Chicago visit

I've said it before but I can't say it enough.  We LOVE having some family within driving distance to be able to go visit once in awhile.  All of our other family require 7 airline tickets for us to see so a 5-6 hour drive is a breeze for us.

We took the week of the 4th to go visit Grandma and Grandpa and spend some time with some cousins as well.  Ross and Diane...please never move!!!!

I absolutely adore this picture.  This is typically where you will find grandpa in the chair with one of the grand kids telling them all a story about "Jake and John" and it always ends up in a tickle fight with hysterical laughter.

 The week we were there it was hot....like really hot.  All of our outdoor plans had to be switched to indoor plans or involve water of some kind.  We found some fun new places and the kids had the time of their lives.

We found a place called airtastic that was filled with inflatables.  The kids had so much fun we went twice while we were there.

 We watched fireworks with the family and we even had our very own secluded viewing spot right under the fireworks.  And let me tell you, to find a secluded spot to watch fireworks in Naperville is unheard of.  I won't reveal our spot ever because I would hate for the secret to get out but it was a PERFECT night.

 Here is where the water comes in.  We had to get a bit creative since it was so hot and grandpa had a great idea.  He came up with a game of swords and shields.  Basically it is grandpa attacking kids with a hose while they do their best to defend themselves hiding behind sleds and buckets.  They were out there forever and had such a great time.  Good idea grandpa! 

 The bishop of Ross and Diane's ward has a beautiful pool and he very kindly offered for us to be able to come and use it.  When he offered I don't know that he really thought we would come every single day but he saved our vacation.

It was so nice to get out each day and spend some great quality time as family and cool off in this beautiful place.

This is the truck that Logan spent the entire trip playing with.  It is actually grandpas truck from when he was a young boy that his father made for him.  Logan loved it and I have already requested that it is put in the will to give to Logan.  I have a feeling though that this may end up in a battle of the kids just like The Santa!

 We ended our trip with a night of fun at Medieval Times.  The kids had so much fun cheering on the green knight and eating "dragon" with their bare hands.

 At the end of the night Morgan was awarded the Queen of Love and Beauty sash by our green knight and she was so thrilled.  She wore it all the next day and all the way home.

It was another great trip to a place that feels like home to both of us.  We also placed an offer on an investment property while we were there so if it all goes well we may be back sooner rather than later and that is just fine with me!