In Chicago

Phew, I'm well over a month behind on my blog posts, but I am going to make a valiant attempt to catch up here over the next few days.  Way back at the beginning of March, we went to visit my friend Kelley and her family.  She and her guy have two children: Kate, who is 3 months older than Sierra, and Mason, who is 3 months older than Kaia.  Funny how that worked out.  Anyway, the kiddos had a great time together during our short trip, especially the big girls.

I'm so glad we were able to spend a little time at Kelley's place.  Her parents and mine still live in Galena, so in the past, we crossed paths over the Christmas holidays, but we've missed each other the past few years.  The last time we were able to spend any time together was before Mason and Kaia were born.  In fact, I think it was before either of us was pregnant with our second.  Way too long!!

Unfortunately, I had a big FAIL on getting any photos of Kelley and I together, so you'll just have to be satisfied with some of our darling children!

We got there in the evening and made dinner together, then the kiddos got ready for bed and had some time to ride the giant tiger before settling in for the night.  

The next day, our family went to the aquarium while Kate was in school and when we got back, the kiddos had a drawing party.  Kaia is showing Mason her mad crayon skills!

Kate and Sierra decided they would race up and down the hallway.  They actually did a really great job sharing; taking turns with the tricycle and the scooter.   

Four kids in the bed!!  In case you were wonder, four children is a lot.  It's pretty much constant chaos.  

Despite the chaos, there is some occasional down time.  Sierra and Kate enjoyed reading books together while Kaia and Mason took up their previous game of riding vehicles up and down the hallway.  

She's pretty cool. 

But watch out for that attitude!  That's a lot of sass for such a small person!

It's tough to ride a tricycles while carrying two "babies" and who says pink scooters aren't for boys, too!

Kate and Sierra read some more books, this time in Kate's closet, which is a perfect little hideout.

Three in the bed and the little one said ... These kiddos were watching a movie.  I can't remember what it was anymore, but Sierra doesn't really watch feature-length films.  Can you tell by the look on her face that she was a little bored?  She didn't last much beyond this photo.  

We had a good time.  I hope the next time we meet will be a lot sooner than 3 years from now!