Our week in Ohio part 1

After driving in the worst traffic we've ever seen & paying about $50 on toll roads (SO lame) we finally got to Avon, Ohio. We were so happy to get to Joe & Sue's beautiful home. 

Kai got right to business with the BB gun.

Kali and Sue played some pool

Kora got cozy on the couch

 

Kali took photos of butterflies

playdough time

hikes in the woods behind Joe & Sue's house

look at their beautiful garden! We had their green beans for dinner one night....yum!

Kali actually got to use her rainboots

we did lots of swimming

 

and lots of eating

every time I try to do Yoga this is what happens

 

shucking corn with my little helper

catching fireflies

 

visiting family

Aunt June's house is soooo pretty!

hanging with Mary Kay and helping out with wedding preparations

 

more BB guns

Kora licking her plate clean, yum!

Uncle Joe set the tent up for us out back

Koko was going crazy! She was hilarious in the tent.

Chicago

 

Kali and I got out of the car in Chicago (after a VERY LONG car ride because of the awful traffic) and we immediately LOVED the city. It's beautiful, ornate buildings, greenery, flowers all over and just a city full of life!  Our hotel was the Congress Plaza and it was built in the 1800's and said to be haunted. The kids were really excited to find ghosts. The check in took a while because Lalapalooza was happening the next day so the city was busy!

 Getting ready to go out and explore

 We were right across the street from Grant Park which is beautiful!

 Having fun in this giant frame

 See our hotel?? It was a great location & I got a great deal on Groupon :)

 

 a view of the city from the park

 SOOO many museums but so little time :(

 exploring the park, fountains,  gardens & sculptures

 Kora loved jumping and climbing around the room.

 talking on the phone to Yaya

 that night we played some pranks on Kali and Grandma Kathi (they shared a room down the hall) so they thought there was a ghost...ha!

The next morning Kai and I got up early and went exploring. We found the Chicago Public library (Kali really wanted to see it) so we went back to the room and woke everyone up with breakfast. Then we all walked to the library.

 It was beautiful and SOOO ornate. Reminded me of being in Europe. The attention to detail was beautiful. Plus, I LOVE seeing books. And, this was 8 stories of them.

 the top floor is a winter garden

 Kali was in heaven

 Then we saw the Ballet Theater and Kali was really REALLY excited!

 Time to check out with our little helper (we pay her in lollipops)

 On our way out we saw the Cub's baseball stadium. Goodbye Chicago! You might have the worst traffic I've EVER seen but oh how we loved you!