Mom's Night Out and Trip to Austin

Yes, we're a little behind on the blog. To catch up, after a long week of the stomach bug hitting our house, I thoroughly enjoyed my Christmas present from Jeritt - a night out in a hotel downtown with Aunt Erin. Jeritt handled all three kids like a champ, and he and Maeve have definitely bonded more now. Then, as the temps plummeted in Chicago, we made our first flight to Austin, Texas, as a family of five to visit Aunt Abby and Uncle Brian. We couldn't have asked for better weather - 80s and sunny, which meant we hit at least two parks a day. The kids also love their cousin, Gary the cat, who is probably still recovering from his long weekend:) It was hard to return to the cold, but we had such a great trip and can't wait to return to meet Gary's little brother or sister this summer!

Taking advantage of the warm weather in Chicago and playing outside as much as possible. 

Playing at the park with Oliver (on a Saturday afternoon in February). 

The easiest way to watch Jack when you are on your own.  

Maeve was a little unsure when it was just Dad but later realized that everything was good.  

Off to Austin!!!

Talking to the pilots. 

We pretty much spent every hour playing outside.  The photos will obviously show that.  

Jack couldn't stop running.

Girls photo! (Maeve is under the blanket).

One of our sweet Valentines!

Jack tried to fly his homemade kite in the yard...

Valentine's Day Pancake Day!!!

Jack wanted to roll the ball in the parking lot.  

Digging for dinosaur bones!

There were multiple rock climbing adventures.  Jack was quite brave. 

Huge slide at one of the parks. 

Another rock climbing challenge.  Ella was quite impressive. 

 

They were roaring like lions, pretending it was Pride Rock from The Lion King. 

One of the main things Ella wanted to do was drink pink lemonade in the yard with her sunglasses on.

  Probably not obvious but those are Jeritt's sunglasses. 

Ella and Jack got balloons at dinner on Friday night. 

Kite time! The weather was amazing for kite flying. 

Ella showed us all her kite flying tricks. 

Its Austin so they obviously have zebras at the cave tour.  

Twins?

Part of the cave tour.