Trip to Chicago - Part I

A Trip to the Park

We got to visit the Hunsche's' in Chicago this past weekend and got a lot accomplished in our short stay.

On our first full day there, we got to go to our favorite breakfast joint S&G's, then we went to the park. As you can see, Allison and Gianna were pretty much inseparable. Nolan was more interested in walking around and tried to join some guys on the B-ball court at one point. The kids really enjoyed eachother's company and had a blast playing together!

Welcome to the Zoo-Zoo-Zoo...

We took the kids to the zoo last week and out everything there, Allison wanted to see the rhinoceros - or "noceros"- the most. Who would think?! Since there was no big crowd around the rhino, I was able to get a good picture for her :)

We took a ride on the train...

Pet the goats in the Children's Zoo section...

Saw the some Polar Bears...

And Allison finished her zoo trip with a rhino picture!

This was one of three fun things we did this past week, so I'll try to post the others soon!

Backyard Fun

I've been watching my friend's two kids a couple times a week and I'm learning that it is a challenge to keep four children amused for very long. Luckily, a little backyard fun held them over for a couple hours on Monday.

This is: Libby, Michael and you know the other two...

Allison and Michael played in the sprinkler for a while.

Then they all played in the sandbox for a while.

This is a good shot of Nolan's Capri Sun gut. That's what happens after you have a few.

Smile for Me!

My little ones were very patient for me when I made them sit together and pose for a few pictures. Since I've been given the opportunity to be home with them, I'm trying to learn how to better appreciate the time we have together. I've certainly learned that being a stay at home mom is a tougher job than I realized! But it's a blessing to have...

Memorial Camping

Camping with the kids is one of my favorite things to do. Allison absolutely LOVES to camp and would live on a campsite if we let her. We went camping with Tony's family (as we usually do), but it was the first time Tony got to stay overnight with the kids (usually prevented by his work schedule). We had a blast! Nolan loved discovering his new surroundings and behaved so well for a curious toddling boy. They both played with their cousins - Luke, Jack, & Libby (Zach was there too, but he wasn't up for playing).

All the kids went for many walks to the park - All the adults had to take turns entertaining the kids. Allison loves to go-go-go and was always the first in the stroller or wagon as you can see.

We broke out bubbles and water guns to play with. The kids enjoyed the bubbles and the adults enjoyed the water guns :) Even Peggy was chasing Mark around the site!

Allison and Libby at the park.

Zach during an upset moment. We tried to tell him the Reds were ahead, but he thought the previous call was a bad one!

Nolan played cards with Luke in the wagon - It kept them busy for minutes!

My sister Taylor and Elwood.

We went down to the waterfall (very small, but pretty and not pictured). Allison was nervous at first because she thought we expected her to jump off and go swimming like the other kids there. Once she knew she wasn't, she enjoyed it. Elwood even ventured out...it took a little convincing from my dad the first time, but he did!

Horsin' Around at Great Grandpa's & Grandma's

We enjoyed time with my grandparents last weekend and the kids enjoyed seeing and riding the horses. Allison would probably stay down at the barn with them if we let her.

Nolan "petting" Susie. He got brave enough to touch her nose and ever time he did he'd turn around and laugh histaricly. It really was too cute.

Nolan with my baby sister Taylor.

Grandma helping Allison onto the horsie. My aunt is trying to teach Allison the correct horse riding lingo since my Grandpa keeps threatening to get her a pony.

Grandpa had his camera out too...we're the picture takers.

Update: Allison Scooting / Nolan's First Steps / Opening Day

Allison's first ride on her princess scooter. It's a working progress for sure. She's a little timid considering she hasn't forgotten the head-first fall from her bike last year. But she was all decked out is her princess safety gear - including the helmet - courtesy of my Grandpa who thinks all children should live in helmets!

Nolan's Big Night:

This took place a couple weeks ago, so he's gotten much better. He's walking all over now!

Video of Nolan's first steps...You'll notice he thinks he's getting his picture taken since I'm filming with my camera.

Our little Reds fans on Opening Day. It was too cold to take them, so they supported the team from Grandma & Grandpa's house.