Pay it Forward :)

I needed to get something from Kimmy...

So, here's how it works: the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well. Before you leave your comment, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going (or copy and paste like I did). Then come back, let me know you're going to play and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Come and play!!

Chicago, Part 1

First, for those of you who don't know, Adam got a job (YEAH!!) that he started today. We decided that before he started we had to squeeze in a last minute trip to Chicago to see both of our sisters and their families. We started out at Kim & Chris' house, along with their 4 kids.

Samantha had a great time playing with her cousins and keeps asking if we're going back tomorrow. I guess she didn't get that it was just for a vacation, and no matter how fun it was, she's stuck here with us and no playmates.

Max became her best buddy and played with her all the time. It was really sweet to watch the two of them together. I guess one day they were watching a movie when Max put his arm up on the sofa, Samantha just put her head down on his shoulder and got comfy. Adam said they stayed like that for 20 min, and even though Max looked uncomfortable, he wouldn't move.

One of the things we did while we were at Kim & Chris' was going to the children's musuem. They had a lot of fun stuff, but the babies were Samantha's favorite (surprise). When we finally got her to leave, she had a great time painting her face and doing all the other activities. Adam helped her and the boys get their faces all done up. After the children's musuem, Adam and I took all the kids to McDonalds so Kim & Chris could go out. We walk in and I hear the guy talking to another lady saying, "cinco niños" I guess he didn't see that we actually had 6. I don't think the face paint helped our case.

We also went to the Jelly Belly Factory, and basically just hung out and had a GREAT time.

Chicago, Part 2

After we left Kim's house we drove up to Naperville to spend a few days with my sister Kelle & Chris at their house (yes there are two uncles named Chris and two cousins named Grant that live in Chicago-it was a bit confusing). Unfortunately they had the flu right before we got there and Kelle was still recovering. We did a lot of hanging out and Adam and I took the younger kids to another children's museum.

Hailey loved Paul and kept asking if she could come on the plane with us so she could babysit him for me. Unfortunately I couldn't take her up on the offer. Sammi and Grant had a great time playing together and I was amazed at how well they interacted. One day they spent at least an hour in the basement playing "night night" before coming up. It was great! She also had fun with Carter and Andrew and kept asking where they were when they were at school. She was telling me that they were her best cousins. It was sweet, although I'm not sure she knows what "best" means, because she has named all of her cousins and her "best" cousin at one point. She also told me Talmage was her best cousin, so there ya go. It was great to see everyone and spend some time with all of you. Thanks to Kim and Kelle for having us, we had a great time and can't wait to see you all again. Love you and miss you already!

Paul & Grant in their matching Lightning McQueen PJ's

The Children's Museum

Think Sammi got a little wet?

Sammi and Grant

Helping Paul on the teeter-totter

Watching a movie on the DVD player rather than on the big tv

I couldn't believe it, but this is the only picture I have of Carter and Andrew, having a picnic and watching Veggie Tales

Paul outside on our last day in Naperville