Chicago Trip!

We had a great long weekend in Chicago visiting Jason's family!  We arrive early Wednesday afternoon.  Kevin picked us up from the airport and we went over to Rob and Jennifer's for the afternoon to catch up with them and meet Erin (6 months old).  Erin is such a happy baby and we had a great time catching up with Rob and Jennifer. 

Jess & Erin

Jason and I went to the gym on Thursday morning to get a quick workout in before the 4th of July festivities began.  It was a great hot sunny day, a big change from the rainy weather they have been having.  Kevin, Kim and the girls came over midmorning and we spent the day hanging out at Bob & Bev's...BBQing, pool time, playtime with the Madeline & Jillian.  Jason's aunt and cousin, Jeanann and Abby, from Kansas, got into town Thursday afternoon and they came over with Grandma Mathey. Thursday evening we all went over to Kim's parents house to watch the fireworks. 

Jillian like the pool!

On Friday morning everyone met at Kevin & Kim's house.  They moved in February so we had only seen pictures of the house.  Their house is very nice!!  After the tour of the house we all headed to the Lincoln Park Zoo.  We had a great time at the zoo checking out all the animals!  Madeline's favorite was the cows, mine was the monkeys & giraffes!  We went to Greek Town for lunch and we of course had to stop and get some Garrett's popcorn (BEST popcorn ever) before heading back to Aurora. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening hanging out at Kevin and Kim's.  We got lots of playtime in with the girls after their naps.  After dinner I got kicked out of the house so the ladies could decorate for my shower on Saturday.


Zoo Time!

Maddie & Uncle Jason checking out the black bear



Hi Jillian!

Chicago Skyline

Can't leave the Zoo without riding the Carousel!

The whole gang!

Saturday morning Jason and I went to Jake's Bagels (BEST bagel place ever) and then it was time to get ready for my baby shower.  Yes, when we go visit Jason's family we must always get Garrett's popcorn and go to Jake's Bagels.  I jokingly said that if we have a boy we should name him Jake Garrett! ha-ha!  The baby shower was fantastic!! Kim, Julia, and Bev did an amazing job! (separate post coming)  We hung out at Kevin & Kim's for a while after the shower before heading over to Aunt Pat's for the evening to spend some time with the Becker side.  We also got to meet Myhre (4 weeks old), Cousin Mikey & Stephanie's daughter.  She is such a little peanut.  I forget how small and squirmy newborns are, we are going to have a lot of learning to do!   


Playtime with Jillian

Cousin Mikey, Myhre, Jess, & Stephanie

Sunday morning Jason and I packed up all of our baby gifts into 3 suitcases.  We flew Southwest so we took advantage of the free checked bags.  All 3 bags were completely full but we got everything packed except for the Bumbo and hamper.  Good thing baby stuff is small!  And then it was time for Sunday Fun Day by the pool!  It was another hot, sunny, gorgeous day! We really lucked out with the weather while we were there.  It was quite hot so it didn't take much to get everyone into the pool.  Most of us were looking quite red by late afternoon but it was such a great day!!  We had to say our goodbyes and head to the airport about 5:30pm.

Yeah for pool time!



All of our bags, full of baby stuff!

It was an fabulous trip!! We haven't seen the girls and Grandma Mathey in over a year and it has been even longer since we had seen Jeanann and Abby. It is amazing how much Madeline and Jillian have grown up. We Skype with them but it just isn't the same as in person.  We really enjoyed all the playtime we got!  While we absolutely love living in Colorado, we really wish family wasn't so far away and we could see everyone more often! It is always hard saying goodbye, especially after such a great weekend!