Nebraska!

As we set out on our first family vacation, we decided to stop off first in Nebraska and then continue on our way to Chicago. My dad is originally from Nebraska and still has tons of family currently living there. Although our visit was short, it definitely was sweet. We enjoyed ourselves and our fun-filled 24 hours in Nebraska! Lo on his very first plane ride!


Papa and Lo. My cousin Rachel got Lo his first Nebraska Cornhuskers hat! Go Huskers!

My dad's family, from left to right: Aunt Debbie (my dad's sister), Aunt Iona (my dad's mom's sister), Lo, Dad, and Cousin Gail

After our fun-filled evening, we decided to meet my Aunt and Uncle for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel before our flight out to Chicago. Pictured here are all the boys: Uncle Jeff, Josh, Lo, Dad and his brother, Uncle Dave.

The ladies and Lo relaxing outside the restaurant after our delicious breakfast! My mom, Aunt Lisa, Lo and I, and Aunt Debbie.

Outside of the Cracker Barrel are tons of rocking chairs and this huge game of Checkers. My dad and Uncle Jeff had a blast playing each other in Checkers!

Here's Josh, enjoying the rocking chairs! Poor guy never takes any time off, so here he is sitting back and relaxing.

Chicago - Day 1!

We decided to visit Chicago because Josh's dad, Brian, lives there. He lives in St. Charles (a suburb of Illinois) in a beautiful home. We flew in late in the afternoon and Brian picked us up at the airport. We then drove to the house, had dinner, and went to bed. We were exhausted and had big plans for our trip. We were determined to see all the sights we wanted to see and do all the things we wanted to do with Logan. We are so blessed that he was such a cooperative traveler! We had such an amazing time touring the city, visiting with family, and eating way too much delicious food! Thank you so much, Brian and Nena, for letting us stay in your home, taking us into the city each day, and being our tour guides. We honestly had such a wonderful time and can't wait to visit you again soon.

Our first train ride on the Metra into the city!

Architectural River Tour

We barely made this tour in time. The train was delayed for almost an hour, so once we got off, we jumped in a cab and rushed to our destination. Luckily for us, the tour guides were kind enough to wait for us and we were the last ones to load on the boat. This tour was awesome! The weather was fantastic and the views of Chicago's architecture were spectacular!

Pizzeria Uno

We were getting hungry and knew we wanted some deep dish pizza, so we headed out to find some. While in route to another pizza place, Brian happened to spot Pizzeria Uno. We walked in, smelt the delicious food, felt the warmth of the heat lamps, and were sold on Pizzeria Uno. We lucked out because it actually is one of the first pizza places to create the traditional Chicago-style deep dish pizza.

Lo fell asleep when we got to the restaurant, so we were able to order some beers and pizza and enjoy our grown-up time together. We're pictured here with Brian, his wife, Nena, and her sons, Dillon and Tyler. We had a blast!

Of course we had to order a traditional Chicago-style deep dish pizza, so we got the Numero Uno pizza. It was prepared with sausage, pepperoni, onions, peppers, mushrooms, chunky tomato sauce, and topped with mozzarella and grated Romano cheeses.

Enjoying our fabulous pizza! It was the BEST!

John Hancock Center

After our fabulous lunch, we decided to walk over to the Hancock and visit the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor for Happy Hour. The lounge is absolutely beautiful because it has a 360 degree view of the city.

Willis "Sears" Tower

After having our Happy Hour drink, we walked over to the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower). The Willis Tower is the third tallest building in the world, measuring 1,353 feet. We visited the Skydeck on the 103rd floor to take in all of the city's sights.

Our favorite part was the Ledge, which is a glass balcony extending four feet outside the 103rd floor. It was very scary to sit on the Ledge and look down to see how far up we were.

Chicago - Day 2!

Xoco Restaurant

Before I left for Chicago, Ang told me about a restaurant in Chicago named Xoco. She said it was a Rick Bayless (chef-restaurateur of authentic Mexican cuisine) establishment. This place was absolutely amazing! The flavors and scents coming from this food were wonderful! When we walked into the tiny restaurant, it was completely packed and there was a huge line of people waiting to be seated. It definitely was THE place to be! Since the wait for a table was ridiculous and because we needed to truly experience the essence of "street food", we ordered our meal to go and stood outside the restaurant to eat it. Josh and I both ordered tortas (Mexican sandwiches). I got the Cubana (smoked Maple Creek pork loin and bacon, black beans, avocado, artisan Jack, and chipotle mustard)...AMAZING! Josh got the Ahogada (golden pork carnitas, black beans, tomato broth, spicy arbol chile sauce, and pickled onions). And, of course, we had to order dessert--churros with dark chocolate dipping sauce! I realize I've just written an entire paragraph about our meal and you're probably hungry after reading this, but seriously, it was that amazing!

Standing outside the restaurant and enjoying every bite of my meal!

Our churros with chocolate sauce, chips, guacamole and salsa

Navy Pier

After eating our amazing meal, we decided we should take a long, windy walk to Navy Pier. Navy Pier is located off of Lake Michigan and offers lots of rides, games, food and entertainment. We had fun walking around and taking in the sights. My favorite part was getting some of Chicago's famous Garrett Popcorn. This popcorn is a Chicago tradition that is handmade fresh daily. It smells and tastes amazing! Since we were in Chicago, I had to order the Chicago-style popcorn, which was carmel corn mixed with cheese popcorn--delicious!

Chicago - Day 3!

Lincoln Park Zoo

On our last day in Chicago we decided to head into the city one last time and visit the Lincoln Park Zoo. This zoo was awesome but it was especially amazing because it was FREE! Josh, Papa, Lo and I had a blast walking around the zoo and looking at all the different animals. Lo didn't really understand the concept, but we did manage to get a couple pictures of his expressions when he saw certain animals. Lo riding the carousel for his first time! He absolutely loved it! He was all smiles from the time it began to the time it ended.

Look at that smile!

Here's Josh taking a picture of Lo's expression as he sees chimpanzees for the first time.

At one point it seemed like Lo was more interested in anything other than the animals, but then we walked by the flamingos and his attention was immediately drawn toward the pink birds. It was hilarious to watch him sit there with his mouth wide-open!

We had such a great time at the zoo!

Sullivan's Steakhouse

After our busy day at the zoo, we celebrated our last night in town by going to a fantastic dinner at Sullivan's Steakhouse. Papa treated us all to a fabulous dinner, and our lil' man was very well-behaved during his first dining experience in a classy joint!

Our little family all dressed up for our fancy dinner!

Lo and I had matching peacoats, it was too cute!

Papa, Daddy and Lo

Happy Easter!

Easter with the Family

Each year for Easter my mom usually hosts a brunch at her house; however, this year we decided to have a Mexican-themed Easter dinner. With carne asada, enchiladas, BBQ corn, and much, much more, it was absolutely delicious! Since my parents were planning to fly out of town on Easter weekend, we celebrated our family Easter the weekend before. We had a great time eating and visiting with family. Lo and his Tia
This was too cute! Lovie, who is very uncertain about Logan, decided to walk up to him and smell him out while Logan tried to kiss her.

Cool gifts from the Easter Bunny!

My Dad's garden is absolutely spectacular, so we took advantage of the opportunity to take some photos in his Spring-filled backyard while all the beautiful flowers are in bloom.

Mimi and Logan

Lo collecting the gifts that the Easter Bunny left for him.

Stroller Strides' Easter Celebration

Logan and Lillie sharing their Easter goodies

Jillian and Logan hangin' together

Easter with the Bridgfords

Since my parents were out of town and Ang and Mike were generous enough to extend an invitation to us, we spent Easter with the Bridgford family. We had so much fun celebrating with them! The food was delicious, and of course, Ang did another spectacular job at hosting a fabulous party! Thanks so much guys for allowing us to spend this special holiday with you and your family.

Lo and his buddy, Uncle Mike.

Lillie loves to pat Logan's head; it is hilarious!

I just love this picture!

Auntie Ang got Logan this adorable hat and some cute shoes, too!

Joelle's Shower

My best friend, Joelle, is pregnant with her first. She is having a girl and has chosen the most beautiful name, Kalea! Joelle's mom hosted a baby shower at her house and I was so happy to be there. I've shared so many memories throughout my life with Jo, and motherhood is just one more to look forward to! Tia and Lo

Okay, these two are just too adorable for words! Honestly, they love each other.

Here we are, the three amigas! Lo and I, Jo with Kalea in her belly, and Ang with Lillie. I'm so blessed to have these ladies in my life and to watch their beautiful children grow.