Thursday, August 7, 2014

Chicago 2014

We finally took our first family hotel vacation. :)
Last week we went to Chicago.  
As soon as we checked into the hotel the boys were at the window looking at the "ants". (people) 
We got all the stuffed animals situated and then took the free trolley to the beach. 
The beach by Navy Pier was perfect, not crowded even with several groups of Chicago day camp arriving to enjoy the water. 
 

BRRRR....the water was soooo cold, still, in almost August...the lake water "flipped" right before we came, pushing the cold water inward and pulling the warm beachy water out...

Travis and Carson stayed on the beach most of the day, they made a turtle... 
and a hole to put Carson in... 
Then kept digging until it was big enough for both boys. 

 After a late nap, waking up at 5:30, we put on our new Chicago walking shoes and took to Michigan Ave.

After a Disney store experience we headed to the real action...Water Tower Plaza... 
and the Lego Store... 
One of the purchases at the store was a cupful of legos...who knew you could buy legos by the cup?!?
Fun! 
 After a few middle of the night antics, such as both Travis and I realizing our children are bed hogs, Carson talking about a big "merency" happening because the lights of Lalapalooza were hitting the adjacent hotel making him think they were fire, police or ambulance lights, and Parker pulling my ear across the bed in the middle of the night thinking it was a stuffed animal...we woke up Friday for more adventures.
After a swim in the hotel pool..another first...we headed to Navy Pier.


The giant merry go round was first...
Driving motor boats was 2nd and then we  mom, went into bargaining mode... 

After a period of no way, not gonna happen, all 4 of us got into the line for the famous Ferris wheel.
 
That wonderful experience was clouded with anxiety from ME, once I realized there were gaps in the plexi glass where little boys could possibly get a leg, arm, or body out and where there wasn't an official LOCK on the door just a lever of which Carson was instantly drawn too...nice ride, just not relaxing fear free, like it was before kids :)

 
 From the top... 


 
From the bottom... 
After a walk to the end of the Pier we headed back to end our trip. 
But as an added vacation bonus found a candy store with at TON of PEZ....
Chicago treated all of us very good!! We hope to return soon for a longer period!

Balloon Glow



One of my favorite annual summer events is the Galesburg Balloon Glow.  Every year we park at the same place, make our "camp" at the same place, and sometimes even see the same people! :)  This year was a gloomy, breezy afternoon, but alas, we packed our picnic dinner and headed out.  
After being there a short while, our friends the Bredemeiers arrived and sat next to us, which gave our boys just the entertaining friendship needed to wait it out.  The launch had been delayed due to a nearby storm and strong winds.  We would have to wait another 2 hours for the glow.  Having unexpected friends show up saved the night!!!!
Eventually the balloons started blowing up. 
Excitement all around...
Especially when they started to lift off!
Time for the traditional family photo....

Then we were surprised again when more of our friends, the Davis' came to glow and found us unexpectedly...

Carson was NOT a fan of the sound the balloons made when they had to blast their propane tanks. But the beauty outweighed the noise. :)