Chicago fun!!

John went to Columbia for a week for work and so I knew I needed to stay busy.

Amy and Bobby were so kind and wonderful and happy to have us there with them.

I am soo glad we were able to spend some time there, I think we should make this a yearly thing Amy;)

I barely took any pictures at all, but I did get the really busy fun filled day so that is what I will post first.

Joel said for his birthday he really wanted to see the building with the see-through floor and go to a trampoline park.  I'd say he was a pretty lucky boy because we were able to do both!

 The train had some maintenance problems so they had to fix it before we could get on the train but thankfully we weren't in a big rush. 

Relaxing on the train on the way to downtown.

 First we went to the top of "Willis Tower" (Sear's Tower).

It was an awesome view!

 I love this picture of the older cousin's looking out at the big city.

 Beautiful views of the city.

 We made it to the see-through floor but as you can see Joel was NOT a fan. 

It made him soo nervous! It was kinda funny because he was so certain it wouldn't scare him AT ALL.

 Amy with her oldest little man, Riley.

 Oh just look at that view!

 Next we walked to the water taxi.

 What another awesome way to see the city!

 Some of the beautiful buildings, it's always so hard to capture in pictures.

 Next we went to this AMAZING park! I think it was the biggest and most unique park we have ever been to, which I guess wouldn't be to hard to do since we do live in Ohio.

 Ha! You can make up the caption here...

 Next we walked to the bean, a trip downtown wouldn't be complete without it.

 Jayden wanted to see Crown fountain.

 Joel and Henry had lots of fun in the water!

 We ate downtown at The Plaza at Millennium Park.

 What a wonderful fun filled day!

Thank you so much Bobby and Amy for making Joel's birthday SO special!

 Now for my camera phone pictures! The first evening we walked

downtown Evanston for some icecream.  It was so worth the walk. YUM!

Amy and I can't ever get together and not go SHOPPING!

 I am so happy we got to spend some time with my good friend Angie and her sweet family.

The kids had SO much fun at their pool.  They STILL ask me if I remember that really big pool we went to in Chicago so thank you SO much for making that happen Angie.  It was truly a highlight of the trip.  Also, it was one of MY highlight's to finally get to see you and catch up!!!

Hugs!

The younger cousin's chillin and making themselves at home at REI.

 Mr. Mozart (aka-birthday boy) woke up early to play on the piano.

 While Joel was busy playing Jayden and I escaped for a little run.

 Blowing out his birthday candle.

 His second wish comes true and he gets to go to a trampoline park too!

I bet I know where Jayden will want to go next year for HIS birthday!

 All the kiddo's having so much fun together, so then us Mama's could catch up too:)

 Aunt Amy spoiled Joel with some little mini bundt cakes to celebrate with everyone after 

our bible study Wednesday night.

 Bummer, now I can't find the picture of all of us ladies but 

we enjoyed a wonderful fancy birthday meal at Fig and Olive for one

of Amy's friends.  I was so glad they all let me tag along, it was a wonderful evening!

Another fantastic time in Chicago, no wonder we love to go to Chicago so much!!!