Visit to Springfield

Last weekend we took a short, yet excellent trip to Springfield to visit one of our dear friends from middle school and her husband. Actually, I think Laura and Geoff have known each other since elementary school, but Laura and I became just the best of friends while both participating in the Science Olympiad team in 8th grade. Dorks, I know, but how many people can say they are still friends with someone from middle school?

Saturday was a day of rest and relaxation. After lunch, the girls took great naps, while all the adults watched college basketball. Then Chad, Laura's husband took us to his restaurant, Smokey Bones, for a delicious dinner. We had never been, and it was interesting to see the General Manager at work! After our delightful dinner, we headed over to Schells, a HUGE sporting goods store. This place was so big it had a ferris wheel in the middle, bowling alleys, shooting ranges, driving range, and a mountain of stuffed animals in the middle. Lauren LOVED her ride on the ferris wheel with Geoff and Annie screamed for joy and waved each time she saw them go around!

Chad had to work early Sunday morning, but we really appreciated him taking Saturday off to spend some time with us. So, Laura and the Hanson family headed over to the Lincoln Museum before heading back to Chicago. What a fantastic museum! You always know a good museum when everyone, ages 1-32 enjoyed themselves for over two hours. The exhibits were so well done and informative. They even had an area called, Mrs. Lincoln's attic with dress up clothes and toys from the Lincoln era for girls to play with.


Photo shoot with the Lincoln family on their way to the White House.



Lauren checking out Tad, Lincoln's youngest son.



Serving Laura lunch. Lauren would even act as if she was cracking the eggs on the wooden shelf, before serving them.



Annie LOVED playing with this doll house, especially Fido, Lincoln's dog.



Doesn't she look like ET here? After Lauren put on a dress-up outift, Annie wanted to do the same so I put on the smallest jacket I could find. Watching her try to walk around with this on was just so cute.

Thanks again to Laura and Chad for such a fantastic weekend! Not only was it great to check out Springfield, but so much fun to spend time together.