Oh The Places We Will Go....Buses and Taxis and Trains...Oh My!!

Lake Shore Drive and the Skyline!

Well by now most of your who read this are aware that DJ and I went to Chicago for vacation.  Devon was still under the weather but told us to go ahead and make the most of it.  We had a good drive, DJ is a GREAT traveler, and got into Chicago on Thursday around 1pm.  We checked into our hotel, The Allerton, and began peaking out our window which looked directly onto Michigan Ave.  DJ was amazed 1st and foremost with ALL the traffic, people and honking horns!  He could not believe all the action and comotion. 

DJ and I then began walking around Michigan Ave and visited NikeTown and a few other stores.  We ended up at the Wrigley Building and hopped on the Double Decker bus for a tour of the city.  We saw all the "tourist" sites and ended at Navy Pier.  The tour was 2.5 hours and DJ loved it, we saw lots of cars, building and again traffic (are you seeing the pattern?).  We then went inside, The Chicago Children's Museum is at Navy Pier and we began the outing there.  What Fun!!  A Fort room (tents and forts galore), a water room (the kids get rain coats to stay dry!) and lots more including art, miniatures and a fire department!  Uncle Bobby met us and we walked about rode Thomas the Train (DJ wanted the Ferris Wheel but, I didn't think he would last the whole time) and ate dinner.  Busy Day! 

Up and at'em early the next morning, Uncle Bobby met us at 645am and we went to grab a quick breakfast at the Corner Bakery.  The time period we were in Chicago was Community Week-meaning all the museums and such were free.  Which means LONG lines.  We heard this and wanted to prepare early.  So after breakfast we grabbed a cab to Shedd Aquarium.  We got to the Aquarium and Museum Campus around 745am and there is already a line!  We walked about and then got in line, doors opened at 830am-and we rushed with all the others, we toured the place and saw the sights.  Great place and fun kids area-DJ loved the whales but, flash photography is prohibited so, I tried to not be camera happy! 

Once we finished we caught another cab (this one had a minor fender bender!!) and headed to Lincoln Park Zoo.  Awesome place, open to public and fun things for the kids.  They had a farm, all the animals and a splash area for kids.  More walking was rewarded by another train ride and a ride on the carousal.  After a long day we walked through Lincoln Park, hopped in a cab back to Michigan Ave. 

After shopping at the Disney Store we had lunch at Giordano's (real Chicago style pizza!) and then it was 430pm and were all EXHAUSTED!!  Resting in our hotel for the rest of the night was in order!

We got up Saturday morning, had breakfast (room service amazed DJ--"people brought me bacon to my bed??") and then got on the road.  Another long 5 1/2 hours back to Des Moines and DJ again was a champ!

Waiting for the Bus!

On top of the bus, touring the town.

DJ loved this, Rainforest Cafe.

Driving the Fire Truck

Pumping Water!

Learning about Plumbing

Riding Thomas at Navy Pier

Man and his fish, Shedd Aquarium

Driving the Submarine!

Splash area at Lincoln Park Zoo

Carousel!

Thanks Uncle Bobby for ALL the Fun!  Let's do it AGAIN!

Fun times-next time Daddy has to come!




Uncle Dillon and Warm Days

DJ Loves the Woods and Birds. Monday he had Uncle Dillon Come down to surprise him. A busy week-


Daddy Catch UP!!!





I'm working on my Model Smile!




Which Bird have I not seen YET?




Showing Uncle Dillon my BIG Boy Room-








Enjoying the Outside-

Busy Boy in May

We haven't blogged in a few weeks-we have been busy and active and at the end of the day, just haven't written about it! Since our last blog DJ has been to the Farmer's Market a few times, stayed with Grandma, and had lots of adventures with Daddy. School is out for the year here in Des Moines and so in the next few weeks DJ will be going to preschool and after school with Daddy.

Here are a few pictures of the I-Cubs games we have attended recently

They have a small water area for kids at Principal Park

Cubbie Bear with Daddy and DJ

A very WINDY Mother's Day game!

Watching the game from the bleacher area

 Then DJ and Devon went exploring at their favorite park, Jester Park in Granger, it is an amazing place!

Jester Park walking path

Using his binoculars

Exploring!

Our snack spot, DJ would like to live here!

Fun with Nico

As if our Saturday was not fun enough, NICO came for a visit to Des Moines.  It was DJ's reward for being a good volunteer (or so we told him!!) and therefore the boys got to play this afternoon.....Fun in the sprinkler, water guns and general chaos!

I'm going to get you!!

Caught off guard

I think they are planning their attack....

Nico getting DJ!

Sprinkler!

Watch out Mama!

Nico having fun....

Grandma reading to her two boys...Wherever will baby Corinne fit?

Happy Mother's Day Grandma!!

Setting the Example

Devon and I are very proud to help when and where we can.  We both have family and friends who have encountered Organ Donation.  I have supported the cause since 1993 when my dear friend; at 18 years old, determined she needed a liver transplant.  It has held a special place since in my heart since then, and I have for the past 3 years done the My Angel Foundation 5K race in May.  It was DJ's first 5k at 7months old and this year as a family we volunteered our time.  It was AMAZING, rewarding and AWESOME to see DJ for 2 plus hours cheer on the racers and give high 5's and direct them up the hill (or slight incline as I was advised to say!)

Here are a few of the pics



Waiting for the racers-Story Time!



Our Hero!

Here come some kids DJ!

High 5 and up the Hill

Little Milk and Cookie Break

Cute little Volunteer!!