Vacation Post #20....Chicago

We arrived in the outskirts of Chicago on the evening of July 7th. After a restful night we took off the next morning for the drive into Chicago. We could've taken the train in but by the time we figured out the cost of 5 tickets plus the time navigating the system we just decided it was easier to drive in and park in the garage at Navy Pier. There are a lot of things to do in Chicago (all of which cost money) so we decided to purchase some Go Chicago Passes which gave us admission to many sites. First we rode the ferris wheel at Navy Pier...definitely not a favorite of Matt's!
The view.
Madison acts as if she's too grown up for pictures.

Mommy and the boys. Notice the "raindrops" on the outside of the cart...it was a little misty but mainly just really, really humid (and hot)....I had straightened my hair that morning but it was quickly wavy and curly!

Then the lighthouse ride....just like a frog hopper....even Daddy joined in on the fun.

We spent a good amount of time at the Children's Discovery Museum....a place where kids can just play and pretend....had we known just how much fun our kids would have there we probably wouldn't have gotten the Go Chicago passes and just spent all day there!

Here Madison pretends to work at the pizza shop.

And Carson working in the building area.

And Jason putting the tools to work.

There was also a large water play area that the kids loved.

Next stop....a sailboat ride. I enjoyed this same ride a couple of years ago when I went to the True Woman conference in Chicago with my sister and 4 others from Wyoming.

The view of the city from the water.

A family shot while onboard....it was a memory made but a very warm one....there really wasn't a hint of wind even while on the water.

The boys were happy to do some steering.

After our sailboat ride we hailed a taxi and went to the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). What an experience to go up so many stories and see the city from that height.

They also have some skywalks along one side of the building which allow you to stand on very thick glass and see the city below your feet. A little scary.

Now outside looking up at those skywalks from the ground.

Once back at Navy Pier we had time for some rides on the carousel.

At some point in our sightseeing I captured this picture....How would you like to park at this parking garage?

By evening time we were tuckered out so we headed back to the suburbs to our hotel to get some rest.

Then the next morning we packed up the car and drove back into the city. This time we parked at the Chicago Bears stadium and had a short walk to the aquarium.

We saw all sorts of animals...here are a few penguins.

And fish.

After a somewhat disappointing dolphin show we had lunch at the aquarium and then hailed a taxi back to Navy Pier for a few more quick activities. The kids once again enjoyed the carousel.

Then we thoroughly enjoyed a ride on a boat through the city on the Chicago River looking at all the interesting buildings and getting to know a little Chicago history.

This man was the guide and he literally talked the entire hour and wasn't looking at notes or anything as we toured the city. He was amazing!

Once on land we all received some paper hats to remember our trip by. Carson was very pleased with the look.

And from there we were back on the road again....Originally we were going to stop at my mom's for a day or so but since we had just been there at the beginning of June (my grandfather's funeral) and we had just seen them on our trip we decided to stay on the interstate and just get as far as we could. We drove and drove until Matt couldn't drive any further and we stayed in Sandusky, Ohio for a quick sleep....then back in the car the next morning arriving at Maryland on the afternoon of the 10th which allowed us time to unload and unpack and go to our church the following morning.

Wow, what a trip.....amazing memories made together as a family!

Vacation Post #19....Eastbound through Sioux Falls to Chicago

Before we knew it, it was July 6th and time for us to be heading back East. We spent the morning cleaning up the lodge and packing all of our belongings and saying our goodbyes! Jodi and her family took off in one direction while our family as well as mom and dad began the journey eastward. We had a quick stop at Wall Drug and then continued until we arrived at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We arrived at our hotel early in the afternoon with time to go and find a playground to play at. We hit the jackpot with this playground as it had about 4 or 5 different play areas with a huge pavilion in the middle.

The kids enjoyed the time out of the car to play on all of the equipment, despite the very hot temperatures.

One of the very unique pieces of equipment.

Matt proceeded to the top of this giant web while the kids looked on.

We then spent a little time at a mall that was close by before heading back to our hotel and then to dinner at Outback before we went to bed.

On the 7th we left after breakfast and continued heading east (and a bit south). We had planned on staying in Madison, Wisconsin but we were making such great time that we went ahead and proceeded to Chicago (another 2 hours or so). With some quick hotel changes we were able to check into another nice Comfort Suites in the outskirts of Chicago that we would then stay 2 nights in.

Vacation Post #18....Mt. Rushmore and Keystone

After attending church on July 4th we packed a picnic lunch and headed up to the Mount Rushmore. Unfortuneately the day was gray and dreary with rain. We ate our lunch in the parking garage and ventured out for a look at the monument, but decided we would come back the next day in hope of a brighter day.

Here is a picture of the "wet" monument.
And the next day, a much drier, brighter view.

Of course, you can't visit without taking some family pictures in front of the monument.

From there we headed down the mountain into Keystone, a very touristy town. The chairlift and alpine slide looked fine so we decided to give it a whirl.

Madison and Grammy riding the chairlift up behind us.

Once we got to the top we enjoyed the view for a few moments before getting in line to head down the slide.

Matt and Carson went first (this picture captured by Jodi at the bottom)....I'm sure that Matt applied the brakes very little and went as fast as possible.

Next came Jason and I (again Jodi captured these pictures)....we applied the brakes just a little bit more.

And then Grammy and Madison...they took the slower pace as evidenced by the older lady coming up on their rear....Madison is sure she got robbed and didn't nearly have a ride like Carson...I think she's right.

After a little sightseeing through the town we stopped for a quick ice cream break.

Vacation Post #17....Family Pictures

Whenever we all get together (which is like every 2 years!) it's imperative that we try to get a family picture....as we add more children this is getting harder and harder. I really can't improve on my sister's post regarding family pictures, so click the links below to enter our world of family pictures.

http://hubertfamily7.blogspot.com/2010/07/hubert-peoples-pier-family-vacation_7669.html

http://hubertfamily7.blogspot.com/2010/07/hubert-peoples-pier-family-vacation_3373.html

http://hubertfamily7.blogspot.com/2010/07/hubert-peoples-pier-family-vacation_05.html

Vacation Post #16....Old MacDonald Farm

Another fun activity that we got involved in on two separate occasions was Old MacDonald Farm. The kids loved being able to interact with all the animals. We also enjoyed seeing a pig race. We were having such a good time, I failed at capturing many pictures but here are a few.

Carson enjoys getting up close and personal with the calves.
Jason spends some time with the sheep.

The baby goats were adorable. Madison loved getting down at their level.

Carson also enjoyed being able to hold a baby chick.

Vacation Post #15...Bear Country USA and Storybook Island

On our first full day in Rapid City, our family decided to head to Bear Country, USA. Basically you drive through a variety of areas to see different wild animals. At first we were skeptical as we weren't seeing much and we were stuck in a lot of traffic, but finally we arrived in the area to see the bears. They were incredible.

One just sleeps through all the excitment.
And one decides to come out of his cave and let us get a good look.

These were literally blocking the road....you had to creep up on them slowly to get them to get out of the way.

On the passenger side....

Later we headed to Storybook Island...a free event with lots of characters and scenes from famous stories. We were having such a blast I failed to get many pictures.

Here all the kids join the Wizard of Oz characters.

And the littles enjoyed a little train ride through the park.

Later upon arriving back to the lodge Jason was asleep in the car. I carried him in the house totally expecting him to fully involve himself in all activities. He didn't. About 3 feet inside the door he laid back down and went back to sleep...something he's never done before.

Vacation Post #14...Rapid City, South Dakota

On July 2nd, we left Casper and drove about 5 hours to Rapid City, South Dakota to stay in a beautiful lodge that is part of a campground, Lake Park Campground. I can highly recommend this lodge to anyone who is going to Rapid City with a large group. There were 14 of us (6 adults, 8 children) and it was completely accomodating at a very reasonable price! We didn't even use the pull out couches in the two living areas. There were 3 full bathrooms, 2 living rooms, 2 complete kitchens, 4 bedrooms, and a sitting area. The outside had 2 large picnic tables, lots of deck space to hang out on, a brand new grill, and lots of grassy areas to run and play in. Just spectacular!
The main level living room.

The main level kitchen.

The main level dining room.

One of the bedrooms.

Another bedroom.

The upper level kitchen and eating area.

And yes, the above pictures were taken by my mom before any children set foot in the place...but honestly, the place didn't look that bad even after we were there 4 nights!

Even though we filled the days with much activity we spent a considerable amount of time just hanging out at the lodge.

Madison pretty much took over Timothy's bike and had the time of her life.

I think this must of been a game of duck, duck, goose, but I can't be sure!

A game of ladder ball was fun for all.

Carson enjoyed pushing this bike more than riding it.

We ended up eating all of our dinners outside at the picnic tables which made clean up a whole lot easier...plus we couldn't all fit around the dining room table. Somehow I managed to be at the little kid's table most of the evenings.

Madison and Jodi seem to be the only ones aware that mom was taking pictures.

In the evenings after the littles were in bed, we tried to enjoy some board games. Blockus became a new favorite of mine.

And our last night we enjoyed Quirkle...another great group game....I need to get this one.