Chicago Weekend and Ringing in 2013!

Wes and I thought it was time to take the kids to the big city...

so off we went!

My parents came along too and were a BIG help- plus added to the fun.

We started out at Grand Lux...always a winner

Then it was off to Watertower were we found Woody

and the American Girl doll store

The kids had a ball hanging out in the hotel and even got to watch Sponge Bob...Natalie thinks he is hilarious

Breakfast in bed with cartoons isn't bad either!

Cuties

Wes and I snuck out to Bandera for a quick glass of wine and famous cornbread while we waited for our takeout order (mom held down the fort-the kids were cashed out!!)

Donut cheers to another great morning in the city

The Shedd Aquarium was our most exciting stop

Truly amazing

That would be a cool job...

The kids (and adults) had a ball taking in all the wonders of the sea...we were early enough to beat the crowds and had a great time.  After a few shows and a snack we were back on the road home...a whole 27 hours in Chicago...it was perfect!

We celebrated New Years Eve with a crew of special friends...I am blessed to have all these smiling faces in my life (boys were there too by the way!).

We finished out New Years with a quick trip to the east side of the state where we got to catch up with lots of family including Grandpa and Grandma K and introduce everyone to Oliver. It was a great day and the kids behaved so well!

Happy 2013!