Dill's Baby Shower

Part of the reason I headed to Chicago was to help my mom host a baby shower for Dillan and her sweet baby girl, Quinn.  In order for most of the sister's to be there (at Dillan's request), the shower took place after Quinn was born. It was different and we couldn't play a lot of the normal shower games (oh darn!), but it was still a fun party!

I got to see a lot of my extended family including my cousin (who was the maid of honor at my wedding) and her cute baby Lana.  She is only 6 months old, but she and Bode enjoyed being held by their mom's while we talked and caught up.  It had been a long time!

The boys who were banished from the party until all the women left!  Pictured though is my Grandpa, my dad and then 3 of his grandsons.  So we skipped a generation, but that should be about 4 generations.

Baby Quinn chilling with Daddy in the other room during the party.

There was a lot of talking and a lot of presents.

And a lot of sugar.  But that was the theme for this "sweet" little one!

I think everyone had a great time and I know Dillan will be able to dress that sweet baby really well during her first year of life!

Lake trip to WI (in the middle of the Chicago trip)

My Grandparents own a cabin in Wisconsin and I spent a lot of time there as a kid.  Until I got married, I don't think there was a summer that I didn't go up there at least once.  I haven't been able to go much since moving away, but we made it this time.  It was Harrison's second time and the girls first.  I love it up there and I think they all love it too!

There is sand.

Water.

Toys.

Boats.

This girl loved the boat.  We couldn't get her off it most days!  I think this picture captures her face and feelings well!

Fish.

Tubing.

Ninja stick fighting.

Cousins.

Car trips to the cheese factory, which had the best cheese curds I have ever had in my life.  Man I love some squeaky cheese.

We had such an awesome 3 days.  There is no phone and you get no service and it is a great place to unwind and relax.  Deana said it was a good trial run for Africa...no technology, minimal electricity and one very small bathroom (and everyone smelling like lake water!).  We also ate a lot of ice cream and s'mores (but I guess I didn't take any pictures of that)!  It was just a fun time with the cousins and spending Deana's last few days up there.  Great times!

Chicago Trip in July

We headed to Chicago at the beginning of July to see my family.  With Deana leaving for Africa and Dillan having a baby, we figured we should head up and see family.  So we flew up as a family.  I was nervous to fly with 3 kids, but with Jeff there it went really well.  Everyone fell asleep on the night flight except this little cutie!  I took this right after we landed!

Dillan had her baby just after our plane landed.  Maybe we brought on the pressure, but either way, it was a late night getting in and an early morning getting to the hospital to see the new baby (who they still would not tell us her name until we got there!)

My kids loved their new cousin!

And they loved seeing family.  Raegan with my brother Dave.

Bode didn't like being reminded that she was no longer the baby.  Or, she was really over tired because instead of getting her down for her morning nap, I wanted to go see my new niece...

Isn't she precious.  Baby Quinn Hailey was born July 3rd and we love her to pieces.

Then that night I was able to visit one of my oldest friends at her parents house while she was in town with her kids.  5 kids between the 2 of us...what happened to the little girls we were playing mom with our dolls?

So, after settling in, we were able to have some fun and enjoy the 4th of July holiday.

Each having their first 4th of July celebration.

And what would a family get together be without a picture of all of us in matching dresses?  I mean, matching outfits!  It only took 20+ years, but we managed to just wear matching shirts.  And we got some good pictures.  Plus, it wasn't winter so everyone wasn't freezing so that helped.  We were only missing Diana who is on a mission, so she got a matching shirt and has been photo shopped in (although I didn't include that version here!)

Then on the 5th we had baby Quinn blessed at my parents house before family all started heading back out again.

Jeff left after the weekend and so did Dave and Tiff, Tom and Justus and Devin.  We still managed to have a great time and enjoyed playing with family and hanging out.

I saw another cousin and her little boy who came to visit.

Harrison enjoyed some late nights with his cousins and sleeping with the boys!

I made it to the temple with my parents and Deana.  Thank you to Della for watching my kids even though it was a little crazy!

My kids loved being outside.  The grass is so much better then TX grass, the pool and the trampoline were also fun.  And the weather could not have been better.  Maybe is wasn't hot pool weather, but it was great.  I don't think we had a day over 85!  That is my kind of visit!!!

Enjoying Grandpa's tractor.

The view is always better from the outside.

I visited more friends.  These are all the kids between myself and 2 great friends from high school.

And here we are joining the crew!

Harrison loved his motorcycle time.  We finally felt he was old enough to go out with Grandpa on a real ride, so he went on quite a few.  Every time he came back, he said it was the best thing he has ever done!  That's my boy...nothing like the freedom of a motorcycle ride!

Looking for berries, but it is way to early in the season!

2 little Cubs fans!

More pool time.

And even clean up is fun when you get to take a bubble bath in the jetted tub.

Drake celebrated his 19th birthday while we were there too!  Happy birthday little bro!  Enjoy your last year as a teen!

And who doesn't love a few very cute girls in matching pink tutus.

Just before we left, we got a few shots of my parents and the kids.  Of course, not a single one had everyone looking, but we tried!

Then the plane ride home...I was dreading this the whole time, but was hoping for the best.  Luckily, my mom got a companion pass so I didn't have to say goodbye to her at security, but she went through with me and helped me all the way to the plane with the kids.  Good thing too, everyone had to go potty and get drinks and run around and I don't know how I could have done it all myself and kept calm.
Then I got even better news, the plane was only about 1/3 full.  I can't remember the last time I wasn't on a full flight so this was a relief.  We were able to get on and spread out.  And spread out we did.  Harrison really wanted a window, but car seats have to go by the window, so he sat opposite us.  It was perfect and even though it was a 7-10 pm flight and none of my children fell asleep, everyone stayed happy!

Some selfie action.

We had an awesome trip, made some awesome memories and came home needing a vacation from our vacation.  We slept it off for a few days and are so glad for the time we spent with friends and family.  Love y'all!