Little travels

While I will always complain about not having family nearby, there are certain advantages to having them in different places too, and that is because we get to see and do new things! We went to several places within a few hours of home and had many adventures. 

Before Gavyn and I headed up North, the 4 of us: John, Me, Gavyn, and Kolton, went to Chicago for a couple days. The first day there the boys went to a Cubs game while Gavyn and I went to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Its so nice to do these things on a weekday when you don't have to worry about too big of crowds. 

Watching a seal show

A big Silverback just inches away

This Polar Bear put on quite a show for us!

While there are no elephants at the Lincoln Park Zoo, this is still the animal Gavyn wanted from the gift shop. He now sleeps with him every night!

The next day we headed to the North Avenue beach, which is just a few blocks away from where we were staying. We are very fortunate that my Aunt and Uncle own a condo just a couple blocks off Lake Shore Drive in Old Town. Its a great place to stay! We went early to the beach so we had lots of space to begin with. The boys were a bit hesitant to go in the water but had a blast. I think we left with a good amount of sand in Gavyn's swimming diaper. 

Big Lake!

The boys ready to get in!

My little beach babe

John and Gavyn covered Kolton with sand - sure was fun busting out!

We also got to spend an afternoon with my good friend Vicki and her son Zack. As Zack and Gavyn get older and the age gap gets to be less of an issue, I think they are becoming very good buddies! They had fun playing together and trying to run from their Mommies!

Playing in a field

Yes, water must be played in

Aww

In mid-August we went to Chillicothe to visit John's brother Doug and his family. Their orchard, Tanners, had a peach festival that was a lot of fun, especially since the kids got to play in the playground for free! It was a nice weekend to relax with family. 

Stand by the ruler!

Cousins lining up

This was a big hit, as you can imagine

Playing with Daddy on the pirate ship

Grandma helping Gavyn maneuver the tractor

Feeding goats!

I look forward to more little adventures right around our home base. I've learned that while travelling is fun, it's also important to take advantage of everything that is right where you are.