My sister, Karen, and her family (husband - Brad and three kids - Danaka, Jeremy and Travis) all came to visit us from Canada. They came Sunday, Oct 11th and stayed until Saturday Oct. 17th. We had so much fun together! It was a full schedule and I think the kids only got to bed 1 night sorta kinda on time. Here are some of our highlights:
(with the exception of the Children's museum - I will post this later since I forgot my camera and had to use a disposable camera that day).
A group photo at the Museum of Science and Industry in front of the train. We went to Chicago for the day on Monday and got free admission! It was one of their free days they offer to the public. Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Regular price was Adults - $23.00 and Kids - $16.00. I was really pumped that I found this free activity -- that is except for the $20.00 each for both vans for parking. Chicago -- Ughhhhhh!!!!!!
Eric started something when he lifted one of the kids to see the model of downtown Chicago. It was really cool!
We tried to have a group shot here but we only got some of our bunch.
Looking at the Am Track train driving around the Chicago model. It was kinda ironic since the Chernenko rode the train from Shelby, Montanna to Chicago -- 27 hours long!!!! but alot cheaper than going by plane.
Autumn admires a baby chick. We got to see one baby chick hatch from it's egg and then try to walk around right after it was born. It was really cool and one of my very favorite things we saw that day.
The kids dancing around and seeing their thermal images on the screen. It was entertainning!
Another try at a group photo! Oh well -- 7-8 kids and 1/4 adults isn't too bad!
We left the museum when the kids were dying of starvation. We had packed a lunch and decided to have a tailgate party right in the parking garage. The lunch was awesome and the kids were ready for the next adventure. I mentioned to Karen that our Mom would be proud of us. I'm sure it's something we did as kids! Cement makes the best picnic table!
We drove down by Soilder Field so Uncle Brad could take a picture of the stadium where the Chicago Bears play. He didn't get to see them in action but he seemed happy enough to at least document he was in the area! Eric and I circled with the kids while Uncle Brad and Aunt Karen ran up the stairs, took several pictures, and ran down the staris. We didn't want to pay $40.00 parking for a few pictures. The traffic police only almost yelled at us once!!!
Here we are in China town! The kids were intrigued by the roasted ducks we saw for sale in the window (neck, head, eyeball and all)!
London tries a green bean/pea we bought at one of the shops in China town. Karen said she had tried these before and bought some for us to try. Since London eats Tic Tacs by the ton I thought she might like them too! Eric said she didn't even eat it -- just gave the bean/pea a few licks. It must be really hot!!! I wasn't brave enough! We also bought some dried pinneapple and mango slices at the shop but it was quite a trick since no one spoke English. I mean NOT AT ALL! Through sign -language and reading some English labels we got our point across and didn't know how much we were spending! The Chinese ladies loved it when the kids said Hi to them in Chinese. I think it was their highlight of the day too! We bought some awesome tasting rice candies there too and you could eat the paper with the candy. The kids loved that!!
Eric took a picture of the great view of the Sears (Willis) tower from inside China town.
Uncle Brad jumps with his boys on our trampoline! The kids loved it! Too bad it rained almost every day the week they were here.
On Tuesday Eric, Noah, Uncle Brad and Jeremy went to the Chicago Bulls game!! They had so much fun!!! This was one of the boys and mens highlights of the entire trip. Especially because Eric got such a great deal! Four tickets to the game priced at $85 each (and got by Eric for $35 each), a $25 parking pass for free, a night out with the Dad's ... priceless!! Check out StubHub for other great deals!
Back from the game with t-shirts for the boys to remember the great time. This will be a great memory for them. Noah is already trying to hit Eric up for another trip to see the Bulls around his birthday in January.
Of course a stop at the candy factory was on our list. I love this place and of course all the kids do too!!!!!
We went bowling one night. It was kind of crazy with eight kids 10 and under but fun all the same!
Uncle Brad gets us all set up to bowl.
Aunt Karen and Travis take a turn on the trampoline!
Brooklyn and Danaka playing with their stuffed animals and kitchen.
Is Travis jealous of Aunt Karen reading London a book?
Noah talks Jeremy through a game of SPORE on the computer. Jeremy and Danaka both loved this game!
London loved getting to know her Uncle Brad!!!
A rare moment of love between Travis and London. They were oil and water, fire and ice, ... you get the idea!
All in all it was a great week! The kids had so much fun! There was some serious tears, wailing and gnashing of teeth when the moment of separation came!!!!! Can't wait until we see you again -- 2012 or bust!!
