Chicago Getaway

Mike and I were able to go to Chicago for a few days, just the two of us. We had a great time. We had mild temperature for January, but didn't see much of the sun. We left the car parked at the hotel and used public transportation to explore. We packed a lot in our time there and walked a lot, but had fun together doing the thing we like most-traveling to new places and for Mike a return to a "true" big city.

I took this photo from the planetarium. Loving that my new camera gets great night shots.

We ate at some fun places with really good food, this is the pizza place where we had famous Chicago deep dish pizza. A nice little neighborhood place and the taste was excellent. Excuse the hat, I hate being cold.

We walked around Navy Pier. Mostly inside because it was cold. But there were still die hard fishermen fishing off the pier.


The Rumbuc's suggested a great Steak and Stone Crab place for dinner. I knew Mike would love it. He tried the Stone Crab and wasn't disappointed. I of course got looks for my chicken order! We walked around the Lincoln Park Zoo. Wow, what a great zoo. One of the best I have been to. It was FREE! And no crowds-HA! We had fun even without the kids. I was loving experimenting with the new camera and we laughed and learned new stuff.




Thursday night we decided to go to the Adler Planetarium for a "night at the planetarium". We both didn't know what to expect, but figured this was a good chance to try something new. It was so fun, the planetarium was set up like a cocktail party with people browsing the exhibits. We learned a lot about the stars, Mars and balloon satellites. Information I am sure to soon forget.







We made a stop at the cheesecake factory for some sinful treats and then we went into the American Girl store to see what we were up against when we take the girls this summer. I will say it was overwhelming for even me, and Mike isn't returning(at least that is his stance now).
We also came across this great museum of Stained Glass. It was beautiful. Not something I would have thought I would like, but we just stumbled across it at the end of Navy Pier.


Thanks Mom and Dad for taking great care of the girls while Mike and I had a fun weekend.

New Year's Eve and the kids

We spent New Year's Eve celebrating at our very brave friends' house, the Rumbuc's. This is always a fun night, and a little crazy, with all of our kids celebrating with us. We enjoyed lots of food, good company, outside play for the kids and fireworks at midnight. Nicole and Morgan loved staying up and watching the ball drop and Mr. Rumbuc light fireworks. Rachel started saying she wanted to go home around 10pm so I am sure you know how that went. I was able to shoot a few pictures of the kids as they played outside. Not all of them were cooperative with my attempts because that would have meant time away from snowball fights and making snow sculptures. But here are a few pictures.

The girls were trying to make a snowman, but the fluffy stuff wasn't cooperating. So they decided to make smaller versions. This was Kaelyn's masterpiece.

Julia Rose eating snow. I am sure Jen will like this shot!!!

Morgan and Jenna

Ian

SNOW BALL FIGHT

Braden and Ian trying to get a fort going.

Roanoke and Russiaville

So I know you are wondering where in the world are Roanoke and Russiaville, right?
Well after Christmas we took a family trip down to Indiana. The weather was not so nice both there and back, but we wanted to catch up with my Grandfather and our friends who relocated to Indiana a few years ago.

My grandpa Johns lives in Roanoke, IN. We had a great time catching up, playing games and playing outside in new snow on his beautiful property. We were lucky to be down there with my Aunt and Uncle and my two little 1st cousins Celia and Hope. My cousins are my girls ages and they had a great time together.

Grandpa and Great grandpa, Grandma and Great Grandma Carolyn, my girls and Celia and Hope.

Cousin Hope


My grandfather has a great little piece of property with a little pond and lots of great space to play in.

Grandpa Johns loves antiques. And his home is filled with them. Which can be a challenge for little girls, but, this antique was free game. The sled. He thinks it is from the 30's or 40's. After a few runs on the driveway to loosen up the rust, it worked great.



The girls were giggling and having a great time, even with a couple of white outs.




My grandparents have decorated the yard with lots of fun stuff.


My Uncle Steve, pictured here, and I were volunteered to pull the girls "off road" through the yard. Now, I think of myself in ok shape, but I seriously felt close to a heart attack after one jog around the yard pulling the girls. Steve and I were exhausted. Work out done for the day.


The girls loved playing the new SpongeBob game they got for Christmas. It is in 3D. Sponge bob was a whole new experience for the grandparents!


After our visit in Roanoke, we drove about 1 1/2 hours south west to Russiaville, IN. This is where our friends the Austin's moved to. Let's just say, I kept saying to Mike, "do they really live in the middle of nowhere?". We had a great time catching up and letting the girls get reacquainted.

Veronica and Rachel are both 4 years old.

More snow fun, but less time out this day. The temperature was about 15 degrees colder than the day before.


Thanks everyone for some great memories in Indiana.