Our favorite museum

The Museum of Science and Industry is free on weekdays during January, so we decided to take advantage of the day out of school on Martin Luther King Day and go. Unfortunately A LOT of other people had the same idea. But we still had a great time at our favorite museum.

First stop, tour inside "The Zephyr"

Wesley and Lorenzo checking out the ball maze.

We made sure to make it to the submarine this time. Both boys thought it was pretty cool. I'd forgotten how HUGE it is.

We watched a video about how they got it in the museum. It used to be on display outside. They had to lower it into the ground and built around it.

Dillon thought the anchor was pretty cool. He couldn't even lift up a piece of the chain.

After almost an hour of waiting, we finally got into the Idea Factory and Wesley played with this little rocking alligator the whole time. He loved it and dragged it all over the place with him. I was so busy keeping track of him I didn't get any pics of Dillon enjoying all the fun water activities. Wesley also loved the cow in the Farm area

And the boys waited very patiently to check out the tractor.

But I bet you can't guess Dillon's favorite part...

Honestly, his obsession with trains is starting to concern me. And now it's all about automatic trains. His little wooden Thomas trains are just not cool enough anymore. He complains that they are boring and begs for an automatic train EVERY DAY and it's kind of starting to drive me crazy. Especially since the ones he likes are collectors items for adults. I'm not quite sure how to handle the dilemma. But I guess I should be grateful that he's into something as innocent as trains. I haven't had to deal with Star Wars or super heroes---at least not yet.

(My belly looks HUGE in this picture---ahh!)

It was a long day but I think we all had fun. My sweet friend endured the crazy crowds with me--thanks for coming Nicole!

Christmas Trip Part 5--Post Christmas

Fun family games

Reading with Grandma---she's the best with toddlers!!! We took a day trip to Boise to visit cousins. The boys had a lot of fun at Planet Kid. I love this picture of Wesley and Cade

Then out to dinner at Red Robin. It was fun to spend a little time in Boise. And to see Amy Jo and family. We'd have so much fun if we lived closer!! Lauren drove home with us.

New Year's Eve was pretty uneventful. We watched a movie until 11:30 and had a little toast at midnight.

The boys always love when Grandpa pulls out his doctor instruments.

Homemade pizzas with Grandma Lori---yummy

Taking down the tree---bittersweet

We drove back down to Utah on Monday the 3rd. Aaron flew out that night and I got to spend another day with Lindsay. My old roomie, Melodie, stopped by to visit. It was great to see her and catch up--sorry about the blurry pic--I think the lens was dirty.

We flew back on the 5th without too much trouble. My boys are awesome travellers. Dillon is my helper---I couldn't do it without him. He pushes Wesley in the stroller so I can carry the car seat and backpack. You should see him going through security---he's obviously done it a time or two--shoes off, on the belt, backpack on the belt, jacket off and in a bin, help Wesley get his shoes off, etc. I did some rough calculating and he's flown at least 30 times in his short life. Pretty crazy. That's what happens when you live so far from Grandma.

It was so good to come home. I think three weeks of living out of a suitcase made me more grateful for my own space. We've got a great thing here in Chicago and as long as we can go home a couple times a year I think I can be ok with that. I'm a little worried it's going to be lots harder to travel once #3 gets here, so that might slow us down a little. Sigh. It'll be interesting to see what our future holds...

Happy New Year!

Christmas Trip Part 4--Christmas Day

Christmas Morning!

Opening presents

Wesley liked helping other people open theirs too

With the help of my Grandma Hobbs (in Utah), Dillon put together a little present for Grandma Lori. I didn't know anything about it. You can imagine how thrilled she was to open her little gift and discover 3 pieces of gum! I love Dillon's face in this picture. He was so proud.

Wesley was particularly attached to the men in the family. He loves Uncle Lukie!

Aaron made sure to get a present for Addy (the dog). The boys had fun feeding her the treat.

The best part of my Christmas morning was when I opened an envelope containing a picture of my living room---WITH A DIGITAL PIANO IN IT!!!! I literally cried with joy. I have the best husband in the world! THANK YOU AARON! I love you!

After showers and naps we headed over to my family's place.

My mom did really well, getting age appropriate Legos for each of them. Aunt Shelly was nice enough to help Dillon put his together.

Diana and Jason made it just in time for a nice Christmas dinner.

Then we hurried back out to Aaron's to play "Minute to Win it" with his family. It's a game of crazy challenges that can't help but make you giggle. I was pretty much worthless at everything since my laughter handicaps me so bad. The growing belly didn't help either.

Lori was such a great sport with this one. The objective was to kick the tortilla off your scuba flipper onto the plate on your head. Hilarious!

The elephant walk was one of my favorites

All in all, it was a wonderful Christmas day. Full of fun memories with both of our families. I feel blessed we're able to see both with one set of plane tickets. Although the days we try to see both families are always a little more stressful, it's a blessing we can.

Christmas Trip Part 3-Christmas Eve

Not a minute too soon, I completed my stocking at 5:00PM on Christmas Eve! Then I could finally relax and enjoy the holiday. I still can't believe a pulled it off. One week earlier, I was only half way. Go me! I have to give some credit to my awesome sisters-in-law who pitched in and helped me with a few pieces. Thank you ladies! To start off the festivities, a special visitor came to the house to deliver the Christmas pajamas. The kids were all pretty excited. Wesley was one of the first to jump up on his lap and what did he ask for?? A pillow!?! I still am not sure what that was all about. He had been talking about wanting a horsey all season, but suddenly I guess he changed his mind.

Dillon asked for Cranky the Crane---from the Thomas the train set.

Then we had a yummy dinner--Lori's traditional soup in bread bowls with lots of fun appetizers to go along.

I love this picture with Aunt Lauren. "Cheese!"

Lauren curled all the girls hair that day and I think we were pretty stunning!

If you lost track of one of the grandboys for a minute, this was the best place to look. They were all obsessed with the Christmas train---especially Dillon and Cade. I must say, things got a lot quieter when we finally put it away.

Jammie time!

Dillon had just been trampled by the cousins, so it was hard to get a smile out of him.

Upstairs awaiting our turn in the famous Pajama Parade!

It was quite the party. I think it was the most attended parade I've been to.

Dancing with Grandma--don't you love the leopard print?! Too bad those were 2 sizes too big.

We danced until we could dance no more and then settled down with some songs around the piano. After the kids were down we had the bi-annual stocking contest. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of the event, but I am proud to announce that Aaron and I tied for first place! Pretty good especially considering it was the first year I entered and I finished my entry just hours before. It was a very entertaining and late night. Lots of fun to be had.