Chicago trip

Last weekend we spend time up in Chicago catching up with some friends, Bruce & Renae and staying with her folks, Virgil & Mary...it was SO fun!  Virgil and Mary served as my 2nd set of parents almost 13 years ago when Renae & I lived together in Ames and being in thierhome brought back warm, nostalgic memories.  Such a sweet, giving family...thanks again for a fun day and a half!

Mary Poppins in tow & we were ready to go!

Kylie & Haven's recital...Kylie was VERY patient practicing her piano for her grandparents with ahem, a "helper" :)

 

 We ate such great food while there for 2 days...thanks for sharing your premium chocolate for fondue and your 3 year aged cheddar...yum!!

On Saturday Virgil took the Bergmans, Arlan & I and Darin downtown to the annual International Auto Show...to say it was a fun, cultural experience is an understatement!  Such shiny cars...so MANY cars...and such wealth within the large expo hall of the McCormick Center.  Gus-Gus's childhood dream was to be a car salesman so thankfully her husband of almost 11 years shares her passion of vehicles...this was right up her alley!  Above is the newly designed 2013 Chevy Corvette.

 

Bruce & Renae trying out he new Chevy Suburban...Brucey LOVES his Chevy's!

 A Bentley Mulsanne...

...I'll let you decided if they were going to let us touch/sit/smell a car this expensive!!!  

It was by far the most expensive car we saw there.

why not try out a Smart car while there?!

 the future of Toyota...an internet concept car with graphic images constantly changing & displayed on the outside of the vehicle...very futuristic!

...and last but not least, my favorite!!!  

The 2013 Honda Odyessy...Gus & I liked it, Arlan was skeptical and well, Bruce...although he owns one, wasn't that impressed :)

 

 So while we were at the Auto Show, Grandma Mary lovingly stayed home and treated the kids to some fabulous outdoor snow time!  The kiddos loved it, logging about 2 hours outside before Haven's cheeks turned red & tea time called...

 Kylie & Haven during tea time.

 We snuck in a quick shopping trip to the mall after the Auto Show...and found a very tacky Valentine's display in which I coerced my husband to take a picture with him by promising to smooch him in the pic!

 teacher Kylie instructing Haven on her sight words...Haven loved having a "big sister" for 2 days!

[Gus-I ordered that DVD set!]

Mr. Darin & us

 our gracious hosts

  We celebrated Cade's upcoming 3rd birthday with cupcakes & firemen hats!

 It doesn't take much to get Darin in on the firemen fun!

 One tired Sister Bear on the way home Saturday night!