Gurnee Days

Weeks ago we entered Max and Emma in an ice cream eating contest that was held last Saturday during Gurnee Days. I thought it would be a small event and left the house ten minutes before we they needed to be there. BIG MISTAKE. This Gurnee Days event was HUGE. There were people parking and walking 7 and 8 blocks to the events. Max and Emma were worried they weren't going to make it (and so was I). So, I drove right past the sign that said "lot full" and into the parks parking lot. I very illegally parked in the vendor parking, pulled out the double stroller and backpack, loaded the kids, and headed for the event. It even took us a good ten minutes just to find where the kids needed to be. ANYWAY...that said; it all worked out, and we had a great time.

Before

During

After

We wandered through all of the vender booths, played on the toys in the park for a good hour and a half, and then we met this fine gentleman...

who made the kids a ballon rabbit, an alligator, and a dog. By this time, Max was worried that our van may be towed so we decided it was time to go.

After church on Sunday, we returned with dad for more fun. They had a car show, FREE pony rides and a petting zoo. The kids fell in love with the ponies. Max and Emma would ride them around the course, hop off, and then get right back in line to ride again. They did this for an entire hour. Reed rode them four or five times and then got distracted in the petting zoo.

Of course, Max had to ride the biggest one. He would wait and let others go before him so he could ride this one.

Then...back to the park for more fun

Millennium Park

After church last Sunday, we decided to go into Chicago again. We love it there. It is one of my favorite cities. I have had great experiences with the people here. Everyone has been very helpful and friendly. I also love the architecture. I find myself taking picture after picture. This is a must see for anyone who visits Chicago. We could have played here for hours. Unfortunately, by the time we got to town, parked, changed diapers, walked here, and had a potty break, it was almost dark. What an amazing piece of art.

LOVE THIS!!!

Then we walked to this fountain. The kids played around in it until after dark, and the mosquitos came a callin'.

Happy Days!! We are having such a blast here. Our kids are so much fun! Almost everywhere we go, people stop a stare. Some people make comments like, "Whoa, you've got your hands full" and "Are all those yours?" You can't blame them because we are a sight to see...especially when I am somewhere alone with all of the kids pushing a double stroller and a grocery cart or one on my back. But, I LOVE IT! It is not easy. It is hard. But, it is also so much fun. I can't get enough of Kate and Lyza's smiles, Reed's kisses, Max's use of vocabulary from Word Girl, and Emma's innocence. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE them. We are so so blessed.

Navy Pier

After the Children's Museum closed, we walked along Navy Pier. The kids watched a performance on the stage, admired and climbed on an enormous noodle, and then found a fountain. I couldn't believe they still energy in them, but boy did they. They played and played in the fountain.

We got just as many looks, points, and whispers about the ghostly white 2 year-old as we do about the twins. Seriously...can you see where the diaper ends and he begins?

Chicago Children's Museum

Lots of pics here...we had SO much fun, and I didn't want to leave anything out. It was Free Kids Day sponsored by Target at the Chicago Children's Museum; so, we took full advantage of it. The kids had a blast. It was difficult to keep track of everyone because we had three mobile kids that wanted to do everything, but at different paces. We all really enjoyed it...even our sweet babies!!

The kids (dad included) played in water,

paused for photos

smiled, looked cute, drew much attention,

climbed

created travel journals

sculpted,

put out fires,

made and sold ice cream

and learned how to insert large red tubes into their ears...

All American

1 9 yr-old girl + 1 American Girl Place Chicago + 4 hours = 1 VERY happy birthday girl and 1 very broke mama!

Emma's birthday celebration started at 5am. I woke her and told her we were catching a train to town (Chicago). Grandma and Grandpa sent Julie, her American Girl doll, from Idaho. Emma was so happy to see her. I told her we had an appointment at 8:00am at the American Girl Hair Salon to do Julie's hair. She was SO excited!

After the Hair Salon appt, the doors to the American Girl Place opened. WOW...This place was amazing!! Emma begged and begged for a new doll. I told her she could spend her birthday money and some of her money from her bank account on a new doll. This brought tears to her eyes. I asked her if she was okay and she said, "Yes, I'm just so happy!" SO that did it for me...We went a shoppin'.

Emma's new doll, took a trip to the salon for an ear piercing...

And then we shopped some more.... a matching outfit for Emma and the doll and a carrying case for both dolls.

Even the bathroom was fun. What a fun place to spend her birthday! I have a feeling she will remember this day for many years to come!

The party continued at home. Our friends, the Caspers, spent the day with us. Then, after dad got home (about 10:00), we had cake and ice cream. Emma has not stopped playing with her dolls since. Last night I went to check on her and she was asleep with one doll on each side and her bitty baby on her belly. She's my very own American Girl.