And now, the rest of the story...

Seeing as how we have been back home for a month now, it seems appropriate that I finally finish posting about our time in the Midwest. sheesh.

Our time in IL was filled with animal adventures. Luke hadn't been to a zoo or really been around animals much so we thought it would be a fun experience for us all. Lamb's Farm is, well, a farm with lots of lambs basically. It's not far from my parents house and offers lots of little fun things to do for young kids- a petting zoo, train ride, playground, pet store with puppies, etc. It was a perfect little outing for an afternoon.

The boys' first encounter with a miniature pony.

There was an old tractor that Luke could climb on. He had a blast.

Not sure who had more fun, Luke or Grannie.

Checking out all the lambs and goats from a distance.

The train ride.

Such excitement!

The excitement lasted about half way through the ride, then the "I want to get down and run" desire kicked in. Matt had to be the human seat belt for a very strong, squirmy little boy. Not the easiest job to say the least.

Off to meet the goats and sheep up close and personal

Luke had fun brushing the sheep.

Grannie, Matt and I had fun trying to keep Luke from eating the bristles of the brush.

A few days after conquering Lamb's Farm we decided we were prepared for what Brookfield Zoo had to offer. Jim and Aaron had to work but the rest of us packed up lunches, snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, and cameras and decided to brave the heat and humidity to explore the zoo. We were so glad we did. It was a great time!

At the entrance to the zoo.

Can you tell it's the beginning of the day - we aren't all wiped out and sweaty yet. :)

Luke wasn't too happy about being confined to the stroller or being carried or forced to hold someone's hand. He's quite the independent child let me tell you. I'm not a big fan of putting my kid on a leash, but I feel that may be the direction we're headed in!

The sea lions

Watching the polar bear dive in and swim around.

We went into the children's zoo, which was basically Lamb's Farm all over again with the various farm animals to pet and experience hands on.

He was allowed to touch the baby chick with one finger.

Watching the pigs and cows- enormous pigs and cows.

Becoming acquainted with Mr. Goat

Luke and Pops in the gorilla house.

Grannie Jannie and Micah in the gorilla house

Silly boys

We were able to celebrate Jim's birthday while we were at my parent's house.

Hugs for Uncle Jim- the best present of all.

There is this great splash park close to Erika and Aaron's house that we went to one afternoon. It totally puts the splash park in our neighborhood to shame. Luke LOVED it. We could've stayed there all day and probably would have if it didn't close at 2. What kind of pool/splash park place closes at 2pm on a summer day?!

Luke stole some kid's bucket and had a glorious time dumping water on himself until we made him give the bucket back.

Erika and Micah soaking up the rays.

Trying to climb up the slippery crab and drink the water at the same time.

Multi-tasking at it's best.

We had a fabulous time on our vacation. We got to spend some great quality time with family and friends, had a good balance of relaxing at home and getting out to do other fun things together. It was wonderful. Needless to say, we were pretty pooped at the end of it all, but it was totally worth it.

On the way to the airport

Back in CA, sleeping away as we wait to be reunited with our luggage.

Loving the umbrella stroller.

Again, we had a marvelous time. We can't wait to be together again, whenever that may be!