Lots of fun!

When August ended we have had some fun trips planned and now we are taking those trips and checking them off. First up...Michigan to visit Jeff and Holli. The drive was supposed to be just under 5 hours. We left around 3 and thought we'd get there in time to play games and get the kids settled. Umm...no that did not happen!! We got stuck in major traffic from Joliet, Illinois (about 2 hours from our house) till the Michigan border. Folks, that was about 50 miles total. It took us from 3 pm till 12am to get to Michigan. It was insane. Rain storm, traffic, a stop to eat at the only possible location, kids having to go to the bathroom, me wanting to jump ship. It was soooo long. The kids did awesome, though. I think I was the weakest link for sure. So when we finally get to Michigan, Lola decides she is going to cry from 1am till 3 am. Needless to say, it was a long day and night. And now for some pictures:

Lake Michigan was so picturesque and a perfect place to spend Labor Day weekend.

 People were jumping off this high pier and Chloe wanted to try and just went for it with gusto.

 Then the others joined in.

 Then Brad said I should do it...and I finally did with some coaxing. I've been sky diving but would rather drink poison then jump off a high place into water. But i did it. I thought it would make Chloe and Brad proud.

 We had a flood at our house one day while I was at playgroup. The fridge had a leak and man it left some damage. And Brad and I just thankfully say, "so glad we aren't home owners."

 This sweet lady turned 18 months.

 Next up Chicago. Brad was presenting a poster at a conference so we tagged along.
Our hotel was right near Lakeshore drive and Navy Pier. This picture was taken at the zoo. We've been to chicago several times and never been to the free zoo. It was awesome.

 A view from our expensive hotel (thank you Peoria IM)

 A look at the "bean" from a distance.

 Up close. (look at their arms. I heart sister love)

 I think this shot turned out cool.

 We've always wanted to do the Ferris Wheel, and here we did it.

 View from up top.

 We spent a lazy afternoon at the beach.

 Miss Belle takes after Chloe and her love of the water.

 We decided on Gino's East this time. It sure take a long time to cook those deep dish pizza. We let the kids take some of their own pictures.

 We left our "mark" forever at Gino's East. tell us if you ever see this.

 And this guy asked a couple of times "is this okay momma?"

The fall has been great so far. Miss Blue has had several days off for heat schedule so have I cherished that extra time with the little first grader. Why is the school day so dang long?? I love having all of them close. Ez is loving preschool. and I will post more about the 1st grade field trip next.
Love you all.

EZ preschool

EZ started preschool this year. He was so excited to go and be a big boy in school.

That morning for breakfast he said, "I wish I was a bird." And when I asked why he told me, "so I could eat worms!" He is just a creative, happy, easy going little dude. We are so excited for him to be in school. He even told me he wants to "do homework".

 His teacher is so nice. Her name is Ms. Stephanie. She told me he main focus in preschool is to just love the kids. Yes, please. I think that is pretty much what preschool should be and some other fun stuff and learning on the side.

 Such a big boy.

 Practicing his first day of school face.

 His best friend is in the same preschool but in a different class. So they get to play around every day before and after.

Has it already been 18 month??

Sometime between February 2012 and now, Lola was turning 18 months. Where did the time go?? She is THE HAPPIEST little girl. She is full of sunshine and smiles (unless she's not and then she sure can scream)  I'm not sure if it's a personality thing or a third child thing, but this girl is totally content just chillin' on her own. She walks around and gathers things in purses or her arms. 

I love when I pick her up she will fold herself over and she's like this little ball. She is just so perfect and petite.

And with that face she gets away with anything. For example:

 Still loves her "blay-bee". Today, i bought her some soft sleeper jammies and she carried those around, too. So, it's safe to say she loves all things soft.

 Loves her dad. She shrieks when drives up and honks that he is home.

 Total sass. She has this look...I love it.

 Best sisters.

 She got her squeekers shoes. She still twirls her wrists all day and has the most adorable, purposeful walk.

 Are you kidding me? Look at that face.

 And...this little lady loves purses, dress ups, hats, glasses, and shoes, shoes, shoes!

We took her to nursery on Sunday. It was the beginning of the end for momma and daddy Chambers!

iowa and nauvoo

I decided to have an adventure this summer and drive to visit a friend in Iowa. It was a 51/2 hour drive. I was pretty nervous but then I did it and now I've done it and I'm like, "bring it on driving!" The kids were awesome. we listened to books on tape and music and that's it. I'm always so proud when we can do it without dvd. I guess I just feel like that's how I traveled as a kid and I want that to be the same for them. Or maybe, I just forgot the dvd's and I'm so glad they made it without!

 Look at those skies. Seriously, Iowa is very beautiful

 Our kids played so well together. My friend (one of the longest friends i've had...since 4th grade) was 37 weeks prego and we just hung out and talked and let the kids play. It was perfect!

 The day we got home from Iowa we had some of our good med school friends come to Nauvoo with us. We had fun at our house on Friday and then headed to Nauvoo on Saturday. We stayed late and went to the pageant. Again, it was perfect!

 Chloe and Luke were buddies when they were newborns to 2 1/2 and it seemed like they had known each other forever as 6 year olds. So fun.

 Me and Danika (in the red) bustin our move in the sack race.