Our Weekend Through Monday

Well-- yesterday was a bit of a doozey as far as Monday's go and I just did NOT get around to catching up about our weekend {which was pretty fabulous as far as weekends go}. So here is a little rewind of our weekend plus a day!

{F R I D A Y}
Friday when Hudson got off the bus it just felt like the weekend was finally here! It has been so awesome to watch Hudson adapt to kindergarten, hear about his day and just watch him grow even more into who he is.

The weather was beautiful so we tossed his school things inside and played in the backyard for a bit. I also took some time in between playing to work on the boys' activity binders for the plane. I made one for Hudson and one for Beau. In them I put some busy bag activities, some color sheets, blank construction paper, stickers, mini post its and some worksheets from workbooks (my boys LOVE workbook pages...no idea why but I won't fight it!)

I thought we could do patterns with the stickers on the mini construction paper. They could draw with their crayons, write words, etc on the other blank paper. The mini post its are different colors to play a game of tic-tac-toe on the drop down trays. Just simple things to keep them busy. Gabe can also draw and use the stickers. He has packed some books, miniature animals and Disney characters to play with too!

My in-laws also gifted each boy with an mini activity book that works with a water pen. Hopefully they will have enough to keep them busy! If not, there is always the last resort of the iPad but I'm hoping that we don't have to use that until maybe the plane ride home! ;)

We grabbed some dinner after playing outside at a Mexican restaurant (our boys LOVE Mexican). We had some family snuggle time before bed and wrapped up our night. 

{S A T U R D A Y}

Saturday was Hudson's last soccer game of the outdoor season. Neither Andrew or I played soccer before so we really had no idea what we were getting into but we have grown to LOVE watching our boys play soccer. This has been Hudson's third season. He has played with the same friends each season and it is the most fun! They have gotten better each year and are learning so many skills, the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork. 

He ended the season on a high note scoring two goals! So proud of his hustle!!

We came home after the game and started working together to get a few things done around the house. Then I began the task of packing five people for Disney! Honestly, packing hasn't ever been too overwhelming for me. I can pull everything out but my problem is trying not to overpack. If it's just me, not a problem. But it's so long and I don't want anyone to need anything! 

We are checking one bag and have two carry on suitcases. The boys have a backpack with their snacks and activities and we have a diaper bag/backpack that we'll use in the parks as well. 

The boys took a nap while I finished laundry up and then the we loaded up to head to my grandma's for a cookout. 

We played soccer with the boys and my nephews, cooked hot dogs and s'mores. It was such a beautiful, cool evening. I love being close to family. 

{S U N D A Y}

I woke up early on Sunday to have some time to myself. I made monkey bread for the family and my own sweet breakfast for me. 

Our sermon was a new series on peace and oh man was it so good!! I am really excited to hear more. The biggest takeaway: "Peace redefined is not a temporary mental state, but a permanent state of reality." 

I stayed during our second service in one of our kids' rooms. I just love seeing them engage in the lessons, worship time and hearing about their weeks. 

After church I met Andrew and the boys who were at my in-laws. We stayed for lunch and played. My boys are seriously blessed with all the people who love them being so close. I went to the store to get a few things for the trip and Andrew took the boys home. When I got home, Hudson and Beau were playing and Gabe was asleep. Andrew said he walked into the house, grabbed his fox (his lovie) and went to his room and got in bed! Ha! 

Little man was TIRED!!

Sunday night is always our night to get ready for the week. So we played with the boys some and had dinner, read and put them to bed. They were pretty worn out from the weekend and we definitely need them rested before our big trip. 

Andrew and I caught up on some work, did a little more prep for the trip and went to bed. 

{M O N D A Y}

Monday was like most Mondays. Our mornings are pretty full. I made the boys breakfast, got them ready and Hudson on the bus. As he gets on the bus, Gabe's SP arrives. We love her dearly and she works with Gabe for about an hour. As she leaves, I get Beau and Gabe loaded up so we can take Beau to preschool. 

This week is Beau's week at preschool to share All About Me. I was carrying Gabe (who was being crabby) and Beau's poster into school and Beau was happy go-lucky as typical just chatting away. We both tried to walk through the door at the same time and I bumped him with my wide arm load. His head hit the door frame. Bless his heart! 

Whenever my kiddos hit their heads I hold them close and just rub the spot that got hit, except this time, I pulled my hand away to look at him and see you're ok and there was blood. Like a LOT. 

Fortunately, lots of other mamas were dropping off and helped me get me what I needed to clean Beau up (who was so calm and sweet) and see what the situation was. Thankfully it was just a small little nick. No need for stitches or anything other than a little TLC. He didn't want to stay the day. He had a good sized bump and seemed a little shaken up (we've never had blood like that before in our house) so he went home to rest up. 

See--crazy Monday!! 

Thankfully today was a calmer and we are all set for our trip!! 

#BrucesDoDisney- 1 Week!

It is finally almost here! When we started planning this trip, it seemed like it would never come but now we are just 7 DAYS AWAY!!!

Next week we are picking up Hudson from school early to make our drive up to Chicago since we have an early {ish} flight the next morning.

THIS week I am in full on planning, final detail mode.

Going through checklists, deciding what to pack where.

I've broken down my pre-trip lists to the following:

> Final shopping trip/last minute items
> Last minute to-do around the house
> Carry-ons
> Luggage
> During flight entertainment/snacks
> Amazon Pantry Order

The boys are so stinking excited! We have never flown with our kids. In fact, I can't even remember the last time Andrew and I flew together for a trip!! I have lots of fun ideas to keep them entertained and fun tips that were shared with me, but honestly, with it being such a short flight and their excitement I am not too worried about them getting antsy!

As excited as I am, my expectations aren't crazy high. Meaning, I know we are going to have so much fun that I am not stressing about any of it. I know that they can't do everything. I know Gabe might not remember a whole lot of it. I know we aren't going to see it all in the brief time we are there. But there is something pretty amazing about knowing we are going to experience something fun and magical all together for the first time.

Be prepared for a few Disney overload posts when we return!

Weekend Love

I love the weekends. Which is funny because now that I work from home, sometimes I don't even know what day it is because I don't work Monday through Friday, but nevertheless, weekends always seem to be filled with lots of extra fun.

Friday night we were all excited for Andrew to get home. He left Thursday morning and had an overnight for work. After having two weeks with him home for the holidays, the transition back to work has been hard on the boys (and ME!) so we were excited to have him home!

I deemed that evening pizza night and whipped up a homemade pizza. Andrew and I are really working hard towards our health and fitness goals so I made most of the pizza with turkey pepperoni and light cheese. On my little area, I also did light cheese but piled up chopped onions, green peppers, broccoli bits and carrot shreds. Andrew and I paired our slice with nice mixed green salad and totally felt satisfied.

The boys had a great week (and we had coupons) so I suggested to Andrew that we make a little trip to Culver's.  I spelled out Culver's just in case Andrew wanted to veto the idea.  Hudson has been on this kick lately of wanting to know everything going on. In true fashion, he didn't let the spelling slide. I told him if he could figure it out, he would know. I respelled the word slowly and by the "v" he guessed Culver's and tagged on ICE CREAM!!!!

Now I'm not sure if that means he is really getting his letter sounds down and putting it all together or if we frequent that joint too much! ;)

After dinner the boys got a bath while I cleaned up and then we trekked out to get some ice cream to go.  Andrew and I did really good here again and got nothing. If you know me, you know there is a deep love in my heart for ice cream so this was a big #NSV.

We wrapped our night with a few rounds of bumper motorcycles (remote control motorcycles the boys got for Christmas) and a chapter of Farmer Boy. Family nights are so much fun!

Saturday was deemed "Guys' Day" since I had my quarterly coach event, Super Saturday. I met up with a couple of local coaches from our team and we drove over. It was one of my favorite live events. I got so many great ideas to better help the clients I work with, ideas to help my team thrive and help more people and a KILLER workout! We were dripping sweat after the thirty minutes were up.

When I got home, Andrew and I pushed play on day 13 of Hammer and Chisel while the boys were napping. It was a doozey!

With all the family time we had been blessed to have lately, I felt like Andrew and I needed some 1:1 time.  It had been almost a month since our last date night.  Fortunately one of our go-to sitters was available!

Andrew and I got to head out to a late (for us) dinner at one of our favorite local places.

Sunday flew by! Church, naps and workout, housework and playing with boys. We did get to cap it off and meet some friends for a quick dinner at a near by Mexican restaurant.

Overall, a pretty low key weekend. Looking forward to this week and all that is in store! New indoor soccer season kicking off, three day weekend for Hudson, babysitting our sweet nephew, and finalizing Hudson's birthday weekend.

Favor: We are planning a fun, family weekend in Chicago for Hudson's birthday coming up. Any must-do suggestions or must-try places to eat?? Remember, family of 5; three kiddos (almost) 5 and under! Thanks in advance!!

Another family weekend

Last weekend was another weekend spent with family, only this time, it was MY side of the family! My brothers' families and I are a bit spread out {not super far, and possibly going to farther} so we don't always ALL get together as much as we would like.  We pass through Springfield on our way back to Decatur for visits and on that drive we always pass a local outdoor water park.  Hudson ALWAYS comments and asks if we are going there.

Well, this past weekend, we did just that.  My parents, both my brothers and their families and our brood met in Springfield to make a full day (and a night) together.

This trip was really nice because, 1)it was only an hour drive and 2)we were just staying one night.  After several long weekends I could pack up this family for one night in about 10 minutes. ;)

We met at the park as soon as it opened and the boys wasted no time getting wet.  And by boys, I mean my my husband and  younger brother.  They (and J's wife Tori) took advantage of the fact that my older brother and his family hadn't arrived and the fact that it wasn't too crowded and went down some "big kid" slides.  Beau and Hudson wondered right over to a children's area and got in!

Not too soon after, Zach, Rachel and their boys arrived.  You may recall here where I talked about how close in age my nephews and boys are. Hudson and Graham are only 4 months apart.  Beau and Emmett are 6 months apart.  Yes, between both sides there are three 3-year olds and three 1(ish) year olds.  {And no, none of it was planned.}

Graham is a boy after Hudson's heart because he too was a fish in the water.  Totally fearless!! They rode slides, swam around, and got completely soaked!! Beau and Emmett loved the water too!!

Outside of the water park are some rides, a putt-putt area, driving range, and picnic area.  My parents brought all the makings of some yummy lunch so we took a break from swimming for lunch.  Four hungry boys never waited so patiently! 

Do Emmett and Beau not look like twins? I can not believe how blonde they both are!! 

Bless their hearts! I hope they are always close and can encourage one another as they get older to be the men God created them to be!! 

Typical. 

After lunch we continued the slides, pools, and waves for about another three hours! Just as everyone was getting tired, it became really cloudy.  Then a huge clap of thunder cleared the pools.  It worked out that we had the whole day there with perfect weather.  It only started to rain after we were loaded in the cars! 

Since it was a bit of a drive (Jay and Tori live in the suburbs up north) we opted to make a whole day and night of it.  We checked into our hotel and everyone cleaned up before heading off to dinner.  Bless my dad (or whoever it was) that called ahead.  Because when I walked in and said 10 and two high chairs the poor hostess' eyes got rather large until she realized we had called ahead.  {Could you imagine two parties that large coming in at the same time?} 

The original plan was to have dinner, change into pjs and head to the drive in once it got dark.  But with the rain we made a Plan B and went to the theater to see a movie instead.  Planes:Fire and Rescue if you must know! ;)

What's a movie without popcorn and peanut M&Ms?

Don't let Beau's face fool you. Dude was out before it was half over.  Emmett held strong though! 

The movie was pretty cute {I am actually not a fan of the Cars/Planes movies but eh..) and both our boys were zonked as we headed back to the hotel.  So tired they slept in until 8 the next morning.  We were in bed by 9:15 people! PTL for hotel black out curtains, amen?!!!

We all had breakfast together the next morning before heading back home! 

{Had to get Papa in one of the shots!}

It was such a fun little visit even though it was short.  I am so so thankful for our family, close cousins, and memories being built! That night my SIL, Rachel, reminded us that the next time we'd be together we'd be a crew of 13! It is amazing to see how God has grown our family.  

Picture overload courtesy of Gammy.  It's much easier to actually capture memories and moments when there are extra adults, one of whom is always toting a camera. ;) 

Branson

I know I said July was full.  We were literally busy every weekend but every weekend was filled with family and fun and I would not have had it any other way.  Especially as it is the last month before becoming a family of 5 and all the busyness that will ensue with that transition as well as Hudson heading off to preschool! What!!!???

A few weeks ago we headed out mid-morning to meet Andrew's family (again) in Branson, MO.  Andrew hadn't been to Branson in years and I have never been.  I know it is famous for it's shows and touristy attractions but other than that didn't have any real idea what to expect.  The drive wasn't too bad.  It took about 6 hours total (maybe a bit less) and that includes a stop and a lunch break.  Our boys were fantastic.  They are really beginning to interact with one another and since Beau is talking more, they seem to share more conversations.  They watched one movie and then were content to take it all in!

Heading out

I shared on my Facebook page but there were so many funny little sayings we heard, I have to share them here too!

Hudson: Look at those horses!!
Beau: Moo!

Hudson: AHHH!
Andrew: what, bud?
H: I need to potty NOW!! {when this kid realizes he needs to go, there really is about a 5 second window. No worries; we made it!}

Hudson: Know what I'm drinking, mom? (We've stopped for lunch)
Me: what, babe?
H: Lemlonlaaaade. (Pauses looking at cup) Do you think this is made out of glass or plastic?

We got there late afternoon so we met up with his family, checked in, let the kids play a bit and then went to Panera for dinner.  We could have eaten anywhere but after being in a car all day I just really wanted a salad and our kids LOVE Panera.  Plus it was like 5 minutes away and I was all about not being in the car again for too long! 

The next day was very relaxed.  My father-in-law and brother-in-law, Aaron, drove down Friday night after Aaron got off work so didn't get in town until the wee morning hours.  We went to the grocery store to get some items for breakfast and lunches that week, and then spent the afternoon by the pool.  Our boys were in heaven! Another weekend to play in the water! Our boys ended up falling asleep late that afternoon since we skipped nap time so we didn't eat dinner until late.  Aaron and Jaci whipped up some Mexican and we us girls mapped out our Sunday plans.  

Sunday we headed over to Branson Landing to do a Duck Boat tour.  They have tours that go various places but our particular tour left from the Landing, took us to College of the Ozarks {did you know that the students there work to pay for their schooling/housing/etc so they leave with 0 student loans??}, around downtown and then out onto the water.  I'm not really all that sure that the kids cared about the tour part {until we got on the water} but the tour included these little duck quacker whistles and they were perfectly content blowing and playing with those! Except Paise--who slept the entire time! :) The other three all took turns driving the boat on the water too and thought that was pretty cool!

We rode some rides while we waited for our tour to start.

Hudson wasn't a fan on the noise

On the tour

That face!

From there we headed to the outlet malls to grab lunch and do some power shopping.  After lunch I swear it was every {wo}man for {her}self because Jaci, Vickie, and I all headed in separate directions on the hunt for what we had in mind! Hudson REALLY needed some fall pants. He is so thin that last year he still wore some of his 24 month/2T pants during the winter months.  It wasn't until right around his birthday that they got short so he had very few pairs of 3T to start the fall.  Beau got a few things and of course, baby G did too! Thank you Carters! 

Sidenote: Andrew was quite impressed {although I don't know why because I tend to shop this way all the time when we have our kiddos} that I found a wardrobe practically for the boys in about 15 minutes.  More impressed was he when I had googled a coupon for said wardrobes before the cashier had completed ringing us up.  $50 off our entire purchase--he was pleased! #noshameinmygame

We passed Beau off to my in-laws as we made our way into the Disney Store.  Our main reason for stopping was that Andrew and I had decided we wanted to get the boys some figurines of their favorite characters as big brother gifts for when G arrives.  Little did we know, Hudson would spot a Planes: Fire and Rescue backpack and be smitten! I mean smitten people!! We had been talking to him about getting a backpack for preschool but this mama isn't a huge fan of character apparel so wasn't really planning to go that route.  But y'all, he put it on, went to a mirror and turned around looking back to admire.  *Melt. My. Heart.*  He would have worn it out the store I am sure.  He was so stinking proud of that purchase! 

Then we ran into one last store, because at this point, it was way past nap time and our kids {all four} were fading fast.  I had passed Aaron once pushing Paisley in a stroller, bogged down with bags himself so I know Jaci was in power shopping mode herself.

Under Armour was calling my name.  I love workout clothes.  Love them! Always have! But before, when I didn't really workout, I couldn't justify the expense.  Now however, I told Andrew I needed new "work" clothes for fall.  He really couldn't deny me that since my uniform pretty much consists of workout clothes and he is probably tired of seeing me in my high school tees I've rocked this summer since pregnancy trumps fashion when playing with toddlers all day! :) 

When we made it back to our room our kids were hot so we decided to take them to the pool to cool down.  Lila, Mimi and Uncle Aaron joined us.  I am not sure who had more fun, the kids or Uncle Aaron and Andrew, but needless to say they all enjoyed themselves! I even rocked my teeny bikini and played with boys while getting some sun.  Heavenly!

We bathed our boys and pulled out the sleeper sofa for them to watch a movie while Andrew and I got ready for dinner.  I don't think Beau made it five minutes into the movie! They were so tired! 

That evening we went out for BBQ and ice cream and walked around some shops.  We all went to bed pretty early since the next day would be an earlier start.

Our boys were still sleeping when we drove to dinner!

Monday, after breakfast, we loaded up and headed to Table Rock Lake.  We had put in to rent a boat for the morning.  The weather was beautiful! Not a cloud in the sky! Not humid but warm enough already to want to be on the water! We brought some tubes and noodles with us and our kids all had their own life jackets.  It was so much fun! I love boating! My family used to boat every summer on our vacations so I have really fond memories.  And Hudson was his true self, jumping right into the water.  It took him a little bit to warm up; jumping into Andrew's arms, jumping off the side with Andrew, jumping off by himself, to eventually Andrew throwing him into the water.  And I don't mean a little toss.  Hudson got launched.  And LOVED it!! He was such a little fish! The water was perfect temperature and so clear.  Beau was a fan too..again..if he was with mama. But he also liked to play on the boat with Lila and the water squirters.  Paisley had fallen asleep, again. {It must have  been the lull of the boats!}

We were on the lake for about 4 hours.  Just as we were coming in to the dock did it start to get really busy.  And HOT! I am so glad we went out that morning and not during the afternoon!  When we got back to the rooms, we made lunch and then bathed the boys. I for sure thought they would pass right out in our bed with a movie on for a long nap.  I mean, they were non stop for the last 6 hours.  So I jumped in the shower and then did a little work and started my next book.  About 20 minutes into reading, both boys came around the corner.  I think the only one who had fallen asleep was Daddy because he came around the corner a few  minutes later looking quite sleepy! Our nieces, and everyone else, were still asleep so we took our  boys on a drive, looking for something to keep us occupied.  It turned out they just needed to get comfy because they both passed out in the car.  

We ordered pizza that night and then about 8 o' clock Andrew and I packed up the van to head home.  We originally were going to leave after breakfast on Tuesday morning but Hudson had preschool open house Tuesday night, our fridge was empty, and this mama was craving her own bed.  So we drove through the night, which I prefer anyway, and got home a little before two.  Andrew already had Tuesday off so we had a late breakfast, got caught up around the house and had a lazy day before Hudson's open house that night.  

It was another really great weekend together.  I couldn't believe how many times I looked at Hudson and Beau and saw how BIG they were getting.  Beau still has such a baby look about him but every now and then I saw it- another big boy. And Hudson's independence blows me away.  It hurts to see how big they are getting but also made me thankful for our time away.  Made me mindful of how intentional Andrew and I need to be in our parenting.  And grateful that soon I would have another newborn to snuggle when I feel like my boys are getting too big on me! ;) 

4th of July

This month has been JAM-PACKED so I am taking some time to rewind and catch up.  I really do hope my boys will look back on this blog and read about our family, their childhood and everything to come.  A virtual scrapbook, one without the glue, stickers, and typical mess that would probably send me over the edge!

The weekend of the 4th we headed up north to join my in-laws, as well as Andrew's brother's family for a weekend at the water park near starved rock.  It was about a three hour trip for us and we only stopped once for a quick bathroom break and snacks.  {I'd say that is pretty good for an 8 month pregnant woman and two toddlers}

We got in around lunch time and picnicked in a park before checking into our suite.  It was really like a condo with a full kitchen, an upper and lower floor, two bathrooms.  It was great because it allowed us all to be in one area so we had lots of family time.  We changed our kiddos {my nieces are stair-stepped with our boys: Lila- two months younger than Hudson and Paisley-about 2 weeks younger than Beau) into their swimsuits and headed towards the water park.

The lodge had this cute little train that picked up people that were staying in the condos versus the lodge attached to the park.  It was hit with our train loving boys.  The water park was also indoors which turned out to be a blessing because it was not typical 4th of July weather.  By the evenings it was chilly out, so I appreciated the water park being indoors and heated. :)

Our boys showed no fear and got right into the water.  I knew Hudson loved the water but oh my he has turned into quite the fish.  No fear! Went under water, didn't want anyone to hold his hand or get to close.  He wanted to swim on his own! Now, the child has never had swimming lessons and I use the term "swim" loosely but he sure was happy in the wave pool chest deep, trying to keep afloat! Beau didn't seem to mind the water either.  He liked to stay close to his mama but that is typical anywhere! Both boys loved the slide they had.  Beau developed a feet first on his belly technique and Hudson tried every which way possible; feet first, on his belly, face first-- he didn't care!

They water park featured slides for older kids too but ours weren't tall enough. There was also a lazy river and play area that featured sprayers and dump buckets.  Our boys played there for a few hours before heading back to our suite for dinner! They were definitely tired by the end of that day!

Saturday morning we got up and around to breakfast and made another trip to the water park.  I seriously think Hudson could have been there open to close.  Beau was ready for a break after a couple of hours. It worked out to be about lunch time so we headed back to feed our boys with the rest of the group who had already returned.  Beau went down for a nap and Hudson went with Andrew and Papa Sam to see Starved Rock. This mama sat in the sun and read the latest Nicholas Sparks book, The Longest Ride.  It was bliss, I tell you, bliss!!

As we prepped dinner, the kids played outside with bubbles, colored, did stickers.  It is so fun to have cousins so close in age! {We actually have it that way on both sides!} Then we headed for ice cream and set up to watch the fire works! I simply love fireworks and love experiencing them with our boys. It was fun to watch Hudson oooh and ahhh over the display of color in the sky! Beau seemed to like them too, except they both covered their ears during the finale! :)

The next morning we packed up the car after breakfast and headed home.  It was such a quick but fun little weekend away.  I am always grateful for time that we can be with our extended family; time that we can build memories and invest in our boys.  I know that these years will pass so quickly so I am completely ok with jamming in lots of fun even though it can be exhausting!

I was so bad about taking photos on this trip but we were in the water so much that I didn't want to mess with my camera or phone.  I just wanted to soak in the moments with my boys.  I did take a few...

Terrible lighting but the boys and I made Mix and Match Mama's Red, White and Blue Rice Krispie treats to take to share here

Near the lodge was an amusement park area. Super blurry but Hudson and Beau rode the slide (Beau with daddy)

Getting some ice cream 

Weekend Away

Last weekend our family packed up on Friday morning to trek north for a family weekend.  My brother, Jay and his wife, Tori, life in the suburbs and we had yet to make a visit.  My mom had wanted to get everyone together for a birthday celebration and what better way then a little mini-trip.
**You may think us making a 5 hour drive for a birthday celebration is excessive but we were celebrating 5 (YES, FIVE) birthdays!! All in March; 4 right in a row.

Andrew took the day off and packed up to leave mid-morning.  We were actually ahead of schedule until about 15 minutes into our trek I asked Andrew if he had Beau's deer when he put him in the car. Andrew did not.  So we did what any sane parents would do? We turned around right quick to get that thing! Beau and his deer are inseparable.  Who really wants to possibly wreck a weekend because you forget the lovie??! Not I!!

Ode to the deer:

So once that crisis was averted, we were back on the road.  We made one pit stop for lunch and one pit stop about 5 minutes from our destination for a quick potty emergency.  Hud slept wonderfully.  Beau  must have known it was a party weekend because that stinker napped for a brief 40 minutes on our 5 our trek.  All things considered, drive up was really a success.  

We went to the hotel to meet my older brother, Zach, and his family, along with my mom.  My dad was unfortunately out of town.  I know feel like we should have made a Flat Stanley version of him to at least pose in pictures.  

Jay and Tori both had to work Friday (grown-ups) so we had a swim break at the hotel.  The dads took the bullet and braved the uber-strong chlorine pool with the three big boys.  Emmett hung with the ladies.  All the boys LOVED it.  Not one was afraid.  Graham and Hudson played on the steps leading into the pool since that is where they could touch.  Hudson would frequently go too far and complete go under and "swim" I guess. Which of course would send me, my mom, and Rachel into a panic but the dads always got him and he was always smiling when he came up.  *Sheesh*

After swimming, we headed to Jay and Tori's apartment.  It has a spare room and an extra bathroom so we bunking with them.  We got the littles showered as we waited for pizza to arrive and had a mini picnic on the living room floor.  Uncle Jay joined us later.  He has a little commute.  Then we settled in for Frozen and birthday cake.  The boys did really well given the long day and slept like champs.

Glad we didn't leave that deer at home ;)

The next morning we ate in at the apartment before heading out.  Zach, Rachel and the boys headed out before us to pick up a few things for Emmett and we had time to kill before heading to Lego Land so of course, to Cabela's we went.

Next we were off to Lego Land.  It was neat to see but just a tad bit over our boys heads. They do large blocks but not so much legos and it was PACKED!! We stayed for about an hour maybe and then decided to grab lunch and try Shedds downtown.

We got to Shedds and the line was a bit obscene.  It was around 1:00 and they said it was an hour wait just to get to the door to get tickets.  Ummm..no.  So we went ahead and walked our little booties right over to the field museum.  To be honest, I love the aquarium but I also love a good museum.  And I hadn't been to the field museum in forever. I also know Hudson's personality so knew he would love it too.  Bonus--it was so late in the day that we got in for FREE!! Free is my favorite price. ;)

The boys were in awe of the giant elephants and Sue on the main level.  And of course, all the animals we saw were a HUGE hit.  Hudson would clap as we left different exhibits he was so pleased.  And Beau was just happy to look at everything.  

After a few hours here, we were headed to dinner. Unfortunately Emmett had developed a cough that had gotten worse.  With being downtown on a Saturday, their family decided to opt out of driving back to the suburbs for dinner and just head home. :(

The rest of us headed to Bahama Breeze.  It was so yummy.  I wish I was one of those people that remembered to take a picture of yummy food but I am not that on top of things especially when starving.  I ordered fish tacos.  Lots of burgers , pasta, and fish were consumed.  Delicious!

By the time we got back to the apartment it was baths and time to wind down.  Our boys slept well again, PTL. Especially since we had our long journey home.

It was such a fun weekend.  I love that are boys are getting older and starting to enjoy and really take in the different outings we go on.  It was so much fun!! 

I can't wait for our next outing--and we have several planned this summer!! :)

Xoxo-Bekah