Ziplining!

This was one of the kids highlights of our vacation! I love the look of pride and accomplishment on C's face in the first picture! Of course Lil' A was the child who wanted to do and the other 2 decided to do it a little more reluctantly (both probably not wanting to miss out on what their little sister was going to attempt!) C still talks about it and as usual, that kid can surprise me...I honestly didn't think he'd do it once he got up there, but sure enough...he did and wants to do it again someday!:) Maybe D & I will have to take him to Costa Rica for the real thing!:)

More Holland, MI

My aunt, uncle, and cousins were great hosts during our stop at their home in Holland. C bonded especially w/ my cousin Betsy's fiance!:) We very much enjoyed our time w/ them and it was a special treat to see my cousins ALL GROWN UP!:)

Holland, MI

Shedd Aquarium

Chi-Town skyline

I have such a special spot in my heart for Chicago. When I nannied there for a summer, my BFF and I took the train down to the city as much as we could. I once thought I would live there, but...the job offer came from KC and boy, am I glad it did! It was fun for us to take the kids to experience the Windy City!!

Dinner!

I love this picture - A doing what she does so well, just making us smile! Love that girl, she's had a good few days of kindergarten.

Pre-Boat Tour

Killing time before our 90 minute, oops, it was actually 3+ hours(!!!) boat tour of the Chicago River & lake. C and A fell asleep at the end, so D & I carried them through downtown Chicago back to our hotel and Macy missed the Navy Pier ferris wheel (which she still hasn't let me forget!:)

Not sure about all this...

I love these pictures of the kids as they observe all the sights and scenes of the streets of Chicago -- D did a neat job capturing their bewilderment!:)

CHICAGO!

Rainy afternoon

Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes

Wow, it has been a long, dry blogging stretch. Need to get some serious updates in here! Here are a few pics of the girls and I on the very sheer face of one of the largest dunes in Sleeping Bear park. Yes, those dots going down the hill are people. Mostly on all fours.