Ohlanders to Chicago

The Ohlanders came to visit us in Chicago.  My boys are obsessed with Cora, Elin and Gabe.  It's so fun having my kids and my BFFs kids super close friends.  My boys couldn't be more opposite from Gabe, but they complement each other so well.  Gabe is super laid back, low maintenance, while my boys are high strung and high energy.  They had the best time playing video games, doing arts and crafts, playing cops and bad guys and hide and seek.  It was so nice to have Cora and Elin help with with all the crazy boys.  Elin and Liam slept in Liam's bed while Cora, Gabe and Grayson slept in his bed.  Cora was so sweet reading to the boys before bed.  The next time will be together will be in Orlando, Florida for Allison's 40th birthday.  We love the Ohlanders and can't wait to make more memories with them. 

4th of July with the Ohlanders

We spent 4th of July with the Ohlanders in the suburbs and had the best time.  Friday we went to the parade and then went to the park of festivities afterwards.  They had a band playing with lots of fun stuff for kids such as face painting, bouncy houses, shaved ice and lots of food.  Then we went back to their house and played in the water table and the kids got soaked and very dirty, but had a blast.  It's so cute to see Grayson and Gabe together especially now that they are aware of each other and can actually somewhat play together.  Cora and Elin are so cute with them and the boys just adore them.  They are little mini moms and do a great job taking care of them.  We grilled burgers and had yummy food.  Natalie, Ben and Noa decided to come last minute and we were glad they did so we could see sweet little Noa and hang out with them.  After dinner we put all of the kids in the big jacuzzi bathtub and they had so much fun.  Craig, Scott and Ben put on the a great fireworks display for Allison, Cora and I while the younger ones slept through it.  We had the best time with everyone and love the small town feel of their community.  They live in such a cute, nice area and have so much space we are definitely jealous.  There are always good and bad things about city living with suburbs, but the good thing is we have one of each so we can share.  We decided to make it an annual tradition and celebrate 4th of July out with the Ohlanders.

The next day was Gabe's 1st Birthday Party at the pool.  Grayson has been taking swim lessons and loves the water.  Craig took him in the water and he didn't want to get out.  Gabe loves the water too so we can fun taking pictures of all the fun they were having.  His party was so cute and they had my favorite dessert place, Sweet Mandy B's for cake.  It was delicious.  Gabe got a lot of cute presents and we made sure to get him lots of boy stuff such as legos because he is surrounded with girls and their toys.  I think he will love all of his new stuff.  Happy Birthday to a sweet, chill little guy that we love so much!  Gabriel Smith Ohlander!!