Mom and I {+ kids} took a little jaunt north to Chicago for a few days to spend some time with DaddyBoy {who works up there}. We decided to take the Professor with us since he recently lost his partner in crime. He’s the most peculiar dog I’ve ever met, which is why I usually refer to him as the Nutty Professor. Thankfully he is good traveling companion. Doesn’t he look fierce?
The kids were pretty good in the car too and enjoyed the change of scenery, which included hundreds of mesmerizing giant windmills.
We enjoyed a quick trip to Ikea and a few other shopping stops but with three little ones in tow I always wonder if just staying at home would have been easier. I get very tired of saying “No, you may not have that”. I also get tired of occasionally caving in, which I finally did and it resulted in the purchase of a bag containing 100+ balloons that can be made twisted into animal shapes, I didn’t think about the fact that my children cannot tie balloons. So I did a lot of pumping up balloons, tying balloons, and making every animal shape I could think of out of a balloon. I believe I am now ready to join up with Barnum & Bailey and change my last name to Ringling. Thankfully I considered it a good investment as it provided hours and hours of entertainment. The funny thing is, I do not have a single picture of our balloon animals. There is no doubt DaddyBoy’s apartment will never be the same and he will likely be finding balloons for weeks to come. Our apologies!
Speaking of DaddyBoy, he has a newly restored antique Mustang that the kids loved playing in, but unfortunately not riding because it lacks seat belts in the back.
We also enjoyed spending time with my cousin and her husband. They had us over to their house one night and then met us out for pizza the next night. I also have recently discovered that a mother with three little ones should not leave home without a diaper bag full of: crayons, coloring books, little animals, and trucks. These things are vital for the occupation of children in public places.
And now we are back at the farm enjoying our last few days of summer before heading south and starting school next week. We are loving the slow pace of life and plan to hit the city pool again today.
Tessa
August 12, 2010 at 11:00 amHow cute are those pics of your kiddos in the Mustang?! what a wonderful trip to end the summer. Also, I discovered this fabulous balloon toy this summer – looks like a spray bottle, but you attach the balloon on the nozzel and “squirt” air (or water if water balloons are in order). Saves your lungs. Now if only they would figure out how to tie them too. Enjoy your last few days with your family!
rhonda
August 12, 2010 at 11:15 amIt looks like a FABULOUS time! And honestly? I would stay up north for a few more days…it is africa hot down here… and yall are seriously making me want a dog again…how about you show me a few pictures of how much they shed, etc. to bring me back to reality?! 😉
Lisa @ lists in my pocket
August 12, 2010 at 11:59 amSo glad you’re enjoying your summer! The kids look beautiful as always!
Sarah
August 12, 2010 at 12:16 pmI’ve decided that moms with three little ones should NOT take them back to school shopping because they may get several dirty looks from salespeople and shoppers alike. It was a rough morning- I really don’t get paid enough for this job:)
amber
August 12, 2010 at 1:16 pmI recently came across you and your twin sis’s blog and I LOVE them both! Ya’ll are too cute!
Cat from iBlog
August 12, 2010 at 2:08 pmI love that one of your daughters has the deepest, dark eyes that are beautiful and one has the lightest, bluest eyes that are just as beautiful!
Dianne
August 12, 2010 at 2:20 pmThe dog picture is killing me!!! He is adorable. So glad you are enjoying all your family and the slower pace. It’s back to the rush of real life soon. Do you have one ( Morgan) going to real school this year? The school calendar dictates so much of your life from now on. These are good days…enjoy every minute.
Kasey
August 12, 2010 at 2:30 pmI just linked to your fruit pizza post! http://www.qkhunt.blogspot.com
Thanks again for posting the recipe.
sarah ella
August 12, 2010 at 2:33 pmglad yall are having such a great summer! love the pics…. im finally going to bite the bullet and get your camera!!! early christmas present…
Katie
August 12, 2010 at 2:40 pmYour daughter hanging out the window…so cute! Ooooh, a white mustang….
Page
August 12, 2010 at 4:05 pmMy husband and I took that same route to Chicago from Louisville this past weekend. We saw those same crazy windmills late at night on our way there – they all have little red lights on them and it was pretty overwhelming to see just the lights go on for miles! Then we saw them during the day on the way home and were amazed…wondering how big they actually are. Also, we were at IKEA Friday before you were there, and he was probably there the same time as you on Saturday while I attended a conference. 🙂 Hope you found some fun stuff… the Schaumberg IKEA is the best! Looks like you’re having a great time with your parents – Enjoy! (OH I almost forgot – I tried your homemade fruit leather with some kids/family friends last week – it was awesome…and fun!! Thanks!)
erika (mommasissy)
August 12, 2010 at 4:07 pmDid you bring my lamp back from DaddyBoys!???? Hello Professor, MY BOY. I miss you and your cute white whiskers. Dad’s ride looks great. Want to see more – email me photos!? I am super jealous. Love you!!!
Ashley Eiler
August 12, 2010 at 8:19 pmi love seeing what you are up to my friend…those bright eyed children are so beautiful…miss you much!!
Lauren
August 12, 2010 at 8:32 pmWow I love those pictures of the children in the old mustang. Those are adorable pictures!! Looks like ya’ll are having a blast spending time with your family. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Kate
August 12, 2010 at 8:35 pmHi! I have never commented before, but I just love your blog. One of my friends turned me on to it because I also went to Auburn and apparently our sons are twins…well turns out, they are! Please check out my blog to see the one year old, blue eyed version of JM. It is incredible! I admire and enjoy your pictures so much! Thanks for a beautiful blog-
KL
Cousin
August 13, 2010 at 9:56 amOh D, I wish I could have been poolside with you all yesterday! Love that sessor! He’s quite the stinker though rooting me off DB’s couch! DB’s m-tang is pretty HI PRO:) Thought I’d throw that in there for him. Miss you all already!!
jenna
August 13, 2010 at 11:17 ami’ve never been to chicago but every since you all went last summer I’ve been eager to go! sounds like such a blast!
you are so lucky your parents have such a beautiful farm!! gorgeous!
aimee
August 13, 2010 at 12:01 pmI giggled out loud at the picture of all three kids in the Mustang! I’m not sure what someone behind you was doing, but I LOVE all three faces!!! Is it Morgan doing the funny thing with her hand, I think? That’s what really made me laugh b/c I’ve always done something very similar when I think someone is acting like a dork. So fun! Thanks for sharing your good times.
Mary-Grace
August 14, 2010 at 2:35 pmAdorable! The picture of the three of them in the car is the cutest thing I’ve seen all week:)
andi
August 14, 2010 at 4:01 pmHey gal! Good to see you all having a great time!!! 🙂 Can’t wait to catch up with you irl when you get back. 🙂
Kara
August 14, 2010 at 10:20 pmLooks like you all are enjoying the last few days of summer break!
bg
August 15, 2010 at 1:07 pmWhat a great dog. I think JM looks like Daddy-Boy. The three Rovers in the car are adorable.
BarbaraG
Christy
August 15, 2010 at 2:59 pmWow, in the pic of JM in the mustang, he looks so much like your Dad! Looks like y’all are having a great time!
Christy
jennifer
August 15, 2010 at 10:47 pmjust a stalker 🙂 with a quick question. where did you get your camera strap?
andrea
August 15, 2010 at 11:27 pmA.) Bummer. Need to see a pic of DaddyBoy in his Mustang. With all due respect to your mother, I have a little crush on him. 🙂
B.) For my son, we invest in $1 Matchbox cars/trucks. He gets one new one each time we eat out for dinner. It adds to the cost of the evening, but it’s worth it! 😉 We’ve been able to take him out for dinner with us since he was born with no problems. Of course, his die-cast-metal mini car collection is multiplying quickly! Help! 😀
C.) Thanks for the sweet post, as usual!
Andrea 🙂 (And really, I’m just kidding about Daddy-Boy… kind of!)
Molly
August 16, 2010 at 6:39 pmWe are embarking on our trek to Chicagoland Friday. I am from Naperville and my hubby is from Louisiana. We live down in his neck of the woods now, but always look forward to a summer trip to Illinois. Ikea is definitely on my list of things to do – do you go to the store in Shaumburg or Bolingbrook?
Emily
August 16, 2010 at 8:07 pmI love the photo of the windmills! And, I think “should we have just stayed home?” almost everyday. But how boring would that be? 🙂
(First time commenting. Love your blog!)
Kelly@TearingUpHouses
August 16, 2010 at 8:35 pmI for one am super disappointed that we didn’t get to see photographs of the animal balloons!
Looks like you all had fun.
And gorgeous old Mustang!
Kelly
sally clarkson
August 16, 2010 at 11:40 pmWhat a beautiful blog and beautiful pictures. I love your heart and your writing. I am not often in cyberspace except for short posts I make because of lack of time, but I do love to come here when I have a few minutes to enjoy! Blessings of His grace and love to your sweet family!
Elizabeth
August 17, 2010 at 7:55 amI love your photos!! Are you planning on posting anymore Italy pictures? I am going next month and would love to see some of yours! Thanks!
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