Benton had to go back to Illinois for a work trip and we decided to join him for multiple reasons. We decided to go the weekend before he had to be there to have a mini family vacation. And secondly, I wanted to go visit my good friend and old neighbor, Barb. When we booked our flights we didn't know at the time we were going to move. Thankfully we moved the weekend before our trip. It was a little chaotic getting all moved then packed to go on vacation but we did it!
Our first stop, Chicago! Cambree was so excited to be at the hotel. She was bouncing all around the beds and giggling.
My first item of business was to get pizza from Giordano's. I dream about that stuff. It is hard to explain until you actually try deep dish pizza. Benton and I decided the crust almost tastes pie like. It's delicious.
The day after we arrived was Cambree's 3rd Birthday! Such a fun way to celebrate by being in Chicago. She is an animal lover so we took her to the Lincoln Park Zoo. We had never been when we lived there, so it was a fun experience for all of us.
Afterwards we stopped by Navy Pier for some lunch and walked around a bit. For me, it's one of the prettiest places in Chicago. You have a wonderful view of Lake Michigan and the city. It's gorgeous.
That night we celebrated by singing "Happy Birthday" to Cambree and giving her a big cupcake. She was so excited to be "sree" aka three!
The next day was spent at The Science & Industry Museum.
Then on Sunday we left Chicago and drove to Bloomington, where we use to live. It was fun driving and seeing all the familiar sights.
That night Barb & Chuck threw Cambree a birthday party. Cambree was beyond happy when Barb took out the party hats. That's all Cambree's been talking about for the past couple weeks. She's been obsessed with talking about having a party and everyone wearing party hats. Barb did a Tinkerbell theme party and went ALL out. I'm talking decorations, balloons, cake with Tink, and many presents just for Cambree. And since she didn't want to leave Addie out, she got her a present too. Can you say SPOILED?!
We spent the next three days at Barb's house. We went to the Children's Museum which was really cute.
Read books.
Played with bugs, play dough, dolls, bubbles, you name it we did it. Cambree became fond of Chuck & Barb very quickly. She keeps talking about them and asking to go back to their house. I wish we lived next door to them like we did!
I took Barb to get her first pedicure. We both needed a little pampering and it hit the spot!
Benton and I took the girls to the State Farm Park which is a 99-acre recreational park and it's free for all employees. Its a bummer we can't go there more often! Definitely a perk if you live and work for State Farm in Bloomington! Since Benton worked during the day the girls got their snuggling time in with him after he got off.
And of course we had to get my all time favorite ice-cream. It's Butter Pecan from Carl's Ice-cream. I wish it was a chain because words cannot describe how divine this ice-cream is. I had actually forgotten how wonderful it was. And I'm kinda annoyed looking at this picture because I can't eat it at this very moment. It's that good.
And that about wraps up our family vacation to Illinois! I must say I am a lucky girl to have met Barb and have become closer to her even after moving away. She gives me wonderful words of encouragement and wisdom. I am grateful to have someone so sweet and kind in my life. They are like family to us and I cherish their friendship. Thanks Barb for such a nice visit! We miss you guys and think and talk of you daily!
