The Zdenek Family: Chicago highlights part one..

BEWARE: Long posts up ahead!

Tuesday, June 16th our family flew to Chicago, IL to visit Ryan's extended family on his mom's side for a much needed reunion. This was the girls first trip on a plane! We had been talking it up to Payton for the months prior and needless to say, she was super excited for all of the upcoming events that were planned!

Headed through security

So excited to see the plane!!!!

Payton fell asleep shortly after takeoff.
Ryan wanted to sit in between both of the girls so he could have more leg room. I fortunately had the seat behind them and all to myself, so I was able to turn on my Ipod, sit back and relax for the four hour flight.

Gracie girl and her fingers! She was SO good on the flight!!!!!

In Chicago, renting a car. Payton was excited to be able to run and stretch her legs.

Wednesday, Granny came with the four of us shopping. Ryan was in his element with all of the White Sox apparel! Us girls, we were just happy to shop!

After shopping we headed over to Auntie Mar's house.

Here's Payton riding Alexis' jeep. Payton was beyond excited to have a little girl to play with!

(Alexis is a little girl that Auntie Marianne has been watching since she was a baby. Last time we saw Alexis, she was a year and a half.)

Thursday the four of us went shopping at Oakbrook and went to lunch.

Gracie and Cassius waiting for the train 6/19.

Thursday night Ryan's brother, Nathan, and his family had flown in. So we all had planned to get together that Friday.

Payton and Cassius waiting for the bus.

Our wiggly family of four waiting for the bus.

Our initial plan that day was to go to the aquarium. So all 14 of us (Ryan's Uncle Mike, Aunt Nikki, Dana, Krista, and Ava. Nathan, Taunia, Cedrick, Cassius and Mia. And our family of four) got on the train and headed to downtown Chicago (not too long of a ride) and then got on a bus to travel a few blocks. Admission to the aquarium was free that week due to a recent remodel, so there was a two hour minimum wait to get in. No thanks! So, we got hot dogs and fries and sat outside of the aquarium and ate lunch.

(l-r) Dana, Ryan, Gracie, Cedrick, Nate w/Mia, Cassius, Taunia w/Ava in front and Me w/Payton in front.

We then decided to walk along Lake Michigan

(l-r) Krista, Cassius (some guy behind Cassius), Nikki, Dana, Gracie, Ryan, Nate, Taunia, Payton, Cedrick, Ava, Mia and I.

You can see the aquarium behind us over Cedrick's shoulder

(l-r) Ryan w/Payton, Nikki, Krista, Mia and Ava holding hands, Cedrick, Taunia, Cassius, Me, Nate w/Gracie and Dana in front of the Bean at Millennium Park.

Krista, Dana, Cassius, Mia, Ava, Cedrick and Gracie in her stroller.

Ryan, Payton and my reflection in the Bean.

My family of four at Millennium Park.

Our girls on the train ride home.

Saturday Uncle Mike and Aunt Nikki had a luau at their house. This was the first time that we were going to be able to see the majority of our family.

Payton, Mia and Ava playing in the yard.

We were introduced to a new game while we were visiting: Bags. Or also known at the Richardson house, corn hole. This game requires zero athleticism, little skill, and a frosty beverage.

Everyone would play this for hours! I sadly couldn't perfect my toss! I was either too far to side or not hard or soft enough. It's a really fun game and we are looking forward to having it at our house too!

Gracie was interested too!

Cousin Matt with Gracie

Sunday, cousin Matt and his wife Lori had everyone over to their house for Salernos
Every Christmas we have Salernos pizza for dinner. The first Christmas that I ever spent with Ryan's family I was introduced to this yummy pizza. Now every year, I look forward to it!