Welcome to the windy city!

After Andrew completed the written portion of his test, we loaded up in the car (we won't discuss the number of miles the kids have put on their car seats...) and headed to Chicago for his clinical skills test. The kids, as always, did wonderful in the hotel.

After the test (i.e. FREEDOM!) we found a park near our hotel and went for a walk. How amazing to see the weight lifted from Andrew's shoulders once he was finished with 3rd year. For a few days, it seemed medical school didn't consume and control our lives and family.

The next day of our Chicago trip, we visited the Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo. This free zoo was different than some we'd visited because it was designed to resemble a park (there were even people going for their daily jogs through the zoo). Although the animals weren't super exciting, the zoo was beautiful!

After the zoo, we walked through the nearby park and stumbled across a beautiful and lush Conservatory. It was as if we were transported to another area; almost a tropical oasis within the cement walls of the city. Alexander took advantage of the stillness and took a much needed nap while Elizabeth, Andrew and I marveled at the different plant species.

Andrew and the city of Chicago developed a love-hate relationship. One could blame the 1-hour stop and go commute, expensive parking, or the plethora of people... Well, actually, I'm not quite sure where the love part of the relationship is...?

Day two started much the same as day one (long commute) but this time we visited the Navy Pier. The kids had fun looking at the big boats, people watching, dancing in the funny mirrors, and pigeon chasing.

Before (almost) a big storm settled on the city, Elizabeth and Andrew decided to take a ride on the Ferris Wheel. Alex slept in the stroller while I hovered over him with an umbrella. Although I couldn't hear their conversation, I could tell by her expressions Elizabeth giggled the entire time!

After the clouds cleared, we wandered around Chicago a little...

We also hit up the Chicago Children's Museum's free family night. The museum was packed with super kid-friendly learning stations. Some of our favorites were dinosaur digging, airplane building, alarm clock designing, and automobile maintenance.

Thanks Chicago (and I suppose medical school for the excuse to take a family vacation)!

They say its your birthday... Happy Happy Birthday!

Elizabeth almost cried tears of joy when she woke up to her pink balloons, princess birthday banner, and homemade heart pancakes (specially made by, of course, her favorite man)!

I didn't think too much about her birthday until she told me, "Next year, when I turn 5...." Hold up! Turn 5?! OH. MY! Next year I will have a 5 year old. Let me repeat; next year my little girl will be 5. I wanted to cry because she was no longer my little baby! Whoofta! I guess it takes these sentimental jolts to help us enjoy each and every day with our kids!

The kids and I met up with our good friends the Roerigs and Heckathorns in the park for bubbles, lunch, cake, and then swimming at the pool.

Happy 4th birthday to my beautiful, funny, determined, charming, and sweet baby girl!

Happy (early) Birthday Elizabeth

We celebrated Elizabeth's birthday early before we headed home to Vermillion. Elizabeth insisted on a princess birthday and she couldn't stop grinning wearing her princess tiara!

A change of plans...

My two week vacation in the hills was extended once Mike and Sam started encouraging me to work the rally for the 4th year at Harley Davidson. Long story short, I ended up working two weeks for Black Hills Harley Davidson for the 2009 Sturgis Rally. I worked underneath Sam in men's clothing. Sharon graciously watched my kids for a little under a week and then I met Randy & Shirley in Sheridan on a day off and they watched the kids for 9 days! The two week break was amazing and very relaxing (although I worked 130 hours in two weeks)! I was able to sleep, eat, read, and work whenever I wanted. Even though I enjoyed the time immensely, I really started missing Andrew and the kids! Thankfully the kids had an amazing time and didn't get homesick. In hindsight, I realized how much I love my life as a stay-at-home mom and am so thankful for my amazing husband and wonderful children!

I was so busy, I didn't take pictures until the rally was over and Mike took me and Sam out for dinner to celebrate.

A day in the hills...

Mom and I took the kids to Sheridan Lake to play at the beach. Unfortunately, the sun decided to hide when we got there... Nonetheless, the kids loved building (or rather mom building) and destroying (or rather Alexander destroying) sand castles.

Before the storm settled in the hills, we met Sam and Mike at the Dairy Twist for dinner and mini-golf. They had just started rally hours at Harley (explains their matching shirts!). Elizabeth loved learning about golf but Alexander on the other hand could care less! He just loved running around hitting anything and everything with his club.

Not sure if I've officially announced on my blog yet, but my brother proposed to his girlfriend Sam this summer! I couldn't be more excited to have Sam join our family and I know she will be an amazing wife for my little bro!!

Welcome to Union Center

I try to squeeze in as many visits to Union Center as I can but unfortunately it doesn't seem to happen as often as I'd like. Courtney, as always, was an amazing host and I had a blast relaxing at her beautiful house.

In undergrad, there were three of us girls who hit it off and soon became my best friends. Courtney, Michelle, and I started our own small group (only 3 of us) but dug deeper than I'd ever been with Christian friends. We went through The Ultimate Makeover by Sharon Jaynes and it was a huge growing experience for me.

Anyway, we decided 5 years was too long to go without a visit so Michelle flew all the way from Chicago to visit us in Union Center for Courtney's birthday! When we picked her up for the airport we decided to make welcome signs. Who would've guessed that the two moms chose crayons and construction paper? The signs read, "Welcome Mic," "We Love You Mic," and my favorite was Elizabeth's, "Who's Mic?" Times have changed but the few days together just further revealed to me that these ladies will be my SICS (sisters in Christ... what we used to call each other) for life!

Courtney's husband surprised (until I spoiled it...ugh) her with 4 tickets to see Taylor Swift.