The Windy City

I have been waiting to do this blog for awhile!  Chicago is a huge city, and you really can’t see it all in one day, so over the course of 6 months we have seen quite a lot of “The Windy City!!”

We only live 16 miles from down town Chicago, but it takes about an hour to get there.  The first time we went to the city was the day after we moved in.  We went with Josh’s dad and brothers because they were so awesome and helped move us here.  Of course, everything was packed, so I didn’t take any pictures that day!  I have brought my camera almost every other time, though!  Everything we did that day- Payson and I have done at least one more time since then- except riding bikes along the lake.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Chicago has a free zoo, and it is pretty awesome!  One Saturday, we decided to take Payson to the zoo, since he had never been before.  We chose the WORST weather day to go!  ha ha- the weather was decent when we started the day on the “EL,” but was pouring cats and dogs  once we got to the zoo!

The train is pretty cool!  It is much like the subway in other big cities.  Once we got off, we had to walk about a mile to get to the zoo.  It wasn’t raining at this point!

The sprinkles started as we walked into the gorilla house.  We were about to leave when the tsunami hit!  Let’s just say- we got to know the gorillas real well! 

We finally found a chance to move to another building when the rain decided to slow down a little bit!  The zoo was not crowded at all because of the rain, so I guess we should have counted our blessings!!  Free zoo in the summer in Chicago would usually mean tons of people, but we lucked out I guess!!

We also wore Payson out. 

Once Mother Nature decided to just send sprinkles our way, we chose to see the other animals.  The bear was hiding from the earlier rain, right next to Josh in a log! 

After the zoo, we found the BEST SUSHI EVER.  If you have never tried sushi or don’t like what you have tried- you have to try this place, called Sushi O Sushi!!  I’m pretty sure you will change your mind about not liking sushi!  Plus, they had mochi ice cream- also a new favorite of Josh’s and mine!

City Exploration

Beginning in August through November, we had lots of visitors.  One thing about being a stay at home mom, is I get to explore with those that came to visit while Josh went to work!!  We always missed Josh at work, but I sure appreciate him for working hard, and making it so I can stay at home (or go exploring).

Navy Pier

Payson and I have been to Navy Pier 4 times! 

When my friend, Shawn, came we went on the Ferris Wheel, and saw the cool view of the skyline from the top.

At the pier there are a lot of buildings, and one had some cool stained glass, as well as, some funny furniture to sit on!

At the end of the pier is Lake Michigan.

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a big park with face fountains, a place for performances, and of course- The Bean!

 

Seeing the City from the Sky

We have been to both towers with sky decks!  Willis (Sears) Tower has window platforms that are all glass that you can step out on. Pretty cool!

Hancock Tower overlooks the Lake Michigan as well as the city!

Take Me out to the Ballgame

We went to a Chicago Cubs Baseball game.  It was perfect weather, and Payson had a lot of fun!  He especially liked the part when everyone stood up and sang the song- “Take Me Out to the Ballgame!”

Besides the Cubs game, we also went to a Chicago Fire Soccer game.  We didn’t get there until half time, but only seeing half the game was perfect!  Plus, it started to get a little cold.  Payson particularly liked the crazy fans!

Museums

Payson and I went to the Field Museum- one time, the Shedd Aquarium –one time, and The Museum of Science and Industry three times!!  I don’t have pictures of the first two museums, but the last time we went to the Science and Industry Museum we took Josh, and I made sure to get some pictures!

This was our most recent adventure to Chicago.  It was 10 degrees outside,and with wind chill it felt like negative 10.  We found free parking on the road, so we had to walk a little bit to get to the museum. 

I’m sure we will find more things to do in Chicagoland, and more adventures to come!!

First Christmas as Parents

I have always loved Christmas and the Season of giving. As a kid, my sister and I would sneak a gift into each person’s stalking after our parents went to bed Christmas Eve, and before everyone else woke up Christmas morning. It was our little tradition until my sister got married. I have always loved giving gifts on Christmas, so after this Christmas season, I have decided that being a parent is far more fun than being the kid Christmas morning- even if my baby isn’t going to remember his first Christmas!  (Thank you mom and dad for all those Christmas’s when I was the kid- though!  You made it fun, and I bet you had fun doing it)!! 

Payson’s main gift for Christmas from us was a push walker!  Josh had fun putting it together, and I had fun stuffing the stockings!

We got to go home (Idaho and Utah) for Christmas- so before I dig to deep into Christmas Day- here’s a little bit about the first part of our trip:

Payson and I left the 16th to head to Idaho, but Josh had to work so he came the Saturday before Christmas.  Molly picked us up from the airport, and took us to Brigham City where Benji and Kayla picked us up and took us to Pocatello.  Payson (and I) had a very very long travel day, and Payson was not too excited for a bunch of people he didn’t remember to hold him. So add tired + shy + Uncle Aaron + playing with dogs for the first time = a hilarious laugh from Payson’s mouth.

The next couple of days,  we went shopping, met up with friends, and went to Alpine,WY to Tina and Brant’s house where Payson got to play with his cousins for really the first time. (Every other time we saw them- Payson was pretty little).

Then, on Saturday- Josh’s travel day- we went to the Annual Bosen Sock Party in Boise.

My mom got Payson to actually take a nap during the party, and Benji wanted to hold him while he was sleeping!!  Guess he wanted to practice because he is going to be a DAD in August!!  (Congrats- Benji and Kayla)!!  Benji really was the only adult male that Payson actually liked!  I think it is because he is funny looking- or maybe he just looks like me!!

Payson loved his present from Tanner- my cousin!

During the party my mom read a picture book written by my sister, Tina and illustrated by Megan, my cousin.  They are both very talented, and it was a surprise to Tina that Megan had illustrated it.  I hope it gets published someday!

As always, the Nativity Scene was read.  Payson was the Santa Clause in the Nativity Scene! Don’t you that Santa was there, too, when baby Jesus was born??  This little Payson Santa didn’t want to stay, though- he wanted to get started early on his gift giving… or he just saw me, so he set his mind on getting to me!

Back in Pocatello, Payson learned how to climb the stairs.  He was determined to get up the little stairs, but he can climb the big ones, too!!

Derek (I always spell his name wrong)- is my nephew, Payson’s closest cousin in age.  He is just under a year older than The Pay. They somewhat played together.  Mostly they would try to take each others’ toys!

Sunday- we had a get together with my mother’s side of the family.  My cousin, Janae, and her husband, Gary, had a baby girl just about a week after Payson was born named, Paige.  She is the cutest little thing!  Payson and Paige finally met after 10 months!!

Christmas Eve was fun!  First we got family pictures! That- not so fun for Payson!  It was his nap time, and he cried the whole time.  After his nap he was happy as can be.  We went for Chinese food, and later that night the boys (everyone under 12) opened their Christmas Eve jamis!  Tina got cute matching jamis for her boys and Payson. 

We played games, and had fun altogether!  Then it was time to sleep!!!!!  Sleep is not what Payson did very well Christmas Eve.  Him and my mom both had a fever all night, and it carried on to Christmas Day.  (Poor Payson couldn’t catch a break our whole trip.  First he had all these people hold him whom he didn’t remember, then he got a fever, then was constipated, then teething, then got a bad cold.  Poor little guy!  He is feeling better now that we are home)!

Even though Payson was out of it a little bit, he was still cute as can be with his new toy!

Jason is getting ready to go on a  mission.  He really wanted this nice coat for Christmas! It will be perfect if he gets called to Russia.  We all joked that he will be called to Tahiti like Josh, and not need the coat!

I couldn’t help but get a picture of Josh and Payson taking a Christmas Day nap while I got ready! 

After a birthday for my sister/Christmas lunch/dinner at my parents house with my siblings and grandparents we headed to Utah to be with Josh’s family for the rest of our trip.  That evening we went to Grandma and Grandpa Mayo’s house.  By then, Payson had had lots of sleep during the day, and was feeling better from his fever.  He loves kids, so he was having a lot of fun with Asher, Stella (cousins) and Spencer.

Molly  surprised me with an iPod Touch for Christmas. Thanks, Molly!!   I have a blogger app, so I am planning on posting a blog later on with the app to see how it works! In the mean time- the rest of the pictures are a mix  from my camera and my new iPod.

We spent some time at Steve and Deana’s cabin.  Payson was pretty clingy most of the time because of everything, but one time was actually happy and having fun playing on the floor with the dishwasher!

At the cabin, we played games, watched movies, and did a little bit of COLD outdoor utility riding- aka- 4 wheelers and snow mobiles!  I was only out there for a total of 20 minutes because it was too cold for me, and plus I didn’t know how Payson was doing without me!  Sadie was a good babysitter, though, and she kept him content!  Josh, on the other hand, went up the mountain with his brothers and dad with the intent of skiing.  I don’t know at what point he got left behind, but something to the effect that one snowmobile broke and he didn’t want to hold on, or something!  I think he still had fun!!

Playing Games

We also spent some time at Molly’s house.  We went to Chinese one night with her and some other family members, and then on Sunday, Sadie played the piano in Sacrament meeting.  She did a great job. 

Grandma Molly’s house doesn’t have a lot of toys… okay- no toys!!  So, she got out some fun could be “toys” for Payson.  He pretty much played with them the whole time we were there.  (Most of his Christmas toys were packed).

Another time Payson laughed as hard as he did that first night of our trip was with Uncle Spencer.  Those young uncles (Aaron and Spencer) sure know how to make Payson laugh!!

We also got to see some of Josh’s mission buddies, Grandma Peabody, Grandma Jones and her new husband, and lots of other family!  Despite Payson being sick, and not a lot of one-on-one Josh and Mellissa time- we still had a great time with family.  Thank you for making it wonderful family!!  We love you, and we hope you had a good time with us!!