PART 2 of 22 Days of Cross-country craziness

Days 5-8: CHICAGO!!!

After we spent some time in KY, we headed north to Chicago for a work conference for Richard. Oh, how I love this city. This is the third time I have been there with him for work, and I love it every time. (Though I am not sure I would love it so much in the winter!)

We stayed in a beautiful hotel along the river, and the weather was perfect for walking around the city. We walked everywhere. I took the kids to free kids events and dance performances at a nearby park, we picnicked, and spent a lot of time at nearby Navy Pier. Of course we had to ride the roller coaster there and go to the Children's Museum, and stay for the fireworks. SO MUCH FUN!


The highlight for Savannah, though, was a date with Mom to the American Girl Place. Wow! So amazing. She loved every minute, and it was joyful to just watch her face. We took a taxi there and everything. Great memories. Her favorite parts were the high chair at the restaurant for her doll and the doll hair salon. Who knew such a thing existed?!!




Interesting, on one of our last days in Chicago, I glanced out our hotel window and noticed that they were raising the drawbridge at Columbus Drive. We decided to run out and watch. We got outside and they were dumping hundreds of rubber duckies into the river out of a dump truck! We found out it was a fundraiser - people "buy" rubber duckies and if theirs is a winner of the duck derby they can win prizes. Too funny. We were hanging out later along the water and an officer on a police boat threw an escaped ducky to Trevor as a souvenir. He was pretty excited. My kids loved this very unplanned part of our Chicago experience:)

Where to start . . .

It has been AWHILE. Hope you are all doing well. Wait, is anyone reading this blog anymore? Or have you all given up on me!?

Sorry for the 2+ month absence. I have so much to catch up on. Immediately following my last post, we embarked on what I like to refer to as "22 Days of Cross-Country Craziness."

I think I have finally recovered and established a school routine with my kids, so that I am now able to record (albeit briefly) the events of our extensive summer vacation.

Days 1-4: Kentucky for Goldy family reunion

We rented a car, loaded it with 22 days of gear for both driving and flying across the country, and drove to KY. When we arrived, we pulled into the local Applebees parking lot for dinner, and a red VW Bug pulled into the parking spot next to us. MUCH to my surprise, my Dad was in the drivers seat. I did a triple take, and finally believed it when I saw my Mom in the passenger seat. We hadn't planned on seeing them until we got to UT a week later. If it was a surprise to see them there, it was a shock to see my Dad driving a bug. Don't worry, he won't live it down. His brothers are relentless. And my kids thought it was pretty funny, too. We enjoyed a few days of southern food, Ale 8s, and great company. One of my goals on this long trip was to get pictures of my kids with each set of great grandparents. The first is included here.

Okay, I am tired. This is going to have to be published in installments. I know, you are probably as relieved as I am:).

One year old!!!

I am in denial, but Rachel turned one on the 18th!!! Trev helped me with this, and we couldn't decide what to post, so there is a lot here. We took her to the beach, and we all watched Gma L swim laps in the bay, and then later we enjoyed strawberry shortcake. The videos are probably boring for most, but she just cracks us up. Oh, and Savannah gave her a gift complete with tiara on top, which she says is now Rachel's tiara. What a fun baby girl and what JOY she has brought to our lives this past year . . . we love you, baby Rachel!!

Cowgirl

My mom and grandma have been requesting these pics. A few weeks ago I took the kids shopping. They each had some money of their own, and Savannah HAD HAD HAD to have this hat!!!! It is hard to see in the pics, but there is a silver tiara attached to the hat. Ye haw:)

Friday night football

The day after Trev's baptism/b-day, we celebrated a bit more with breakfast in bed and a football birthday party!!!



I'm pretty sure that all the boys (including Ashkii) had a great time!!!

Trevor's Baptism

Trevor turned EIGHT last Thursday, and was baptized on his birthday. It was a very special evening for a very special kid.

He was so excited to receive his own set of scriptures in his favorite color with his name imprinted on the front, and he has been carrying them about everywhere since. I hope his excitement and desire to read the scriptures continues throughout his life.

We were blessed to have Grandma Linton here for this memorable weekend (more posts of the weekend to follow). She was very helpful!

Trev arranged the program, asked members of our ward and family to play the piano, lead the music, offer the prayers, and give talks. And Savannah volunteered to sing. Here is the video of her practicing.

Whoa here she comes . . .

About six weeks ago, I went downstairs to get some pj's for Rachel. When I came upstairs, I found Savannah excitedly mentoring her little sis. Life has not been the same since:)

She is lots faster now, and has started getting into drawers and cabinets. It is hard to even be frustrated by that when she smiles her big smile at me. Just this week, she began pulling up to standing using her crib rail and our piano bench. Uh oh . . .