Growth Chart

{Just in case you were wondering, no, McKay is not nearly 5 feet tall. The board actually hangs on the wall a couple of feet above the ground.}

Right before McKay turned 2, I decided to make a growth chart for him. I figured I might as well have one I can take with me, rather than the traditional write-on-the-wall method. With a piece of wood, a little paint, fabric and some modge podge, I think it turned out pretty well.

Chicago...The End.

(Come explore Chicago with us...Last Part)

McKay and I adventured down to Navy Pier one day.

We found a giant Macaroni.

You know you love it.

I took McKay on the ginourmous ferris wheel. ....He didn't love it. 

And pretty much cried the entire ride.

The view of the city sure was amazing though.

After the traumatic ferris wheel ride, we continued on to the Children's Museum.

This place, he loved.

We stayed and played for hours.

Heading back into the city, we stopped at the Hershey's Factory.

Michigan Ave, also known as 'The Magnificent Mile' is a girls dream. Three huge malls and a gazillion shops in between line up and down both sides of the street. We did lots of window shopping and lots of walking down this street. I loved that everything we did was within walking distance.

In fact, the only time we weren't walking, was the one time we took the Subway. McKay, not so much a big fan of the Subway system. He made it pretty clear.  

But the destination was well worth it. The infamous Wrigley Field for a Cubs game.

Yep, well worth it. Boys and baseball, so natural.

...even when you're 2.

It was a pretty great game. The cubs made a come-back after being down seven, winning the game!

On our last day, we had one more spot to hit, The Willis (Sears) Tower.

They have 'The Skyledge', which allows you to actually walk out over the city. McKay decided to fly over instead.

And color in the Chicago Skyline...literally.

We sure did wear ourselves out, which is the way to travel! It was a great little get-away. I'm glad I got to finally tag along with Jeff while he was away traveling, hard at work. And we even crammed in lots of play time together, too.

Chicago

(Come explore Chicago with us, Part 2)

We visited Millennium Park a few different days. It seems there is always something going on, whether it's a free concert or a free show.

{Where's Waldo, I mean, Jeff..You can find him in the bean reflection if you click on the above picture...} (I know, I'm a nerd. So what?)

We saw the giant, reflective 'Cloud Gate' sculpture, aka 'The Bean'.

McKay high-fiving himself.

And also the 'Crown Fountains', which each stand 55 feet tall.

Summer and kids go hand in hand here. Despite the look on his face, McKay had a hay-day getting drenched under the pouring water.

We also saw some crazy incidents while in Chicago....

A car trying to jump the Michigan Ave. bridge...

A massive pile up...

Three guys parachuting off the Trump Hotel...

Not to mention, an explosion! (which I didn't have time to snap a photo of). Ok, ok, I guess I forgot to mention that it was for the Transformers 3 movie...but still, pretty fun to see nevertheless. :)

The Chicago River intertwines throughout the city, which was really cool.

We went on an Architectural River Boat Tour, since Chicago is famous for their skyline and beautifully diverse architecture. I'd say a 'Must Do' if you ever visit.

It was so relaxing after walking around the city from morning to night each day. I think McKay would agree, he slept pretty much all the way through it. ...hmmm, maybe that's why it was so relaxing... :)

McKay officially turned 2 while we were there. 

So, of course, we went for pizza, his favorite. Pizzeria Uno is a famous hot spot. I can see why. 

This shot is for Grandma. She loves the movie 'Chicago'. This one's for you Grandma!

(..to be continued...again...I know, just one more, I promise.)

One, TWO!

Our friends from Brazil, Lyoto, Fabiola, and Taiyo, were in town. Since our boys are only 4 days apart, we decided to have a little combined celebration together. 

The two birthday boys, so cute together.

My little man is all of a sudden TWO years old! I'm not sure how it happened so fast, but it did. And now I would like to freeze time. please. right now. forever. I am enjoying this little guy more than ever before. Let me tell you about my big, little two-year-old. He is the BEST cuddler. Always cuddling 'maw-eee' (mommy). Giving kisses & loves. So sweet, always wanting to please. He loves to play. all day. every minute. There is not one second wasted where this kid is sitting still. Constantly moving, jumping, running, even helping maw-eee clean, you name it! So much fun. And smart as a whip-it. We've been working on letters for the past couple of months. He knows them all. From A-Z, you point to it, he can name it! I am constantly amazed by all of the new words and phrases that come out of this little guys mouth. Constantly giggling, making faces & making maw-eee and daddy laugh. We sure do love this ridiculously adorable two year old! Happy Birthday my sweet boy!

July 4th

lil guy. what a little goof...

...& then, the fireworks began. very loud fireworks...

...and lil guy got a little nervous...

so, mommy took lil guy out to the hall. where we danced to some good ol oldies music...

...daddy joined us. & we decided to sneak up to higher grounds for a little peak of the fairgrounds. good times.