Chicago & Shedd Aquarium

Last weekend after two years of trying to get a weekend set :) we finally set the date and headed to Chicago with the our friends, Nate and Emily and their two girls. The first night was filled with pizza at the hotel and then heading to the pool. The girls loved every minute. You could tell by the giddy squeals of joy as they took off running for the elevator and during their splashing in the pool.

Taking time to snap a quick shot of the girls while they were still, which never lasts long :)


Finn even joined in the fun, but of course when he got in the water I had to put down my camera and jump in with him! So, no more pictures after that.

Saturday, after a full night's rest we got up and headed downtown to the Shedd Aquarium. I have gone many times as a kid and even got to go a few years back with Tadd's niece, but this trip by far was the best. Watching Selah's reaction to all that she saw was special. Taking it all in through your child's eyes...priceless!

Hayley and Selah get ready to watch Dora in 4D. This is the only time Selah kept her glasses on because once the movie started she didn't like things "coming out" towards her :)

Our little cheese!

We love these girls as if they were our own! Hayley and Brookelyn are such good friends with Selah and Finn. I don't know if Selah is a positive influence or not :) but either way I love watching our kids grow up together. Thanks for going with us Nate and Em!



Finn did great all day too with so few of naps. He was his typical smiley-self.

And yes, you are seeing it right...Two teeth! They are both in and coming up even more. Our boy is growing up way too fast!

Hope you all have a great week!

The perfect day for hiking

The first weekend of this month we had the best day for hiking. We took off and headed to a nearby state park and enjoyed the day. My brother and his wife along with my cousin and her husband got to come with us too. It was great spending time enjoying leaves, watching the kiddos discover their surroundings, and just being in God's beauty.

I know, in the picture below it really appears like the kids are enjoying themselves, but really they are!

Adam, Kristen, and Colt

Kelli, Ryan, and Colby

And I had to take a few pictures of these cuties...too good to pass up!


Selah had fun riding in the pack on Tadd's back and exploring.

All in all, it was a great afternoon and Selah didn't even get a nap that day. So many times we have to step back and thank God again for all the opportunities and blessings He gives us each and every day!

Trick Or Treat!

It was that time of year again. This was the first year we really went around to different houses. Usually the night includes going to visit the grandparents and close friends and then calling it a night, but this year we went all out and let Selah go door to door with her cousins. We practiced saying "trick or treat" and thank you, welcome (which Selah ties all together as one phrase). It was a fun night. Selah enjoyed getting lots of candy and only got scared a few times :)

Our little monkey and fairy princess.



A new first - trick or treating!

joining Addy and Brooks a.k.a. The Eskimo and Cop


And of course we had to go visit Colt the Cutest Tiger ever! I know I am biased, but are these two boys not the cutest thing you have ever seen!

Sunday School Party

Tadd's Sunday School class had a party this weekend - a weiner roast to be exact. We got to spend the evening out at Jared and Angie's cabin. It was great seeing all the kids with their "teachers". They had lots of fun with four wheeler rides, playing football, a hayrack ride, and roasting hotdogs and smores.

Everyday Moments

What is new around here? Not much, just enjoying the little moments in life.

Selah and Finn are becoming closer every day. I love watching Selah wake up in the morning and the moment she gets upstairs she runs over to Finn to get right up in his face and snuggle all the while yelling "Hey, buddy!"

And this buddy just can't be any cuter.

Selah and I got to share a moment outside enjoying a fall afternoon with some leaves. She didn't quite know what to think at first.

But, soon she was convinced to at least sit down and kick some around.

She loves to swing and here is just an example. I love sitting on the swing with her, as she sits on my lap facing me and we swing as high as we can go. She insists on me singing to her while she swings. Usually the "Rabbit song" (Little Bunny Foo Foo) and the "Barney song" (I love you, You love me). And then she just makes up her own little tunes. I cherish every minute and love watching her little mind at work creating her own songs.

And this smile, nothing cheers my heart more.

She is always on the move...here she is doing her summersault.

Hope you all have a great week enjoying everyday moments!