A Trip to the Windy City…

This past weekend, Jeremy, Crystal, and Miss Savannah Johnson came to visit us in Illinois. They came to visit us last year in Washington, when Luke was just a few months old. We were so excited for Luke and Savannah to actually be able to play together this year!

The two cousins were instant friends and loved having their car seats next to one another. On the way home from the airport…Savannah kept reaching over to Luke and saying “tickle, tickle.” How precious!

We spent Wednesday in Arlington Heights and took the kids to the park, where much fun was had by all! I cannot wait until next year, when Luke will be up running around and sliding down the slides with Savannah!

After the park, we all went to the mall (we happen to live 10 minutes away from the 2nd largest mall in America). Poor Savannah was tuckered out from her day of traveling and decided to take a little snooze while we shopped!

After the mall, we all went to out for some famous Chicago deep dish pizza! It was delicious and both cousins had their fair share of pepperoni pizza.

The kids ended the night with a bath party and were both off to sleep shortly after! So many memories already made in just a couple of hours together :)

On Thursday, Crystal and I loaded up on the Metra train to Chicago, while the boys drove with the kids. We had such a fun ride and thoroughly enjoyed just being able to chat and relax for 40 minutes! When we stepped outside the train station we were instantly greeted by the windy city! We were literally being blown down the block on our way to the hotel. Thanks to directions from my handy dandy i-phone, we were able to hop on a bus and head to the hotel to meet up with the boys.

While the boys took a nap…Crystal, Savannah, and I went out to sight-see! Here are some pictures:

Here we are by the river outside of the hotel. I just love Crystal…she managed to find the only non-English speaking couple on the bridge and after a bit of confusion (they thought she wanted to take their picture…so cute) we both had pictures taken!

Here we are on Navy Pier…can you tell how windy it was?

We then took Savannah to the beach…yes, there are beaches in the city! She had the best time!

We then headed back to the hotel, so that the boys could head to a Chicago Cubs game! Here they are at the game:

And now for what has to be my favorite part of the trip…our dinner on Thursday night. My maid-of-honor/best friend, Beth Wilson just moved to Chicago a few months ago….yea!! We have been having so much fun spending time together again. Beth was kind enough to plan dinner out for 5 adults and 3 children! Before heading to the restaurant we met up with this lovely family:

 

The Barretts! Erin is originally from Wichita Falls and we even went to the same high school together…however, this was my first time to meet her and let me say…boy have I been missing out! (Erin, Dutch, and little Liv drove from Indianapolis to see Crystal, Jeremy, and Savannah.) What started out as a hodgepodge group of friends turned into a 2 hour fun-filled dinner and lots of skinny margaritas! Thanks to Dutch for putting up with all of us girls!

Beth, Luke, & I at dinner!

Crystal & Savannah

Liv, Savannah, & Luke

New & Old Best Friends!

It was so windy! Luckily my fellow-momma friends were able to show me how to use the stroller visor as a wind-blocker :)

The whole group back at the hotel!

Sadly enough, we had to head back to the burbs that night. Jason had to leave for an out-of-town work meeting on Friday. We had such a wonderful time visiting with both family and friends and cannot wait to see ALL of you again soon! Love you all!

Jason, Lauren, & Luke