Whirlwind Move

Well. We figured this would happen...again. The Mr. Was made aware of a position in another state with the same company, began looking into it and interviewing for it. Then, within 2 weeks, had a final interview with his prospective employer. At the interview he was offered the job and they wanted him to be there to start work within 2-4 days. He flew home from the interview, we talked it over, he accepted the job, then we drove out the next day to get him started at work. Thankfully, the boys and I weren't doing much that we couldn't easily leave (except Joy School... We miss that). 

We spent 6 days in the area, mostly looking at houses and meeting with our real estate agent, lender, and insurance agent. However, we did have some fun: like playing on the stairs in our hotel, and visiting fun playgrounds as we explored the area.

My mother-in-law is the best. She drove 12 hours to pick the boys and I up, take us back to Chicago, and help us pack up and move in 3 days. Then she drove us back. Isn't she amazing?!

On our way back, we needed a rest stop, So we pulled off the interstate into this tiny town... And ran into a fall farmers market/festival! It was a great pit stop!!!

(Note the camel...)

Upon returning to the Mr. and the hotel, we had a quick birthday party for Goose before grandma left. He sure loved the tissue paper!

Whew! We are glad that is over, but we are so grateful for all those who helped us out (and for our Chicago friends who stopped to say goodbye or who called). You all were my favorite part of the city!

Goodbye Chicago

So much has happened in so little time! But before we get to that, let's recap the last of our time in Chicago:

We went on a family bike ride for charity and afterwards they provided food and did face painting. Mickey wanted the face paint, but was nervous about it, so I had my face painted to show him it was ok. He still didn't want it though.

Getting ready for birthday month with this adorable boy (while his brother got to spend one-on-one time with his grandpa).

Playing at the park by our house with daddy. 

We were able to visit the Field Museum while grandpa was here. Mickey's favorite part was the toddler designated area in the bathroom-haha

Hip-hip hooray! This boy turned 3! Can you believe it?! He really enjoyed having the whole family (plus grandpa) there for the celebration.

Goose had his first taste of donut as a pre-celebration to his birthday (which we figured wouldn't be conducive to a cake due to moving-more on that later).

Oh the fun simplicity of childhood. Goose crawled around with this on his head for about 5 minutes (a long time for him).

Air Show, Peaches, Slides, and Bike Rides

This summer has proved to have a lot of potential festivals to attend. One we made sure to visit was the Air and Water Show. Though, from where we sat we could only see the air portion. It was still fascinating!

With so many people and things going on in the city, sometimes we feel the need for a respite. So we drive a couple hours out to farm country...to pick fresh peaches!

Goose has also discovered his favorite hiding place: on top of the blender base in the cupboard.

Goose has really helped Mickey overcome his aversion to slides (probably instilled by his well-meaning, but over-concerned-for-the-first-child parents).

I have also thoroughly enjoyed more bike rides this summer and have tried to aim for at least one every other week in lieu of hiking. Once, I even trekked 12 miles round trip to the zoo by myself. I was pretty exhausted!

So the next time I biked to the zoo, I brought the Mr. and he pulled the boys (the trip was significantly shorter that time...for some "odd" reason).

I am so grateful for the opportunity and accommodations that allow me to do such bike riding here in the city! This outdoorsy girl would really struggle without a good physical challenge (unobstructed by cars and stop signs) every now-and-again!

Random Moments in Life

Someone found mommy's mascara . . . waterproof too.

Playing animals- he was a rabbit.

   

Cage the baby! And then join him and knock the pins over, of course.

He knows how to hammer? Can you believe it?! When did he get so big?

Sharing books and reading in the morning (before mom and dad wanted to get up).

My wonderful cousins came to visit us! We really enjoyed being able to see them. And Mickey took a particular liking to the youngest brother. He still asks about him actually...

Eating from Big Bowls for B week.

Finally! A fun splash pad!

He was so excited when he did this on his own! Now he can finally tell grandma a proper goodbye when she reads to him via FaceTime.

We went downtown for an afternoon to meet up with some friends from NY. They got stuck in traffic, so we explored the massive Marshall Fields turned Macy's to find a bathroom (and got lost a few times; this place is huge!)

This boy was more entertained throwing rocks down a hole than with all the "festival" activities going on in the tent.

Of course, we couldn't forget Crown Fountain on that hot day! This is where we were finally able to meet up with our friends for a brief visit before Goose was done for the day.

Wearing a Crown and defending the Castle for C week.