Life out West: August 2011

Midwest Family

I had to copy these excellent photos from my cousin Sarah from our trip to Chicago.

Here is my Aunt and Uncle C (we were at their home), my Dad and Step Mom Lisa, and my Aunt M and Uncle C. I love their beaming smiles. I got a kick out of listening to my Dad and his sisters talk about their childhood. Something about youngest Aunt C not getting to take dance lessons because she was the youngest (and I guess the forgotten one - tee hee). Then there was a story about my Aunt M breaking her arm and how she got all sorts of attention in the hospital. : ) There seemed to be quite a childhood rivalry between my Aunt M and my Dad. Loved the stories. Love these family members.

Here is the whole fam. Cousins Sarah and Lauren, Aunt Marilyn, cousin-in-law Josh holding his youngest Lucy, Uncle Chris, Uncle Chris, my little bro Tom, my Dad, my Step Mom Lisa, my little sis Celia, and in the front my Aunt Carrie holding Sarah and Josh's oldest Huntleigh, and me and Carter. Cousin Kevin, my little brother Jackson, and my hubby Jason couldn't make the visit. Great to visit with all of you. Miss you already!

Chicago

I love Chicago in the summer! Lake Michigan (sailing and swimming), hot humid weather, downtown (the museums, navy pier, shopping, the buildings), the burbs, good food, The Cubbies, and my favorite = The Elliott's!

Love those blue eyes

At the beach just four blocks from Grandma and Grandpa's house

This young man got his first barber shop haircut full of tears and suckers. It looks great!

The dolphin show at the Shedd Aquarium overlooking Lake Michigan. Too bad Carter didn't have patience to wait for the good part. Hopefully next time.

Aunt Celia and Carter going down the slide at one of her favorite childhood parks.

The Lincoln Park Zoo

Those are real bees in the hive people!

Almost college kid, little brother and Carter's Uncle, Tom

Step Mom Lisa, little sis Celia, and little cousin Miss Huntleigh

Carter's first time on a carousel

Despite his facial expression, he really did enjoy the ride

Sweet Aunt C. The hostess and grill master.

Cousins!

The fake snake all the kids wanted to play with

Cuz Sarah from Saint Louis (thanks for coming to visit!)

More Zoo Fun

Must enjoy dippin dots from the zoo!

Burbs visit with my lovely family. My Dad, Lisa, Celia, Tom, my Dad's sisters, their husbands, some of my cousins, and their kids. It was an enjoyable evening. :-)

Dad and little cousin Lucy looking at the birdie

Uncle Chris and Uncle Chris swapping stories

Aunt and Uncle C from St. Louie (thanks for coming to visit!)

A day on the boat with Grandpa. Relaxing and feeding ducks - oh so fun!

Uncle Tom, Carter, and Aunt Celia. Shadow tickling Carter's toes.

Finally a smile on the boat. How could you not smile on this glorious bluebird day?

Grandma and Grandpa showing Carter the ant toy

Ahhh teen drivers! :-)

This little turkey did amazing on the plane rides! I was a nervous wreck traveling with him by myself!

Summer fun

Jackson, the eldest of my three younger siblings was not pictured. He was busy working and enjoying the summer. Great to see you here and there Jackson! Also not photographed was my sweet cousin Lauren from our burbs visit. How did I not get a picture of her? She was the biggest hit with all the kids. No doubt she'll be an amazing teacher!