Rolling Down the Hill

After naps, we headed down to Michigan Avenue and window shopped on our way to dinner at the Rosebud on Rush.  It was yummy and the kids were very well behaved.  When we got back to the hotel we burned the last little bit of energy we had.  We sat in rocking chairs and taught the kids how to roll down a hill.

Nap Time

After we got showers, it didn't take long for these two little ones to take advantage of a little nap time.  Mommy and Daddy enjoyed a drink and a little TV time!

To the Beach

After we splashed around, we headed back to our hotel to check in, but unfortunately our room wasn't ready yet.  Luckily, I had packed a separate beach bag so we changed into our suits in the restroom and headed over to the beach.  Amelia was all squeals and laughter.  She loved every time a wave came and hit her feet and legs.  Alex enjoyed digging in the sand and running around in the water.  We stayed a few hours and then we had two kids that were beyond tired and we'd received a call saying our room was ready.  So, back to the hotel we went!

Splashing Around

As we headed back to the hotel we came across a big water fountain and several little ones playing in it.  It was hot, we had no schedule, so why not let the kids run and play?!  They had a ball and as with so much of our trip, it didn't cost a thing!  

Baby Gets a Makeover!!

Alex and Amelia experienced Build A Bear for the first time today.  Baby has been walking around naked the last few weeks because his onesie had a whole in it.  I didn't know this until a few days ago.  Well, anyway, after wearing the same outfit for 3+ years we figured it was a good time for a makeover!.  Alex had money that his Great Aunt Laura had given him for his birthday, so I told him he could pick out new clothes for Baby.  After much deliberation, and seriously there was a lot of it, Alex went with a Chicago Bears outfit for Baby.  The lady working was so nice to Alex, and she showed him where Alex could give Baby a bath too.  It was basically air that came through a hose that was controlled by a foot pedal, but Alex loved doing that.  Amelia decided to give her doll a bath as well.  The whole experience was pretty fun.  As you can tell, Alex is over the moon excited about Baby's makeover.  He asked him several times if he was happy and if he liked his new clothes.  

Navy Pier

She is really into giving Daddy hugs and kisses.

Waiting our turn on the ferris wheel.

We had breakfast with the Nottage's and then we headed into the city.  We parked at our hotel, but it was too early to check in.  We knew it was a short walk to Navy Pier, so we headed that direction.  The kids loved seeing the lake and watching all the birds and boats.  It was pretty warm out, so we occasionally would go inside and window shop.  We had lunch at the Billy Goat Tavern and then road the huge ferris wheel and carousel.  The kids really enjoyed it, but they had no concept of how high in the air we were and that staying seated was important!  

Anthony's Birthday Party

Today we headed up to Glenview for Anthony's 5th birthday party, but not before we made a stop to see Uncle Trevor and Aunt Ashley.  Daddy helped them move, but the rest of us hadn't seen their new house yet.  We grabbed lunch from Portillo's and had a short little visit.  Plus Alex and Amelia got their birthday presents that arrived the day after their birthday party!!  They each got new super hero costumes that are so adorable.  They love them.  I don't have any pictures of them in them though!

As you can see, the party was sports themed with an emphasis on Lebron James.  Alex was a little shy in the beginning and wouldn't play in the gym with the kids.  It didn't help that we were a little late in getting there.  Regardless the kids had fun, and Anthony was so excited that we had come.

After the party, we went to Anthony's house for dinner and a sleepover.  Of course, the kids loved playing with toys that were new to them.  Adam and I enjoyed sitting on the back patio with Courtney and Jill and catching up.  We ordered Chicago-style deep dish pizza for dinner.  It was a low-key evening, but fun.  The kids were super tired after a long day, so we were in bed fairly early.  Alex and Anthony slept together on the air mattress.  I wish I had a picture of the two of them snuggled up together.  It was soooo cute.