Chicago!

Right after we got back from our trip to Utah we headed out to Chicago.  We were a little hesitate to go because the kids had had enough of long car rides but we couldn't resist......the Cubs were playing the Braves!  We had to go!

Who ever we tipped a dollar to take this picture forgot to get Valentina in the picture.  

Qui Que in Wrigley Field.

Darancou family in Wrigley Field.

That's right- we sat in the seats second from the very end of the stadium.  Since Wrigley Field is so small we could still see the game pretty good. 

We hit up Lincoln Park Zoo while we were in Chicago too.  It's a favorite or ours-it's free.

Surprise trip to Utah

The kids and I took a unexpected trip back to Utah.  A family in our ward was driving out and offered to take us in their van.  It was so generous of them to offer to take two young children and a pregnant women that has to stop and use the bathroom every hour!  

I love this hike!  I took the kids on a hike up to Stewart Falls.  We didn't make it to the waterfall but it was so  beautiful along the way.

Qui Que's favorite part of the hike was finding worms.  He wanted to take them home with us.

The leaves were already starting to change colors, it was beautiful!

Qui Que learned how to ride a tricycle while we were in Utah. Valentina is taking a try in this picture.

We took the kids up to Bridal Veil Falls.  They have an area with huge salmon and the kids can feed them.  Needless to say, it was a hit. 

Family Sunday walk

Family stroll down to the River.

17 weeks pregnant.  Baby 3 three coming in February!  Don't ask my why I am standing in this awkward position.

She loved getting her feet wet!

Taking pictures of these two is pretty much impossible!  This is the only decent shot I got.

Nauvoo

We went to the Nauvoo Pagent this July.  The kids loved it!  They have so many fun games and stations set up for the kids.  We spent so much time there I didn't even get to snap a picture of them in front of the temple.  

It was a very hot day.  The poor sister missionaries were dressed up in pioneer clothes.  I am sure they will get extra special blessings for that.  I was having a hard time functioning in the clothes I was in!

It might seem like Qui Que is the favorite child because of all the pictures we have of  him but Valentina was sleeping. She was exhausted!

The Mississippi River that runs by Nauvoo.

This is always a hit every year.  It is hard to imagine the Saints used these to pull all their belongings to the Salt Lake Valley.

Qui Que 3 years old!

Our sweet little Enrique turned 3 in July.  We had a "favorites party" for him.  He couldn't decided on just one theme for his birthday so we had bats, balls, bubbles, water balloons and a car cake- all his favorites.

I discovered a good way to get him involved and be excited about taking some pictures.  I told him I would take pictures of his cars too.  He thought this was a great idea.

The kids playing with the water balloons.

My dear friend, Maria had her sister make the cake.  It was a Cars cake on the outside but Tres Leches on the inside.  It was delicious!

Opening presents

Sweet little Valentina and Harper sneaking ice.

Happy Birrthday Qui Que.  You are such a sweet little tender boy and my special little buddy.  

Kansas City

We took a short trip to Kansas City and Topeka.  Our highlights of Kansas City were the zoo and BBQ.  If you get a chance to visit the zoo, the coolest polar bear lives here.  He did flips for the kids with out stopping the whole time we were watching him.    The other highlight of Kansas City was the BBQ of which we have no picture.  We were too busy trying to scarf down our delicious ribs before Valentina lost it.  She doesn't do too well at restaurants.  Definitely not a thriving environment for her.

Qui Que and Valentina  loved the lions and we loved that they were in an area that was air conditioned so we could enjoy watching them.

Our highlight in Topeka was visiting family.  Here is a picture with my Uncle Bud and Aunt Shryl.

Visiting with Aunt Celesta.  She is my dad's sister and I have always been told I look like her.  I hope that is true!