The King and Queen make a suprise visit

King Jacob and Queen Jennie graced us with an audience this morning.
(Thanks for the cool hats Aunt Cindy and Uncle Chris!)

Disneyland with Grandma and Grandpa

This weekend, we met my mom and dad for a fun filled weekend at Disneyland. We all stayed at the Paradise Pier Hotel which is just a short walk to both Disneyland and California Adventure.

Friday night we went for a bit over to Disneyland. Jennie wanted to take grandma for a drive, so it was off to the Autopia!

Grandma Janet has no idea what she is in for!

The next morning we met for breakfast at the Rainforest Cafe, then it was off to California Adventure. Grandma Janet and Grandpa Terry had never been to California Adventure, so Jacob and Jennie were more than happy to be tour guides.

Grandpa Terry, Jacob, Grandma Janet and Jennie ham it up for the camera.

From the new Toy Story ride, to Soaring Over California, everyone had a great time. The kids even got the check out the cool slide at the hotel pool. Jennie crashed out at the end of a long day, leaving her ice cream for Jacob to finish!

The weekend ended with a great breakfast in Downtown Disney. Everyone had fun , and we are looking forward to the next fun time together.

Jennie at the bat,... err, plate!

A couple of weeks ago, we went to a Jethawks game (Out local single A baseball team) and Jennie was chosen to run the bases against Ka-Boom , the Jethawks mascot. As you can see, it was no contest...Jennie SMOKED him from the beginning!

After rounding 1st, Jennie has a commanding lead.

Coming into 3rd, Jennie is hitting her stride.

Crossing the plate with style!

Way to go Jennie!

Two and a Half Men

Jacob worked on Two and a Half Men last week. He is part of a dream/nightmare sequence where Charlie Sheen's character walks into his house to see the 30 or so children he has 'fathered' during his , ahem, lifetime of debauchery. All the kids (girls included) were dressed in the Charlie 'look' - cargo shorts, mocs, and a bowling shirt. The scene is part of the season premiere - check local listings !

Styling!

Camping at El Capitan State Beach

This past weekend we went camping for the very first time.

Setting up camp.

Ann checks out the site.

A 'walk' on the beach turned into an impromptu swim.

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Jacob's tribute to Grumman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

A proper swim on Saturday.

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Hot dogs - camp style.



Mmmm...Smores!!!

A day trip to Solvang is not complete without a big wooden shoe.

Oooh -Ostrich Land!! We HAVE to check this out!



My, aren't we excited?


The sun, the wind, the big giant bird...


Why Dad, Why?!?!??!

"Based on the high quality paint job on this sign, this has got to be a classy joint!"

Click on the picture for the full effect.

The Whites Go Camping.



They look like they have lived at the beach all of their lives.

Bathroom Tour of Illinois

Jenni has a 'ahem' talent for finding bathrooms, so on this trip, we thought we would document her WC adventures....

Chicago Trip - Final Chapters

On Friday we got up a bit earlier than the day before, and took a cab over the Shed Aquarium.

Jacob and Jennie outside the Shedd Aquarium

After checking out all the cool fish and other assorted underwater creatures, we walked over to The Art Institute of Chicago. On the way we stopped by the Buckingham Fountain.

Goofy tourist pose #134

The Art Institute is truly an amazing place. We walked around a bit on our own, then went on a family tour with a guide.

In front of the lion at The Art Institute.

Jacob discusses the subtle nuance of 'Nighthawks'.

" A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat.

Kari and Al came into the city to pick us up, and we we're off to Wheaton. We went to a Kane County Cougars Single A baseball game. We sat on the grass and enjoyed a classic American evening.

Ann, Jennie, Eric, Kari, Al and Jacob enjoy the warm evening air.

On Saturday we drove to Sycamore, to check out the farm that was once owned by Ann's grandparents. The current owners were happy to see us, and invited us in for a visit. Jennie even got to gather some eggs!

Hillquist Farm

Jennie collecting fresh eggs.

On Sunday, we went to Cosley Zoo near Kari and Al's house, then to The First Division Museum at Cantigny - from cute little animals to The Big Red On and tanks, it was a fun day.

Still having fun

Attack!!!

So,to recap, in about 4 days we did the following:

• Navy Pier and a jet boat ride
• Buckingham Fountain
• Millennium Park
• Hancock Tower
• Sears Tower (just the lobby)
• Field Museum
• Shedd Aquarium
• Science And Industry Museum
• The Art Institute of Chicago
• Minor League Baseball game
• Hillquist Farm
• Cosley Zoo
• The First Division Museum at Cantigny

All in all, a GREAT trip!