SURPRISE!

We are planning a trip to Chicago for spring break, so Holli hinted strongly that I should blog about my November trip there before we make another one. Yes, I am always behind. Anyway, in November I surprised her with a little visit to their new digs in Chicago. John knew I was coming, but Holli didn't. It was so fun to knock on her door and see the surprise on her face! Rhys was a little disappointed that I wasn't his teacher, Mrs. Walsh, but he soon got over it! It was so fun to see how he has grown. He is such a fun little boy. Holli and John showed me around and pretty much took me to see all the things I wanted to see.

One of the first things we did was take Rhys to their awesome FREE zoo! He wanted to ride this train, but the screaming kid in the next car kind of ruined his ride. Good thing he wasn't in the same car as Rhys.

It was a really big, nice zoo, for being free.

I didn't know how much I would love Chicago! The gorgeous architecture was just the kind of thing I love. This row of colorful little shops was super cool. Plus, it was Fall, my favorite time of year and the leaves were BEAUTIFUL!

Look at those brilliant red leaves!

I think Rhys loved the leaves at least as much as I did! He pretty much rolled in them.

My first train ride.............it was interesting. Peoples is peoples.

Downtown Chicago.

I can't even describe this, but it was so cool. It was a huge digital picture and his eyes would blink and his mouth would move a little. It was totally awesome.

Downtown Chicago was really pretty. I'm really a country girl at heart, so I didn't expect to fall so in love with this city, but I did.

The famous silver bean.

This visit was so fun. I think John and I did an awesome job of keeping the secret that I was coming for a visit from Holli. We ate some yummy pizza, hot dogs, and the best popcorn I've ever had! I can't wait to go back. I'm sure it will look completely different in the spring. Thanks for showing me your city guys. Can't wait to see you in a few days!

Halloween With Jake, Liz, Lexi and the Boys

The weekend before Halloween we went to visit Jake and Liz and the boys. We got there just in time for Jake's work party, which turned out to be a not-to-be-missed event. These people know how to throw a party! It was in the actual business place, which had been transformed into an unbeliveable show place complete with spook allies, Hogwarts, monsters, Toy Story, and many more scenes, and most of all.............CANDY galore.

Fortunatley Lexi was able to come with us. She was cleverly dressed up as a coach.

Josh and Charlie's costumes were super cute. Charlie was Batman and Josh was a Tron guy and even glowed in the dark!

There was lots to see and do outside too. There was a whole Alice in Wonderland themed display, a live band playing, free soft serve ice cream and cotton candy, pop and drinks. It was amazing.

The Mad Hatter

I can't remember what this was, maybe the Harry Potter scene.

More Harry Potter

We stuck our heads in this cut out just for fun.

Even Josh and Charlie wanted to.

Jake and his boys

The next day we all went to Gardner Village, which was all decked out with witches and all things Fall. I love the cute little stores there, and there is a fabric/quilting store that I adore! (Not to mention the cute candy store with homemade fudge and stuff!)

Cute little covered bridge and duck pond.

We carved pumpkins.............

Liz made aus a yummy, spooky dinner, including this delicious mummy meatloaf.

We had a super fun time, and hope to do this again sometime! Thanks for the fun weekend guys!