Summer Fun

This summer is going by so fast and I have tons of pictures of the kids so thought I would post a couple to remember what they looked like during the summer of '14.

Chicago Day 3

 We headed to Wildberry Pancakes for brunch!  So yummy!

 Will and Grandpa occupied a lot of time waiting going up and down the escalator at the Prudential buliding next door to the restaurant.

it was a hazy day, definitely glad we weren't planning to go up a skyscraper that day!

We headed home shortly after brunch!  With Scott's foot he had done enough walking and we all had done enough shopping, haha! The weather forecast had predicted weather in the 90's so our plans to do most outdoor events like visiting the fountains at Millenium Park or going to the beach by Navy Pier were scrapped because we thought it would be too hot and miserable.  Apparently the weather didn't take into account the rain we would have on day 2 would bring in cool temps for the rest of day 2 and day 3 :(
But overall we had a great time and got to relax and have fun!

Chicago Day 2

We went to Rainforest Cafe for lunch!  We just walked out of our hotel to walk there when it started downpouring rain so we took cabs instead! 

 During a meal at the rainforest they have intermittent "storms" with thunder and lightening!  It scared Will but Cara was right by his side to comfort him.  So cute!

 On our walk back to the hotel a stop at Garrett's popcorn was a must!

 The girls spent the afternoon shopping on the magnificent mile and the boys went back to the hotel for naps. We also spent a bit of time at the hotel pool that afternoon but I didn't take any pictures because I was too busy swimming with the kids.

 Later that evening we had dinner reservations at Carson's and planned to meet Scott's cousin Kristin and her husband Kevin.  They moved to downtown Chicago last summer and are within walking distance everywhere.  We call this shirt of Will's his Grandpa shirt because it is the style and print that Grandpa Fox wears all the time.  Lo and behold we meet up in the lobby for dinner and they are nearly dressed alike.

Dinner was so yummy (ribs, potatoes, corn break, yum!).  It was great catching up with Kristin and Kevin and being able to give them their baby present in person.  Their baby is due 2 weeks from our meeting!  Little did we know that the baby had other plans and would be born just a few days later!

Cara's Chicago Birthday Trip, day 1

Every summer we take a summer trip to the American Girl store in Chicago with my parents for Cara's birthday!  We stayed at the Hilton Suites right next door to the Hancock!  Great location.  Here is our view from the hotel pool! 

 Little did we know when we planned the trip a few months prior with nonrefundable hotel rooms that Scott would have to have surgery the day before we left.  But I made him come with us so we could prop him up in the hotel room if he didn't feel up to getting out.  I did all the driving and he got to relax and combat the horrible nausea he was still feeling from the anesthesia.

 Cara really wanted the new Isabelle doll for her birthday!

 Birthday tea party!

 The little food was so cute!

 Cheers!

 Complete with a birthday cake!

What a fun birthday celebration!  The boys stayed back at the hotel while we went to the tea.

Foot Surgery

The broken toe was not healing so surgery was required.  We found out on Friday that the surgery would be Monday.  Lucky for me I got cancelled off work on Sunday night or it would have been a long miserable day at the hospital.  My parents stayed home with the kids!  I have had many medical procedures and surgeries in the years we have been together but this was my first time to be the one waiting in the waiting room all day.  It felt weird and lonely!  Now let's hope this silly toe heals!  Here's to 6 more weeks of the fracture boot!

Sneak peek

 We went to the IMA for family pictures!  We found the kids these cute matching outfits at the Children's place!

Will post the official pictures when we get them back!

Cara's First Season of Softball

When Cara found out 2 of her besties were playing spring softball she wanted to play too.  We had already signed up for soccer but we decided playing 2 sports at the same time wouldn't be too bad.  Our spring schedules were a little crazy but Cara had fun and never complained! 

 She started off the softball season with no experience and got a lot of strike outs

 But a few games in she learned to hit and started getting RBI's and getting to base!

 On the last day of games she played catcher.  We made it a couple rounds into the tournament and then loss!

 Cara was awarded her teams "Most Improved" trophy!  We were so proud of her and her ability to continue to improve and not feel defeated at the beginning!  The coach's speech when presenting his trophy said something like "without a doubt she is by far the most improved on our team!"  Way to go, Cara!

Her team picture!  What a fun season and she can't wait to play again!

Girls Day!

 Our day started with pedicures for all the girls (well Grandma Abbott got a manicure instead)!  Not posted are Grandma Abbott, Grandma Fox and Charlotte!  We love this nail place called "Little Nail Shop"

 Our girls day continued (after a softball game and soccer game) at Beef and Boards to see "Mary Poppins"

one TIRED little girl on the way home! What a fun day!

Broken Foot

Near midnight on the day of Will's birthday I asked Scott to help me carry down some bags of salt to put in the water softener since it was really low and we had houseguests.  Not happy with my plan he decided to be macho and carry two bags on salt on his shoulder (the one he hurt playing laser tag mind you) and lo and behold I hear a scream and crash coming from the stairs as I was walking through with another bag.  The bag slipped off his shoulder as he was taking a step down and forced his foot into an awkward bend resulting in a nice fracture.  So instead of going to a water park on Friday we spent the day first at immediate care and then were referred to ortho indy.  Welcome fracture boot to our family for the next 6 weeks!

Will is 2!!!

I had my camera at my side all day trying to get some pictures of my now 2 year old! For his birthday we invited over the grandparents and Aunt Cyndi for a small celebration.  His big birthday party will be in July when we celebrate big sister's birthday too!

I think you can see parts of his personality in each of these pictures

Present time!

Grandma and Grandpa Abbott got him a tricycle

Grandma and Grandpa Fox also got him a tricycle.  Great minds think alike!

This little drum set from Mommy and Daddy is a "hit"

Birthday cupcakes

Attempting to get a family picture of everyone outside was more difficult than it should have been

Birthday love with my love!