Memorial Day Weekend - Chicago

We made a somewhat last minute decision to go to Chicago for Memorial Day weekend.  Drew had a double header on Saturday so we decided to go up on Sunday for a quick overnight trip.

Drew's team lost the first game, but won the second game.  Drew played well and hit well on Saturday so it was a good day at the field.  For everyone except me.  I decided to get a little sun and didn't put any sunscreen on.  Bad idea.  Each time I do that it ends badly for me.  You would think I would learn!  Ugh.  Good thing I always have aloe on hand.  Don't worry, I am not as irresponsible with my children - they had lots of sunscreen on!

We left for Chicago Sunday morning.  We dropped Andy and Drew off at the White Sox game and then Ryan, Kayley and I headed to the Lincoln Park Zoo.  Ryan was so excited to go to the zoo.  He kept saying, "We go to the zoo today?" and then I would say yes and he would say, "I'm excited!!!"  It was pretty cute.  The Lincoln Park Zoo was the perfect size for Ryan and Kayley.  They got to see a lot of animals, but it only took a few hours to get through.  

They each got one souvenir.  Kayley picked a stuffed animal of course (a pink and black jaguar) and Ryan picked a tractor.  Yep, a tractor.  Right when we walked into the shop, he said he wanted a tractor.  I just laughed because no way they would have a tractor.  Well, they proved me wrong.  They had a tractor.  And it was cheap!  We were both happy!

First stop - farm animals

After petting goats, Ryan saw the jaguar and
said, "I need to go in there and pet him!"
Uh, no you aren't.

This one wasn't too sure about
riding the carousel at first.

This one loved it!

Pointing out the ape

One last picture before we left

Drew and Andy had fun at the game even though the White Sox lost.  Drew finally got his first game ball so he was excited to show that off when they got back to the hotel.  Unfortunately, they had to walk from the Metra station back to the hotel in the rain.  They got soaked, including their shoes.  The only shoes they had too.  Thankfully, Drew was a good sport about it.

Great seats!

We took the train to Ed Debevic's for dinner.  It was a cute place and the kids had fun with the balloon hats they were given. The service was really slow though so it made for a long evening for Ryan.  We walked along the river on our way back to the hotel.  Ryan got his second wind and had fun running after his brother and sister.

Ryan loved the train!  (Don't mind the
Minnie Mouse stroller - we had
to borrow it from a friend.  Ryan thought
it was great!)

Kayley got a hat with a flower

Not sure what this is and Ryan wasn't a fan

Drew got White Sox colors

Drew decided to wear Ryan's too

Watching the boats

Cheese!

On Monday morning, we took the train to the Willis Tower.  Andy has taken Drew and Ryan in the past, but Kayley hasn't ever been there so we decided to go again so she could see it.  She was more interested in using her money to buy a souvenir than looking out at the view!  She happily settled on a small key chain (why?  I have no idea, but she put it on her backpack) and then we got in line to wait for the ledge view.

Ryan and Kayley on the ledge.  Ryan was
not a happy camper after standing in line
for quite awhile to get our turn.

Ryan still not happy

Kayley wasn't scared at all!

After the Willis Tower, we got our car and headed home.  We packed a lot in to a short trip, but it was a lot of fun!    

When we got home, I took Ryan over to the mall to do a little shopping for Kayley's birthday.  We stopped at the Caterpillar playground on our way home.  Ryan was in heaven!

A Birthday and a Black Eye

Kayley had her last soccer game last weekend.  It was a cold and rainy soccer season so I would be lying if I said I was sad it was over.  If I am being honest, soccer isn't very fun for me to watch so that makes the games and practices that are cold even harder to sit through!  Kayley was very proud to receive her medal at the end of season - a participation medal.  She is the ultimate millennial!

Drew had a baseball tournament last weekend so we spent a lot of time at the ball field.  He took a ball the left eye during warm-ups, but didn't seem bothered by it.  Drew mostly plays 3rd base (picture below), but he plays in the outfield occasionally and played 1st base for one game in the tournament. 

After Drew's games on Saturday, we spent time outside because the weather was so nice.  Ryan and I took a walk after his nap and he was a happy guy.

Sunday was Andy's birthday so we celebrated after Drew's game.  While Ryan took his nap, Andy took Drew and Kayley to the field to practice hitting and fielding.  Drew lost a ball in the sun when Andy was hitting him pop flies.  Unfortunately, it hit him in the right eye without any part of the ball touching his glove.  OUCH!  Poor kid was in rough shape Sunday night.  The picture below was right after it happened.  Notice the little black eye under the left eye too from Saturday (anyone else think I need to get his eyes checked - maybe he needs glasses)!  His right eye swelled up even more later in the evening.  It was almost swollen shut, but he wouldn't let me take anymore pictures!  

The kids were excited to get Andy a White Sox cake for his birthday.  The kids were only interested in eating the frosting.  Next time I should just buy each kid a container of frosting and call it good!  

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom!  She does so much for our family.  ANY time we need an extra hand to watch the kids or help us with our latest adventure, she is ALWAYS willing to come.  THANK YOU, MOM!  We can never fully thank you for everything you do for us, but please know how grateful we are!  We love you!

I got to sleep in today for Mother's Day.  It was HEAVEN!!!  We had a lazy Sunday and that is unusual, which made it really nice!  The kids gave me cards, flowers and gifts they made at school.  I loved everything.  Here is Kayley's card:

She knows me so well!  Cooking and driving are definitely my strengths!  LOL!  I just love these kinds of cards because you really find out what your kids think of you.  Who knew I was smart because I know how to make chocolate chip pancakes?! 

I chose a Japanese hibachi dinner for Mother's Day.  Drew and Ryan opted out and ate before we left for the restaurant.

I talked Drew and Ryan into dressing up for me for dinner so I could get a picture with the kids.  Ryan said he was excited.  Drew was less than excited, but complied!

Ryan was not a fan of the fire at the table!  

Kayley and I were the only ones that enjoyed dinner.  Drew enjoyed watching the show, but refused to eat.  Andy doesn't like hibachi either, but was a trooper and ordered some steak anyway.  Next time, Kayley and I will have a girls day and end it at Osaka by ourselves!

Drew's baseball games were cancelled yesterday so we only had Kayley's soccer game.  I only got one good picture of her in action.  She did have t-ball practice earlier in the week and I got a little video of her during batting practice.

We had another big event this week - Drew got braces!!  Long story, but he has a couple of issues that necessitated braces a little early.  They are only on the top teeth and he will have them for 9-12 months.  Then they will be off for about 3 years and then he will have them on top and bottom for a little under 2 years.  He is doing great with them so far.  Unfortunately, the second weekend of June, he will need to get a tongue guard put in, which will be visible.  I am glad it will be summer because it will be hard for him to talk for a little while!  Poor kid!  He got some unfortunate genes from me!