Fun with my Mom -

My Mom was able to visit for 2 weeks and just left last Thursday. We scheduled it for when my husband was on a business trip–which was a huge help! She, of course, had a wonderful time holding our new little baby (who will be 8 weeks old tomorrow!) It was great to have her come a little later this time (as opposed to the first 2 weeks of the baby’s birth) so that we could get out more and have some fun.

We started out the visit with my daughter’s 5th birthday party. We had a "Tea Party" at a really neat restaurant. Both her grandmothers, as well as an aunt and 2 cousins were able to come.

On Monday we visited the Kohl Children’s Museum. They have a special train exhibit going on right now.

On Thursday after swim lessons we went to Pizza Hut for the boys’ Book-It rewards. Then Friday we were off to Gurnee Mills Mall. I have always heard that the Bass Pro Shop is a neat place to take kids, but I have never gone there before. It was really neat! We also went to Serpent Safari and saw some awesome snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles/alligators. Then we ate at the Rainforest Cafe.

On Saturday we went to the Long Grove Confectionary Chocolate Factory Tour. (It’s free on Saturdays.) Here is a solid chocolate pizza!

On Monday we went to the Volo Auto Museum, but didn’t realized they were closed on Mondays. One building was open, though. So, we had another free day.

We were going to go to the zoo on Tuesday (for a free day!) but it was way too cold! Too bad tomorrow’s weather wasn’t here last Tuesday. It’s going to be in the 70s tomorrow! Instead, we went to the Jelly Belly Center, which is a distribution center–not a factory. The kids’ favorite part was the Sample Bar!

Next time she visits, we’ll definitely need to do some things outdoors! Here are some more pictures to share.