Water Park Fun

It was a hot day so we headed to the water park! It's a small forest preserve park, but there was no where else better we to spend the day. Honestly, anywhere with these two is always fun! 

Round We Go!

After zoo camp today we went into the zoo to hang out before lunch. We took a ride on the carousel and at first Evy was not sure it was a good idea, but the hesitation

did not last long. 

(Where are we going?)

(Oh this is fun!)

(We are still moving, is this ok?) 

(Charlie loves a good ride!) 

(This is fun!) 

(Awesome!) 

Navy Pier

While Matt was golfing I took the kids to Navy Pier with Nana and Pops. We spent the morning at the museum and then grabbed lunch before we tried a few rides and headed home. It was a hot day, but the kids had a blast! 

(These two can save me any day!) 

(Cutest kids ever!) 

(Row, row, row your boat) 

Baby Evy

Evy wanted to be a baby so she crawled into her babies bed and helped herself to a bottle! She's so cute! 

For the love of dogs...

This girl is going to be upset when she realizes we will never own a dog because her brother is allergic and her dad is not a fan of any breed.

Road tripping

We had no idea what to expect on our first family road trip. Our kids rarely sleep in the car, so we prepared the car with games, crayons, snacks, and movies. In the end, we were very impressed. Charlie only fell asleep once (not to shabby) and Evy took a nap in the car on almost every leg of the trip. There is a chance that one of our children may actually sleep in the car, which would be life changing! 

(The only time both of the kids slept on the way to Cincinnati) 

(Charlie enjoying his movie) 

(Evy at borderline melt down phase) 

(Moments Later) 

                           

(The cutest kids every -- as we neared Chicago on our way home) 

                             

(6 hours in the car and they still love each other!) 

Last Stop - Louisville, Kentucky

We finally made it to Louisville, our last stop on our family road trip. As soon as we checked into the hotel we went out to explore the City and visit the Louisville Slugger Museum. There is not a lot to see in the City of Louisville, but the downtown area is filled with beautiful historic buildings and sidewalk art. The kids enjoyed the Louisville Slugger Factory Tour. Charlie was very interested in seeing how they made all of the bats and we even got to see a few of the shipments that were heading out for the All Star game. After the museum we headed out for dinner and then went off to bed because we were heading home in the morning. When we woke up on our last day it was raining, but we knew we couldn't leave Louisville without a quick visit to Churchill Downs. I say quick, because the kids were in various meltdown stages the entire time we were there. It was fast, but worth the stop before heading home. 

                                    

(Charlie and one of the any sculptures)

(Riding along the streets of Louisville)

(Evy and Daddy enjoying time with Ken Griffith Jr.)

(Daddy and his idol growing up) 

(Evy getting in on the action with Babe Ruth) 

(The kids after the Louisville Slugger Factory Tour) 

(Churchill Downs!) 

(Charlie in the Churchill Downs Museum with American Pharaoh)

(Evy testing her jockeying skills)

(Charlie ready to race)

(The future Derby Jockey) 

(Evy with her tongue out ready to race)

(The Twin Spires) 

(This lovely picture was taken by a stranger Evy befriended. She wouldn't listen to her mom, but she would listen to this nice lady)

Dollywood Splash Country Water Park

It was a hot day in Tennessee so we decided to take the kids to Dollywood. Despite what you would imagine when you here the words "Dollywood" it was a fun water park. There were two kid areas and tons of water slides. Charlie loved every ride, but his favorite feature of the park was the giant bucket of water that spilled over every five minutes. Evy loved the pool, especially the kids water slide. She has absolutely no fear of the water, just like her brother. After lunch the little kids went back for naps and  the mom's stayed with the big kids. We arrived at the park around 10 am and left with Emma and Charlie at 6:15, so we we were all exhausted, but we had a great day. 

(The only picture from Dollywood)

The Great Smokey Mountains!

On July 4th we made it to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The kids were amazing in the car and all of us were eager to explore the mountains and the towns surrounding our cabin. 

On our first full day, we drove into Gatlinburg where we took a tram to the top of the mountain. At the top there were games, rides, and even an ice skating rink. Apparently, we were not quite high enough so we jumped on a ski lift which took us further up the mountain to our final destination -- a sled that you could  ride back down! I was not a fan of the ski lift, but the ride back down was great. After our mountain excursion the little kids needed a nap, so the dad's took the big kids out for a mountain hike. Charlie loved every minute of it, especially when they spotted two snakes! 

                                

(Emma and Charlie on the trail) 

                               

(Best Buddies)

 

(Charlie made it to the end of the trail and the waterfall)

(Charlie and Daddy hiking) 

We stayed in a cabin in the middle of the Smokey Mountains National Park. We were surrounded by nature and a friendly bear that attacked our garbage. As much as I love the comforts of home, this view is beautiful and from our back deck! 

We did not spend much time in Pigeon Forge, which is more like Wisconsin Dells. We did spend some time in Gatlinburg, which is more low-key. We had a couple meals and the kids got to miniature golf -- they played 36 holes!

(Evy loved spending time with Emma) 

(The kids coloring together at dinner)

(Davy Crockett Miniature Golf)

(This crazy girl!) 

(It was a hot day on the course!) 

(Evy found another friend) 

Before we left Tennessee and headed to Kentucky I wanted to visit the "Largest Christmas Store in the South" because I like to get an ornament from our vacation destinations. I had my doubts, but this is the largest Christmas store I have ever been in. Room after room was filled with Christmas decorations and outside we found Rudolph and popcorn. The kids were happy as we made our way out of Tennessee.

(Charlie, Evy and Rudolph)

We had a great time in Tennessee. The kids loved being in the mountains and rafting down a river. Charlie loved hiking in the mountains and everyone enjoyed the fresh air! Our vacation was filled with friends, family and nature. Who can ask for more? Another great family adventure!

First Stop - Cincinnati

We hit the road at 6:00 am this morning and headed towards Tennessee. Our first stop was in Layfette, Indiana where we met up with the Martin's and sat down for breakfast. After breakfast we drove for a little over two hours before stopping in London, Kentucky. We couldn't find Big Ben, but we did find La Gondolier an Italian restaurant where we enjoyed a quick lunch before making our way into Cincinnati. Cincinnati is about half way between Chicago and Gatlinburg and since we had never been to Ohio we made it our first stop. We arrived around 3 pm and the kids were able to get a couple hours of pool time before we ventured out for dinner. The mustache was the highlight of Cincinnati (in fairness we only walked around for about 15 minutes), but the kids were big fans! After dinner and more mustache time we headed back to the hotel to get some much needed sleep before we headed further south in the morning. 

(He finds peace regardless of where he is!) 

(Will and Evy actually getting along...it wouldn't last long) 

(Brother and sister bonding time) 

(Photo Bombed)

(The beginning of chaos)