Kailer Turns 2

Kailer turned two on September 21st. It is so hard to believe that our "baby" is growing up...and fast! Here are a few picks from her celebration at home and her Backyardigans Bash...

Opening her gifts from mommy and daddy.

"Reading" her card.

I wish I could take credit for this amazing cake, but Marc's friend's wife made it. She did a fantastic job and Kailer thoroughly loved her "Pablo cake."

She couldn't even wait until Nana served it:)

All gone!

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Wow...am I behind! The last few months have flown by. I am going to make an attempt at catching up on what our family has been up to starting with our trip to Silver Lake Sand Dunes back in AUGUST!

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A beautiful view of the dunes.

Five minutes after arrival she was digging in the dirt with Erin.


My happy little dirt ball.

On the four-wheeler with Nana.


Kai had so much fun playing in the sand and the lake's edge.

Hanging on the beach with Aunt Neh.

Checking Out Papa's Flowers

My parent's yard provides the best backdrop. I grabbed the camera and we walked around to smell all of papa's beautiful flowers. I couldn't resist getting some pictures of Kai in her adorable outfit:)

CHICAGO

As a final HOO-RAH before summer was over, we headed to Chicago for a few days of fun. We bought a GO Chicago card that allowed us entry to over 30 attractions and as an added bonus...we got to skip the lines! As you will see from the pictures below, we accomplished a LOT in only three short days. Kai, for the most part, was a trooper. Marc claims he needs a vacation from our vacation. Ha!

We arrived around 10 a.m. and immediately hit the Children's Museum so Kai could run around after being couped up in the car for four hours. The museum was amazing and I am not sure who had more fun...

Kai and daddy fishing.

Kai attempting to catch the pebbles like daddy.

Like I said, I am not sure who had more fun...

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This was pretty neat. You could place your picture on a bug that was flying over Chicago on a large computer screen .

Digging for dinosaur bones.

Kai LOVED this carousel, but was later terrified of the one at the zoo.

She kept saying, "neigh, neigh."

The pass also included free rides at The Navy Pier Park. With an odd number, Marc was left to ride the swings alone and I the ferris wheel.

Though not the best for a toddler, one of my favorite things was the architecture cruise down the river. I have always wanted to do this. Kai held up despite the heat, but was ready to get off the boat after an hour and a half.

What an amazing aquarium!

My personal favorite - the Blue Iguana.

Copying the penguins...whee!

View from Adler Planetarium.

Taking a quick snooze before the Sesame Street movie.

Adler Planetarium had a Sesame Street movie playing all about stars. It was only 23 minutes long, which was perfect. Kailer loved it. She sang, clapped, and pointed the whole time. It was so fun to watch how excited she was!

The Field Museum. We went through this one pretty quickly. Kai just didn't find the stuffed animals behind glass that interesting and I didn't blame her!

Sue, the T. Rex.

Buckingham Fountain.

On our way to the Sears Tower Skydeck.

View from the top.

Looking down at the glass bottom. These glass boxes just opened a few weeks ago and allow you to step out 103 floors above Chicago. Kai had no fear. Even I was a little weary as I stepped out on it. Marc...he was safely stationed against the wall!

Yes, I am holding on. Just in case!

Yikes!

On our last day, we visited The Lincoln Park Zoo.

Within the zoo, John Deer has created a "Farm in the City." It had a dairy barn where you could watch cows being milked. There were tractors, chickens, pigs, miniature horses, and goats too! What a wonderful experience for urban children. Looks neat with the high rises in the background.

Mooooooo.