Lone Star Leader

Chris was honored this week as a Lone Star Leader Top 100 agent in Texas.   He was recognized in 2 categories! Caroline and I were honored to be his plus two.  The awards banquet was in Chicago. We went twos days early and met the whole gang there- Nana, Aunt Kelley & Papaw drove in and the Hendricks flew from California. Wednesday night the boys went to Ditka's Steakhouse

They said it was amazing- I was in bed and asleep by 9:00pm so we both won!

Thursday was Leah's birthday party. We had it at the American Girl Place. This PLACE was amazing. It was two floors of little girl bliss. While making our way to the back to the American Girl Restaurant  we walked by a doll hospital, doll beauty salon, ear piercing stations and racks and racks of matching outfits for dolls and little owner. At the birthday lunch all the kids got to pick a doll to sit with them.

Caroline fed her baby with a spoon and kept poking it in the eye with her finger.  

The American Girls have historical dolls. Each doll represents and different time period in American history.  Growing up Dondi, Jacee & I each had one.  I was so excited to see a "Caroline" doll!  It's the newest doll and it will be so fun when she is old enough to play with it.

Next stop was Wrigley Field. Caroline was fighting a nap but finally enjoyed one on her Papaw.  She only slept for a little while but it was enough for her be charged and ready for the tour.

The guide took us all over the park.  We sat in the press box, dug out, & visitor's locker room.

Cousin time:  They played really well together!

Thursday night Nana and Papaw babysat while the big kids got to eat at Smith and Wollensky. We sat outside facing our hotel-  It was right across the river from our hotel rooms.  Leah, Lane and Papaw put on show by dancing in the windows for us. The food was delicious and it was nice to hang out.

Friday morning we went to the Willis Tower formally known as Sears Tower. Chris, Caroline & I went out on the sky bridge. After our tour we ate at Giordano's (a recommendation from the Koubas) Giordano's didn't mess around with their Chicago style pizza. Caroline is not much of a pizza eater but she colored and ate crackers while the rest of us stuffed our faces.

  Lane is hilarious -he was eating like a puppy. The Hendricks went back to California Friday. Leah started kindergarten Monday and they wanted a weekend to recoup. We were so glad to hang out with them. 

Friday night we ate a Harry Carey's with some of Chris friends from State Farm.  

Two things happened while we were eating:

1. Nana gave Caroline a bath and put her to bed.  

2. Papaw and Kelley saw a high speed chase that ended with a crash in front of them! It made the morning NEWS.

Saturday morning we took Caroline to the Aquarium. She LOVED it!  FIsh everywhere!  It was neat because most of the tanks were right at her level and she could walk/run and scream with delight with no problem seeing the "ish"

They had a beluga whale it was her favorite!

After an authentic Chicago hotdog we walked to Navy Pier. 

There was a great Children's museum where Caroline again went crazy playing. The water station was by far her favorite and she loved painting the water on her dad's leg.

Reading with Nana!

Saturday night was Chris's award banquet.  Notice we are wearing the same outfits as Dondi's wedding. Caroline and I were so proud of daddy and his accomplishments!