{Happy 38th Birthday} Scott!

Happy Birthday to my amazing hubby, Scott today!  What a stud, huh?!?

{Elfie in July}

Look what we got in the mail today!  I can't believe Elfie will be here in less than 4 months!!!

{Slip 'N Slide} Fun!

Guess what we bought yesterday?!?  Even I had to try it out!

And when I went to put my camera away, I looked up at the sky and saw this!  How beautiful!!!

{Playing at} Pullen Park

Spent the morning at Pullen Park in Raleigh today!  Such a good time...even for the grown ups!

I asked Camden to whisper a secret to Bexley (a trick I learned in a photography class)...only he licked her ear!  I didn't get the picture I was hoping for!

{Taking It Easy} Today!

So far this summer we have not had a normal summer day.  I can't believe that summer is almost half over and we have yet to stay in our pj's all morning or go to the pool when it isn't scheduled or just wake up and not have an errand to run!  Well today was the 1st day that we could do that!  In the 1st hour we have already put together a puzzle...

 had a scavenger hunt...

 read a Star Wars book...

 painted our toes...

 (Side note:  Bexley loves it when we paint our nails and the hairdryer dries her toes then "sneaks up" to blow her hair crazy!  Isn't she the cutest!)

...then took a walk to the park!  Did I mention that we did this all in the 1st hour?!?

{CHICAGO} Day 5 ~ Chicago Cub Baseball Game

While in Chicago the Cubs were home so we were able to catch a game!  Not really a Cubs fan, but growing up it was always my dad's team so this was a big deal to him!  His 1st time at Wrigley Field!   They played the Pirates (ranked #1 right now) so we didn't win, but still super fun!  Go Cubbies!

{CHICAGO} Day 5 ~ American Girl

Once we got to Chicago we HAD to go to the American Girl store!  Two stories of nothing, but dolls...count me in!  Bexley chose a look-a-like doll and named her "Blondie!"  However, the next day  she changed her name to  "Tiana!"  Then we took Grandma with us to our American Girl Brunch the next day!!!  It is a good year for Bexley...Lunch with Disney Princesses last Spring and now an American Girl Brunch!

{CHICAGO} Day 4 - Shedd Aquarium

Happy 4th of July!!!  Spent the morning at Shedd Aquarium watching beluga whales, dolphins and penguins!  The kids loved the show and all the interactive play!

Then took a break and went to Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park!  While there we had to have a famous Chicago Hot dog!!!  I would have liked the Chicago Dog, but opted for the Chicago Chili-Cheese version...not.a.fan. Too many onions!  However, did enjoy the lunch protest against the NSA!  Little Camden had TONS of questions on this!

After Grant Park we walked our lunch off  then took a water taxi to Navy Pier!  Had dinner at Harry Cary's and left the other 100,000 people to enjoy the fireworks!  We ended our night with drinks on the rooftop terrace and fireworks in the background!

{CHICAGO} Day 3 ~ Pizza, Navy Pier and Fireworks

Spent the morning at the Children's Museum!  While there Camden was asked to participate in a Children's study for Loyola University building and securing a wobbly structure!  Once we were finished playing our family joined us!!!  Dodging the rain we made it to Giordano's Pizza ~ know for Chicago style pizza!  YUMMO!  (Highly recommended if in the area ~ even with a 2 hr wait!)  Then we headed to Navy Pier for a Ferris Wheel ride and fireworks!  Such a great way to celebrate our nation's independence!  Happy 4th of July!

{CHICAGO} Day 2 ~ Visit with Friends

Since being in Chicago we were able to see our dear friends that moved here a few years ago from North Carolina!  They live about an hour North of the city so we got to experience the train!  It was so fun!!!  The kids loved it, but thought it was a little long!  The Chicago Union Station is beautiful and my pictures don't do it justice!  We went out to eat with our friends in Libertyville (such a cute town) and the kids warmed up to each other like they have been friends forever!

TO ALL TRAINS!

The day we left for Chicago...someone lost his other front tooth!  #5!

On the train!

Aren't they adorable!

{CHICAGO} Day 1 ~ Travel Day

It's our 1st day in Chicago for our Hurst Vacation!  We had great flights, an adventure at the Purple Pig and did some shopping!  Ended the night resting and relaxing at our beautiful Ivy Hotel, as tomorrow will be a BIG day!

{TV Star} Zoo Camp

While I was out having a great girls trip, Camden went to Zoo Camp at the NC Zoo!  Scott called to tell me what a good time Camden had a camp and that the local news had been there that day!  We found this video on the news website...Camden makes a little cameo, but you have to really look for him!  When I showed him the video Bexley (the shy one) said, "I want to go to Zoo Camp so I can be on tv!"  Camden said back, "No Bexley ~ you don't want to go because the news cameras will be there and it's EMBARRASSIN'!"

Here's the link to see the video/story!
http://triad.news14.com/content/695849/nc-zoo-offers-camp-for-kids