Todd and Garrett went to a bar to watch the soccer game while Hilary, McKayla and I did some shopping (can you say Tiffany's :-) ). We met up for a late lunch and then headed home for a quick nap. We played bags outside on their rooftop deck and then headed down to the Taste of Chicago festival where we proceeded to get WAY too much food and see the buckingham fountain. Sunday we went to breakfast at a cute little place called Orange and then headed to the airport. We ate so much good food, walked a TON and saw a lot of Chicago...and we had sooo much fun!! Our little baby boy made is presence known big time on this trip too...he was all over the place! McKayla did so well on the plane rides and said hi and waved to everyone she passed. Other than the downpour rain and tornando warning we had great weather too :-). We left our hearts in Chicago and will definitely go back.

Buckingham Fountain

McKayla loooved swimming
Checking out the dolls at American Girl

Hanging at the beach

Happy fam

Todd in the glass box

I couldn't let go, but I did get in the glass box

Baby Burrito

Picnic on the bed

Beach baby

McKayla was ready to go as soon as she woke up!

At the aquarium

Girls night in

McKayla had so much fun in the train

Saying hello to the bird

Navy Pier

McKayla's 1st cab ride

Corn on the Cob was Kayla's favorite at Taste of Chicago

At the taste of Chicago

Fathers Day 2010

We had a BBQ with friends and family on Saturday. It was so nice to just relax outside in (finally) warm weather and catch up with everyone. McKayla had a BLAST with her little friends...in the pool, sandbox, dancing, ball pit, eating, ect. On Sunday we took Todd to brunch at Market Street and then took a drive up the canyon (it was sooo green). We went to my parents house for a BBQ that night to celebrate Fathers Day and my sis' bday. Todd is biking in the sandoones today too for a little Fathers Day treat. He is such a wonderful Dad to McKayla and she absolutely adores him. He has been very hands-on since the beginning and McKayla loves to hang out with him (and eat his food). I couldn't ask for a better Dad for my kiddos. I have always been close to my Dad and grew up with him always being a big part of my life and I'm so glad my children will have the same thing. Thank you TJ and thank you to my Dad!!

McKayla and Uncle Scott coloring on the wall

Rewards of Volunteering

We took McKayla to volunteer Saturday morning with Neighbors Helping Neighbors. She was such a good girl the whole 2 hours...digging with us, eating all the donuts... Across the street a fireman caught site of her and told Todd to bring her over. He let her turn on the lights, ring the bell and "drive". She had a blast and it was a lot of fun to see her exploring something new.