Grandma and Grandpa Butler came to Visit!!!

My mom and dad came to visit for a week in May. It was awesome. We ran ourselves ragged between trips to Madison, Chicago and Milwaukee. Then the cooking, playing games, planting, painting, and putting things together it was just a busy week. We had a great time, the weather was perfect and I hope they make it a yearly tradition.

The minute one of my parents came up the stairs they were bombarded by the boys. They wanted to chat, help with their guns, and stories read. My favorite was when Chase did something once, my dad said "good job" and clapped, well for the next 45 minutes Chase would do something, look back at my dad and wait for his cheer. If grandpa didn't cheer he just sat there waiting for it. What a funny kid.

Metz and Grandpa worked on a few projects (just like when we lived in Rexburg) during the week. Grandpa took Metz to get a bird feeder and house to put together. They picked out the paints, the sander and brushes. I think the fact the colors are the same as Green Bay Packers is purely incidental. Metz got to paint and

do some of the hammering. It took a few day to finish and they had a great time working together.

We took a trip to Madison. We toured the downtown, did a Costco run, cruised the mall and went to the Zoo. Grandma made sure the Chase got to see all the animals too. It was very sweet.

Hi! This tiger was a little close for me but Metz loved it. We had a great day in Madsion and were completely spoiled.

Chicago -read it like a Mobster would say it ;)

Here it is . . . beautiful (really it is) Chicago. We went for a day visit with my parents and were able to take a river tour (more on that later in the post), walked Navy Pier and drove Michigan Avenue. It was a great day and since Cort was post call he got to spend it with us too. (YEA!)

We started out on Navy Pier. It is what is says and really cool huge Pier on Lake Michigan. A couple of shops, places to eat and a fun walk. Plus it was awesome to look back at the city skyline. Cort and I love a City so it was a great experience for us. This anchor is at the end of the pier and huge so why not take a family picture. Cheese.

Aaawww, Chasers. He spent 33% of his time in the stroller, 34% walking and the other 33% on dad shoulders. The pier was great because we could let the boys walk without worrying they had rails and there was a ton of walking space along the walkway.

Cort's first Chicago dog. Delicious.

Grandma and Grandpa Butler with the boys. I know I should've gotten a better shot but it was a busy area and the boys weren't really paying attention so here you go. Sorry mom and dad. But yea, Grandma and Grandpa took us to Chicago :)!!

Chicago in the background and my boys. So fun and don't they look handsome :)

Family :) Right before our river tour started. It was a great tour and I felt like we learned a lot about Chicago. It was much easier than walking and I felt like we got to see so much (thanks mom and dad).

Metz and Grandpa played A LOT of pool. They played almost daily while we lived with my parents so when Grandpa came it was a requirement to get in a lot of games. I think the second they walked in the door they had their first game. Metz was in heaven and I'm pretty sure Grandpa enjoyed it too.

Another must do was planting. Metz helped Grandma plant last year and was sad he missed out this year. Well thanks to some pots, soil and Blain's Farm and Fleet they had flowers to plant and plant and plant.

This is just round one of planting. We ended up with a long box and three more small pots for Metz's room. Our deck looks beautiful and Metz got some great time with Grandma. Also, notice the bird feeder and house hanging from our deck? We have a couple of beautiful birds that come everyday and enjoy the treats Metz sets out there for them. They always sing us a little "thank you" before they leave. Awesome.

Cort's New Ride

Well, Cort had a birthday (the big 30), knee surgery (no more running or basketball) and cause he is a great hubby and dad . . . this is his new toy :). He is all decked out from head to toe (thanks to his mom for the "bright" jersey - so everyone can see him- and padded shorts) and ready for the road. He has an app for his iphone that maps his ride, a speedometer from his mom so he knows how fast he is going and a helmet from me since i want him around for a while. He is loving his new sport and happily dragging any family or friend along with him. Happy birthday Cort! (yes, I know his birthday was over 2 months ago, oh well). btw, tyson this post if for you ;).