Chicago Trip

Well, we did it. We survived the 2600-mile round trip drive to and from Chicago, IL. And I have to say......it wasn't too bad! The kids actually had a fun time in the car, they weren't too monstrous, and Noodle didn't throw-up once. I (Mandy) drove out with my MIL Lesli and my 4 kids and my niece, Bella. Seth flew out a few days later so he could get some work in, and then drove home with us. We stayed with Seth's brother & wife & their four kids, so -grand total- there were 14 of us in their house. It was crazy and fun and exhausting and everything a summer vacation should be. I know what you're all thinking- but actually my in-laws did not drive me crazy. They are really quite normal people, and Lesli was a slightly better driving companion on the way out than my dear husband was on the way back! (sorry Seth). I thought we made an excellent team. Maybe we can even do it again next year! (maybe......)

The Navy Pier just outside of downtown Chicago is a board-walk style beach area built right on the shores of Lake Michigan. We had such a fun day there. We went on a boat ride on the Tall Ship Windy, rented bikes & tooled around the marina, and of course, took the kids on the giant ferris wheel.

The Chicago Skyline.....oh, how romantic......

Grandma with all the kids.....and a stray jogger.

These were the funniest bikes you've ever seen. We had to get two to fit all of us. There are four sets of pedals, but trust me, one person really does all the work! The kids loved them!

The Horse races at Arlington Park

The kids loved cheering for their favorite horse, which they chose based on how cute its name was. Wasn't a bad system, actually.

Chris bought the girls matching dresses & proper "horse-race hats". They were so dang cute.

Legoland! The kids favorite thing- Not the parents. uggghhhh!


The home of my girl, Oprah. I had to go see it. Unfortunately, they do NOT tape shows during the summer. Boo!

Waitin for the train. We had to ride the Metro into downtown Chicago, as it is nearly impossible to drive anywhere downtown. Seth and I didn't believe them and tried it ourselves. It was a nightmare!!!!!!

Wrigley field- home of the Cubbies. We also really wanted to go see a game, but ironically, no one was playing at home while we were there. When we drove past they were having an Elton John/Billy Joel concert. Man, I'd have loved to see that show!

We made the kids get out of the car in their pajamas when we crossed the mighty Mississippi. They weren't too thrilled to see it, but I thought it was cool.

This is just some random rest stop in Wyoming.....or was it Nebraska? Anyway- notice the wind is blowing Makenna's hair straight sideways. For some reason I get a kick out of that. Road trips- you gotta love 'em!