July 4th and Homestudy:)

We just got back from our road trip to Chicago and let me just tell you, I am exhausted! We drove up Wednesday night, went to The Taste of Chicago on Thursday with Aunt Sarah and saw Uncle Dave for a little while. We ate so much food, it was ridiculous! Then on Friday we went up to Paul's cousin's lake house and hung out with all our family. Jackson drove the boat and stayed up extremely too late to watch the best fireworks show ever! We were so close that I was actually scared! It was a great time. Then on the way home we went to the arch in St. Louis which was quite an experience as well. Here are some pictures of our trip!




On the train ride into Chicago.


Hanging out with Aunt Sarah.




At the Lake with Daddy.






Driving the Boat:) He honked the horn continuously, people loved us!


"swimming"


ahh playing in the sand.....


Nothing like climbing into your cousins' sand pit.








This is the TINY elevator. It barely seats five people but it's not enough room for one person comfortably....I was super nervous.











We also stopped and saw Daniel and Whitney in Peoria on the way home! Ellie, who just came home from Eagle's Nest in Guatemala, is soooo beautiful!!! Hannah, Austin, and Noah are growing up so fast and they are the cutest kids ever! I miss being near them. Of course I forgot my camera in the car so no pictures but just imagine 5 kids and Popsicles:)

Then we had our homestudy yesterday! It went great! We also sent in our orientation packet and big check into our agency, so it definitely feels real now! I am so excited:)