Chicago

 We went to Chicago last week.  It was super fun.  It's always nice to get away.  Our favorite part was just eating pizza in our hotel and swimming in the pool.  It's the simple things in life, right?  The kids were so happy the whole trip.  They think that hotels are super fun and just jump around the whole time.  It's darling.  These first pictures are from going to the infamous Giordano's Pizza.  It takes 40 minutes to cook the pizza and by the time we finally got it, we just asked them to box it up and we would take it to go.  The kids were SPENT!  Oh my gosh, I thought Daniel would roll over and die if we didn't leave that restaurant right then.  Once we were back at our hotel, Daniel was totally happy.  He just wanted to walk around and explore.  Going out to eat with a baby is just not fun.  The pizza was good.  We were super hungry though so maybe that made it taste better.

 After pizza, we went swimming in the indoor swimming pool in our hotel.  People thought we were crazy because it was 40 degrees outside and SO windy.  The kids loved every second of it.  Daniel has just totally captured my heart.  I love that sweet little face.  He has a sweet little face on because he has that pacifier in his mouth.  I've never let my kids be too attached to their pacifiers but Daniel definitely is.  He must be the third child.  Already getting lax.

 When Daniel was a baby, I could not put him down.  I just wanted to hold him constantly.  He would be sleeping next to me on the couch and I would pick him up because I thought I would burst if I didn't hold him.  Now, he wants to be in my lap all the time.  He is a little snuggler.  I love it!  There is no better feeling than having a soft, sweet baby curl up into you.

 Andrew is a little fish.  He could have swam all night if I'd let him.

 Best. Dad. Ever!

 The next day we went and saw the sights.  We totally unprepared for the cool weather.  The kids were freezing and so was I!  Luckily, it wasn't as cloudy and windy as the first day so it was much more bearable.

 Here we are at the famous bean.  It was cooler than I thought it would be.  There were tons of people there.  The kids didn't want to get out of the stroller or even look at it.  Crazy kids!  We made them do it anyways and then they were happy.

 Making crazy faces.

 I don't know what this was called but it was a beautiful area.  We loved the big fountain and watching all the sail boats on the lake.  How do you like that giant spot in our lens.  Nice, huh?  Don't worry, we have lots of pictures with it for you to enjoy.  ;-)

 This totally doesn't do it justice.  It was so pretty right next to that water.

 We went down Navy Pier.  We thought it was cool but would have been more fun if we had money to spend.  We didn't end up spending very long there.

 Best buds.

 Oh yea, he licked it.  I'm cringing now!

Camping

 We went camping back in September with a few other families.  It was so fun!  The kids love being with their friends.  We had great weather.  It was perfect for camping.  Check out our pics.

 My camera was having SERIOUS issues that trip.  I was so upset.  No matter what setting I put it on, my pictures turned out horribly.  Perhaps it didn't like the cool weather.  ;-)  I am really, really excited to get a new camera when Josh has a job, preferably one that isn't so moody.

 It must be early in the morning.  The kids actually slept past six that morning so we were happy.

 Who knew that taking a picture of this many kids could be so hard.  This is the best we got.

 We tried again but it was not much different.  Aren't they cute though?

 Love, love, love that boy!  He makes our family so fun.

 I actually think that taking pictures of our three kids was harder than taking pictures of the whole group.  Phew!

 They do better with individual shots.  ;-)  What a cutie!

 They got to ride horses the next morning.  We were camping at a spot where lots of horse owners were.  They were so kind and let all of the kids take a turn.  I don't think they knew just how many kids there were.  I think all of the kids were in absolute heaven....

 ....well, all but Andrew.  He was pretty scared of the horses.  He would sit on it but no riding for him.

 It was a great trip!

Life Happenings

 One night a few weeks ago, we had a bunch of babies at our house.  I feel like I always have to take pictures because they're so stinkin' cute together.  Poor little Michael got a skinned up nose from a little accident.  He still looks darling though.  a

The big kids had movie night while the babies played upstairs.  We had popcorn and treats for them.  They were in heaven.  Movies are always more fun with friends and treats.  (Not sure what Andrew is doing there??).

 We made homemade ice-cream with the kids the other day.  It was super fun to make.  It actually turned out pretty horrible though.  At least we made a memory.

 Daniel often ends up in the sink after dinner to be hosed off.  That boy can be so messy.  He thinks it's fun though and the big kids think it's hilarious!

 This pretty much sums up Andrew in a nutshell.  He loves superheroes and often has a cape on.  He wants to wear his BYU shirt almost every day.  AND he is always smiling.  Love him!

 And here is Anna in a nutshell.  She loves wearing her princess dresses and thinks I'm crazy when I tell her they aren't real but it's just a story.  She always insists on doing her own hair and almost always has a headband on.  Don't forget the sparkly high heels that go everywhere, grocery store, story time at the library, outside to ride bikes.  You name it.

 I'm one lucky mama.