Chicago! Part Three

Inside a cool cafe downtown

This trip was actually my first time riding in a taxi. I don't know how I have managed so long without ever riding in one! Instead of taking your car places and dealing with the crazy traffic only then to end up paying $20.00 for valet parking, it's much simpler to catch a cab for $7.00. Not to mention the crazy cab drivers you meet! That's worth the price itself! (Daniel and I may have differing opinions on this one ;)

Night time means dinner time!


Our hotel

This is the dress Daniel bought me for Christmas! (early :)

He knows me so well :) Aside from about $100,000 worth of things for his Jeep, he much prefers, always wants, practical gifts. I, on the other hand like pretty things! Now, don't get me wrong, I have been known to ask for measuring cups, a vacuum or even diapers as gifts (for the girls, not me!) but I really do love lovely things. I didn't need a new dress, but was very happy and every so thankful to have one! I really truly do have the kindest and most understanding husband in the world!

This was taken as we were getting ready for dinner. I had to leave the restaurant before my food came because I was feeling so horrible, but it was a beautiful evening! Especially now that I look back and feel fine :)

Honestly, it was almost better that I got sick while away, because I was able to spend more time sleeping than I have in a very long time, so that was a blessing. I was very thankful to come home to the girls though.

We were all sick for a good solid week together, and coming home was just the start of it. Being away for a few days gave me the physical and emotional break I needed to help the girls though their sickness 24/7 for a week. I was very thankful that God had His hand in the timing of it all and that my dad needed Daniel down there for that week. I'm so thankful for such a loving and kind God! He takes care of all our needs and all we need to do is acknowledge Him and Honor and Praise Him. I can truly say with experience, what a mighty God we Serve!

Really, who else cares so much about a normal little old housewife who has little children to take care of, a house to clean and family to serve? Sometimes I feel so lonely, overwhelmed and over tired. Even with such a wonderful husband and great kids, life can just seem so big and I feel so small. It's in those moments that God scoops me up in His loving arms and shows me He cares enough to give me what I need. Whether it's just a good day, a kind word from a friend or a little time away... He knows my needs! Even before I do!

Wow... I just still can't get over what a mighty God we serve!

This last photo was one Daniel took of the girls and I about 3 hours after we back home. It was mixture of sickness, tiredness and thankfulness to all be together again. There is nothing like being back in your home with your family :)

Starting Summer With a Road Trip!

Well, mini road trip anyway :) After getting the Jeep we had to try it out. So, on Memorial Day Sunday after breakfast we loaded up the kids and headed out the door with a map and no plan! It felt like the freedom I felt as a child during the summer with 100 acres of woods in the backyard and all day to play.

We put on a few hundred miles just driving this way and that, through farmlands and little towns. It was overcast, but the cloudy day added to that mellow lazy day feel. The type of day where you pop in a great cd and feel like you could just drive all day, so that's just what we did. :) We just drove!









When we were little, Dad always told us the big white thing was the Jolly Green Giant's golf ball, Daniel and I figured it was a weather station. That's not what we told Diana and Ellie though. ;)









There were so many people proudly displaying American flags!




Off the beaten path... a little bit :)


I love my hubby :)





Little one nibbling on lunch


Diana loved getting out to run!




Yummy lunch picnic!







Cool old buildings :)



Small town festivals...









Coffee break at Alterra :)





Hubby got a red eye coffee with a triple shot of espresso! Me, a latte :)






Coffee was the perfect end to a perfect day to a chilly summer day. The whole weekend was great and the best possible start to summer, I can't wait for the rest of the year!