Big City Fun!

Emme came to visit this week, and we've been on the move! On Friday, when Jay was working, we took the 4 big kids to the Shedd Aquarium! So much fun! We saw the "Fantasea" show, looked, touched and loved all the exhibits we could! Cooper kept up with the big kids, and we actually went sans diaper bag and stroller (who would have thought that was possible?)

Then, on Saturday, we headed back downtown to the Lincoln Park Zoo! This time with Finley and Dad with us! It was BEAUTIFUL and warm and not crowded at all! We checked out all the animals, and then headed to the Rainforest Cafe for lunch. It's a bit of a tourist destination, but the kids loved it!

Halloween Night!

We had a great time on Halloween! We had some friends over, I made a nice dinner, and then off to trick or treat in the cold! The kids rode in a trailer that was all decked out with hay and blankets. The guys took the bigger kids, and the ladies stayed back with the babies (we each had one under 1, so it worked out!) Jason of course had his hands full because managing 4 kids under 5, and having to carry some was a bit nutty!

They made it to our friends the Wagner's house first, where the decor is really cool and spooky. Our kids love the giant mummy and all the spooky stuff, they aren't the scared babies that they used to be (although don't get me started on Carter and watching Marley & Me, that's the kind of stuff that's upsetting to him, poor guy!)

We capped off the evening diving into the goody bags (thankfully our friend Becky had some non-candy related items) and each had 3 pieces of candy before everyone practically put themselves to bed.

It was a long, cold, but very fun night!!! It's so nice that they really get the whole "Halloween" thing now, it's so much fun to see them having such a great time, it's almost (minus all the work and clean up) like being a kid again!!

Halloween Fun...

Getting geared up for Halloween fun....the kids did the pumpkins. Great idea for little ones, foam stickers, rather than the carving. Carter and sissies will carve some on Saturday, but these were great for an after school project.

Annabelle came down with a bug today, so cross your fingers she's better by Friday for her class party. I am taking the photos for the class, and came up with 3 crafts for the party. Saturday some friends are coming by with their "Ranger" and we are doing a hayride/trick or treating thing around the neighborhood (let's hope we are all well!!!)

Sweet Finley....

Such a peaceful little thing....:)

Fall!

Things are really still very busy around here! Carter and I went on his first field trip of the year. We went to the Memorial Opera house and the museum here in town. The kids were so cute, asking the funniest questions and looking at all the exhibits. Carter was very excited to have me there, and wants to know when I will be back, so cute. I will be back, in fact, I'll be VERY busy volunteering at the school twice a month for each child (with the exception of Cooper, they don't do parents in toddler for obvious reasons!) I also have the pleasure of working the Halloween party for the girls and being the unofficial photographer for events at the school! So, the kids are all very excited to see me at the school, and are getting used to seeing me coming and going (which can sort of be confusing for Cooper, but the big kids seem to handle it just fine!!!)

We also made our annual trek to the pumpkin patch, which is always a treat...ya just never know with the weather around here though what you are going to get! Last year, the same weekend it was 92, yesterday it was in the 40's and muddy! The kids didn't care though and we took the hayride out to the field and came home with 6 nice pumpkins. Finley managed to stay quiet and warm with one of the grandmothers who kept and eye on her, of course she didn't make a peep! We then headed to Bar Louie, aka one of "Daddy's Restaurants" for some great food and fun with friends. The kids are so independent now, it's actually not a big deal anymore to take them out (granted we are in our own restaurant where the staff are bending over backwards for them) It's still WAY better than it used to be going just about everywhere, Finley is so good, you hardly know she's there! Cooper is completely 100% potty trained, even to the point you really don't have to ask her anymore, which is nice.

Here are some pics!!!

Potties, Popcorn Fest, Papa, and more!

Well, it's been quite a bit of time since my last post! Things have been busy as always around here! School is in full swing! Kindergarten is going pretty well for Carter, things are a TON harder than last year, and he is adjusting. The twins love school as always, and are having a blast. Cooper is enjoying being one of the older kids in the toddler class, and has been learning a ton. She still is sooooo chatty and keeps us all laughing, she really is a funny little 2 year old!

Speaking of Cooper, she is POTTY TRAINED! It's been a whirlwind month, but she's managed to do it! She still has an accident on occasion, but does really well at school and hasn't worn a diaper in about 3 weeks!!!

Papa came to visit for Popcorn Fest as he does every year! We did the parade with the kids and hung out with Papa for the weekend. The kids are officially on the birthday party circuit and seem to have at least 1 every weekend!

Jason and I managed to slip away for the weekend last week, it was great spending some time alone in Chicago. We took in some great restaurants, shopped, had some spa treatments, stayed in our favorite hotel, and enjoyed some overall R & R!

Little Miss Finley is simply the SWEETEST baby on the planet! She is sleeping from 7 to 7 on most nights and rarely cries. She eats, sleeps, coos and smiles at all of us. She LOVES being entertained by the "gang" and watches their every move!

First Day of School!

The 4 big kids started school yesterday! What a great moment (mostly for me, ha ha!!!)

Carter officially started kindergarten, he's attending the same school as they've all been going to, a Montessori program. He has 16 students in his class, and he loves it already.

The twins love their new "extended" class, and are had a great time being one of the "older" girls in their classes. Cooper of course came home telling me all about her day in the toddler program. When I asked her if she got to play with the toys there, her answer was, "Mommy, I don't like those toys, those are BABY toys there!" I thought oh goodness, she really does think she is 4!!!


Here are some updated pictures of Miss Finley! What a doll, she's still sleeping like a champ, she goes to bed around 8:30 or 9 and sleeps until 6:00!! Gotta love that! She's also growing like a weed, she's going to be another "rolly polly" Evans kid!!!!