Boys in their diapers

Asher

Jude

Jude, Asher

The boys are sitting up so well. They are 6 months here (I've lost track of how many weeks). We just couldn't resist taking these shots. They are certainly not going to stay in one spot for very long.

Tye-Dye Eggs

This is the easiest way to color eggs I've found. And my girls loved it.

1. boil eggs
2. rinse white vinegar over each egg
3. drop food coloring on eggs (one color at a time then let rest for 30 seconds)
4. rinse with water
5. done

Hershey's in Chicago

All your chocolate dreams come true! Every chocolate candy that Hershey makes along with any souvenirs you may (or may not) want as well. We were given official chocolate worker hats for all our kids. Interestingly enough, we caught a documentory on the history of chocolate at the hotel. Did you know that the chocolate business boomed more in times of war? It was introduced to the solidiers over seas and soldiers brought it home to share with their loved ones. Interesting. Hershey's chocolates were the original chocolate in the United States. It had a different composition than those in Europe. Hershey's is a household name now. Who could imagine a world without chocolate?

At the hotel...

There are so many more steps to just getting out the door everyday. It is not an easy task. It takes lots of preparation, planning, and patience. I was so grateful that my parents could come up to spend the weekend with us. While Austin attended a conference, we were able to move around downtown (somewhat). We certainly spent lots of time at the hotel just hanging out too. The girls loved swimming!!!!

American Girl

We just had to stop in since it was so close and we were here in Chicago. I just couldn't believe how many American Girl shopping bags I saw as I was walking down the streets of Chicago. If I didn't know any better I would have thought we were in a recession. Perhaps it's all a part of that vacation mentality. Have fun while you're there and pay for it all later.

Haysannah is just learning about American Girl dolls so she was just soaking it all in as we walked around the store. Every AG doll had her own accessories, videos, books, etc. (They really know how to market to young girls.) What an experience!

Sear's Tower

We made it to the top! (Well, actually it was the 99th floor. The 103rd floor was under construction). It was a momentous to be that high up. We viewed Chicago from all angles. We snapped a few shots, found a Chicago ornament, and made our way down again. We checked that off our list of things to do.

Children's Museum in Chicago

Our first evening there we met up with my parents and went to the Children's Museum at the Navy Pier. It was one of their free nights so there were lots of people everywhere. We hopped around from room to room exploring the "Cyber Chase" exhibit (our girls favorite show...not sure why), dinosaur dig room, bug room where it seemed we stepped into "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" sort of scene, and then the rope climb. Austin followed behind the girls as they climbed up to the next floor. Shalyce decided she didn't want to climb anymore so Austin carried her the rest of the way up. The boys just hung out in their strollers the entire time. What troopers!



We were glad to find a trolley to return to the hotel. We had first hand experience of the "windy city" on this ocassion. Very cold!