Illinois Recap #3

After leaving Dave and April's house we drove awhile, stopped for lunch at a McDonald's with a play land, and ended up at our hotel in Vernon Hills, IL. We unpacked the car for the fourth time (my parents' house, hotel #1, april's house, hotel #2) on our trip so far and tried to get settled in our rooms. This included setting up the pack and play for the fourth time as well! I am a current world champion pack and play setter-upper. (If there was such a thing, I would surely win.)

Lily, Taylor and myself each got a nice afternoon nap! It was desperately needed after our slumber party at the Cousens' house the night before!

My dad went to Emily and Dave's rehearsal dinner, and mom and I took the kids to the mall to get some dinner and walk around. The kids had done a lot of sitting over the past couple days and needed somewhere to stretch out. The mall had one of those wonderful little play areas for kids and my children loved it! It was very busy, but they were so happy to climb around.

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The mall also had a Disney Store. Upon entering the store, I'm pretty sure I heard angels singing. And a had to fight the urge to break into song singing "A Whole New World" or Can You Feel the Love Tonight?"

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I never used to understand those people who loved all things Disney. But after our trip to Florida in February, I am now one of those people! And if I can't BE at Disney, then I'll purchase Disney things.

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They were having an awesome sale and I got great deals on some fun stuff. My best find was a Jiminy Cricket on clearance for $5. Ever since seeing the movie Pinochio, Lily has been in love with Jiminy. And I never thought I'd ever find a Jiminy stuffed animal. I saved him as a surprise for the ride home and let's just say she was delighted.

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Anyway, we took the kids back to our hotel and attempted to put them to bed, despite the carnival taking place just down the street, along with a local band performing in the bandshell at a less than ideal volume!

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Sunday morning my dad and I took Lily to church. Mom kept Taylor so that he could get his morning nap. Bless her.

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Lily had time for a quick swim before we needed to get dressed for the wedding. The progress she has made this summer and her level of comfort with the water thrills me!

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She is definitely the queen of flotation devices!!!

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My cousin Emily's wedding took place at a beautiful barn. I was a little unsure what to expect, but the location was gorgeous. And so was the bride! The whole event was so lovely and it was so fun to be there.

Emily and her father (my uncle Peter) preparing to walk down the "aisle"

The barefoot bridesmaids ready to go

Almost time! A loving glance between father and daughter.

The wedding ceremony

My dad performed the ceremony and gave the message. I have heard my fair share of wedding messages from my dad over my lifetime. This was one of his finest. Wish you could have been there. It was so, so good.

One of the few pictures I have of T from the wedding! My happy, handsome boy with his doting Grandma.

My girl

Lily and Mya were nearly inseparable. Two peas in a pod. They are too cute.

The Crabtree contingent.

The beautiful couple. They ARE beautiful! Aren't they BEAUTIFUL???

My dad with three of his six siblings - Nancy, Peter and Floy

Fun with Grandpa!