Road trippin

In June, Ben was traveling to Houston for work, so we decided it was perfect timing for us to take a road trip.  I loaded up the kids and we headed down to Lafayette, IN to visit my friend Angie, and from there down to Chicago to visit Jen.  My kids really are great travelers so I can’t complain.  We had a great trip!  It kept us busy, and we got home just in time for Ben to arrive the next morning. 



On the way down.. we were stuck in a traffic jam for a while on I-65.  It didn’t turn out to be too bad.  The only downside of the trip was that I made the mistake of picking up a big coke before we left and I had to go to the bathroom most of the way!  We actually had to stop at a rest stop in Indiana, Jen talked to the kids on the phone.. while I ran inside to go to the bathroom.  In my defense, I wouldn’t have made it if I had unbuckled all 3 of them.   Then,( if you can believe) this not a half an hour later… I had to go AGAIN.. we were lost in Lafayette.. and so I had to make an emergency stop at a library to go to the bathroom.  Seriously!  Am I getting old or what?



Sadly, this is the only real picture I got while at Angie’s house.  I know, horrible.. but I just wasn’t thinking about my camera while I was there.  We had a great visit, and I’m so glad I was able to see her new house and spend time with her and her kids! They are all getting too big by the way!!!  I’d like to say, I won Aleah over while I was there by reading to her, which I was happy to do.



The next morning, we headed on over to Chicago to visit with Aunt Jen, Uncle Chad & Kids…  We arrived to find them playing outside.. so we joined right in.  Look at these two.. so cute.



Oh my word.  I can hardly handle it.  This picture cracks me up.  Clearly, our family doesn’t have the tall gene.



Would you look at this adorable girl?  Such a poser!!  Love her.



Gavin is super into pirates.. they have a great playscape complete with a pirate flag!



Zach going the easy way up.



While in Chicago, we hit up the Brookfield Zoo!  The kids loved it and I did too!



First stop.. camels!



Cutie girls..



The gang.. Check out the giraffes in the background.



One of Taylor’s favorite parts.. the polar bear.  We were bummed we couldn’t see him swim underwater, but this was still pretty cool.



One of my favs.. I believe this was as we were heading in to see the penguins, and we were scolding about a minute after for taking this picture.



Penguins!!  As you can see Lauren was ready to jump right in!



Hey Lo, what are you doing?



Climbing up here, come on!

Mine.. NO MINE!

Let’s hug it out….




Let’s go see some Monkeys!



Check out these monkeys!  Amazing exhibit.



Gorillas!

Seriously, how incredible.

A little tiger action!


Such a fun day!  Thanks Aunt Jen!



Totally ready for a nap.  Time to hit the road. We had a great time with great friends!  Everyone was so sad to leave, and we can’t wait to go back!  Love you all!