Adventuring in Chicago

It was one of the coldest days there, but we really wanted to take Kyle out on the L for as much train riding as possible. We bundled up as best as we could and met up with Ryan and Randy along the way. 

Of course, Kyle loved every second of it!

Walking along Michigan Avenue, we stopped to check out all the Macy's windows.

We stopped to watch the bucket players and Kyle got in on the action, too.

We warmed up with some coffee under a rail line just so Kyle could watch all the colored lines go by.

Though it was bitterly cold, I think this was a huge hit.

Millenium Park with its new development of both an adult and kid's park was a favorite.

Martin boys...

This slide was no joke. It spits you out super fast!

All too soon it was time to go. Thanks, GG and Randy and Ryan for making this day super fun.

Sibling time in Chicago

Ru had a lot of fun hanging out with his brothers and we enjoyed getting to hang out with his sister and Ben. We got to see their chickens (they've grown so much since last June!) and see their baby nursery. Soo sweet. We are still on pins and needles waiting for news of our nephew's arrival. :)

Rachel and Rudy (They look so much alike here in this picture!)

We thoroughly enjoyed one of Ben's amazing culinary creations. Seriously though, he's a great chef. :)

All too quickly we were hopping on a bus to take us to our friend's house for the evening. We learned there, that they are expecting, too! So fun to have new babies to visit next time. :)

Anniversary Getaway in Chicago!

Ru and I celebrated 11 years of marriage. We so appreciate the chance we get each year that we are in Chicago to get away and spend a night in my favorite city. It was awesome!

We didn't make it in time before they started tearing down this little village, but the tree and the Chicago Picasso (scultpture) were worth the visit.

We walked through the beautiful, chilly night to have dinner and stopped to take this picture. I love the river that winds its way through the city. 

We stayed at the beautiful and swanky Hard Rock Hotel. This was the view we enjoyed from our room.

After sleeping in for a blissfully long time, we did something I've always wanted to do and walked along the river out to the lake. It was so nice. I love how clean the city is and how much architecture and variety there is to look at. I also love how alive it is and the convenient public transportation system.

While we were out enjoying our time, Kyle and Gavin had a great time with GG and the family.

 Uncle Randy

 Uncle Ryan

The boys had fun playing with cousin Donovan and cousin Aito.

 

A fun time was had by all! ;)

Christmas in Chicago

Well, it wasn't white, but it was cold! We loved the change in weather and the excitement of being with Rudy's family. We had already celebrated Christmas twice before, and since we had flown in after midnight and were distracted by the fact that we were in Chicago and at GG's house, I think I forgot to mention that the following morning would be the actual Christmas. That, along with the time change and all, made for a unique Christmas morning. After a little while the boys finally realized that GG's tree was decorated with gifts for them!

Gavie took to this helicopter and a truck he could put together with his drill.

Both boys loved playing their guitars and singing together. 

Gavie had a lot of fun helping GG make muffins. He kept mentioning it even as we were leaving. Sweetheart.

After a little while, Uncle Ben and Auntie Ray came over for a late breakfast. I just loved seeing Rachel so beautifully pregnant! The quality of the picture is poor, but the subject is breathtaking and I couldn't resist posting it...she's due any day now and we are so excited to welcome this little nephew/cousin into the world!

In between lots of noise and happenings with all the family, I caught Gavie looking so angelic in his own little world. He's such a precious little bug.

Later in the afternoon we went over to Aunt Donna's house for a big family Christmas party. This family is a lot of fun. ;) Kyle hammed it up with Uncle Ryan...

...caught Uncle Randy and Great-Grandma Sally by surprise...

... and snapped a pic with his Auntie Ray.

Back at the house the following morning, the boys enjoyed playing with a plethora of amazing toys. "Break the Ice" was a hit.

Also fun, was this little slot machine.

Gavin was well-entertained. :)

Later that night, Aunt Donna and Cousin Donovan came over and the boys had an ultimate pillow fight. There were many squeals and giggles. I love this picture because Kyle is all in, and Gavin is just in total delight over this new game.

Donovan graciously let the little guys gang up and win. :) Martin brothers unite!

Thanks to Donna and Gina, we enjoyed watching the boys roller skate for the first time ever! They were so adorable and Donovan is a great, older cousin to them.

Gavin totally has the same physical sense of humor like his daddy. He just loved falling and I snapped this picture of his adorable face just after falling for the umpteenth time. :)

With GG

A fun Christmas for sure!