The Chicago Morton arboretum is a good place to take your family

Background: 
July 2009 with Megan's Mom 

The Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe, Illinois are a great place to get family photos. Just let the kids walk around, take photos, and save all the money of going to a studio.

Its fun taking pictures in the same places, and seeing the kids get older.

Images that agree:



Al

September 23rd 2009, When my parents drove out, after Philip was Born.





Phil's tough guy look

Fountains
August 11, 2012

Trains

Chicago has a lot of stuff to do

Reasons to agree:

1. Trips to the zoo are good for kids. Chicago has good zoos. 
2. The Indiana Sand Dunes are cool, and close to Chicago. 
3. Chicago has good opportunities to watch sports.
4. Chicago has good museums. 
5. People watching is entertaining around Chicago.
6. Naperville Last Fling is Fun

Images that agree:
April 2005, with James on the train

Tony and Tina's Wedding, November 2006

2007 Highland games. Very HOT that day.

2008 at the Shedd Aquarium with the baby beluga. James' first animal.

When KC came to visit, I invited myself along for the trip to the city.
We ended up walking, with 3 kids, all the way from the train station, to Millenium Park, and to
The Hancock Tower. We walked back to Navy Pear and caught a water taxi to the train station.

2006 Nextfest

Tastes of Chicago

James on our death march from union station to the Hancock building

Mawage is what bwings us together

Mom and Dad, at the St. George Utah Temple

My mom and her Parents on the left,
and my dad and his parents on the left

I was the ring boy for my sister's
wedding. 

Megan and I

Year 1

You should put photos from your kids birthday on the same page

James came on week 39. They induced Alison and Phil 3 weeks early 37

James
I was at work, at McDonalds. Megan was also at work. She went to the Dr. for her check up and they told her to go to the hospital. We met at home. I think it was raining. I talking about how Condi Rice might run for president. Megan got an epidermal.

Look at that forehead! Me 1977

James, July 2004

And then there were 3. 2004. 

Alison
Alison was 6 lb, 15 oz when she was born. She had blondish-red-ish-brownish hair. 90% length, 75% weight for her age. 3 or 4:35. Snowing during the delivery.

Watched Wayne's World (Based in Aurora Illinois), Best Friend's Wedding, and a little of the Simpsons while we waited.

Our son stayed at a friend's from Church, and I came home and watched him, and brought the dog out of the garage this evening...

Of our 3 kids, Megan says that Alison was the easiest to deliver by far.

Megan high on pain medicine and so happy to have her little girl.

Not sure if I should share this sort of messy photos? 

Philip
Philip was our most difficult baby so far. Megan went into active labor 3 months early. The doctor said that if they were unable to stop the pregnancy, that he would have only a 40% chance of living, and then there would be developmental issues. 

They gave Megan a steroid to help his lungs develop. They kept her in the hospital for 2 weeks while they monitored her contractions. It was very scary for a while. After about 2 weeks they sent her home to be on bed rest. Luckily he was able to make it to full term, and he is very big and tough.

Alison changed when Megan had to stay in the Hospital for 2 weeks,
and was on bed rest for 2-1/2 months. She was going through some major
separation anxiety or something. She was so happy to see Megan. 

2010. James loves his little brother so much, and was happy to bring him home. 

And then there were 5

Laub, boy

My parents are cool to visit me in Illinois

There's something truly special about a visit from your parents. It's a gesture that speaks volumes about familial bonds, love, and commitment, and I've been lucky to experience this multiple times. Despite the long, 22-hour drive from their home to mine in Illinois, my parents have made the journey not once, but four times. They've driven here twice, flown twice, and even brought their trailer on one occasion.

Sure, my home might not be the Ritz Carlton, and they've had to make do with our pull-out couch, but these small inconveniences never dampen the spirit of their visits. We always cherish their company, the shared laughs, stories, and the joy they bring, especially to their grandkids.

One visit that stands out is from September 2010 when both Mom and Dad came out after Philip, my son, was born. Their excitement and eagerness to meet their new grandchild turned their journey into a grand adventure. We spent a lovely day at the Chicago Arboretum, creating memories that we still fondly look back on.

September 2010 at the Chicago arboretum, when Both Mom and Dad came out after Philip was born.

2010 when my Mom came out by herself when Megan was on bed rest.

2009 Visit

Related Links:

• Near Chicago Tourism