Hall Family Visit

I was so excited to have my family come and visit over the weekend. Kind of crazy though, because Scott's family just left and my family arrived only two days later. I could care less. I'm just glad I was able to see them again and to see Brent before he leaves on his mission to the Dominican Republic in September.

Grandma and Eliza

Brent, Mom, Travis, Me and Eliza

Even though the stay was short, that didn't cut back on the amount of activities we did. We spent Saturday cooped up for a bit due to a nice rain storm that came through. Later, Anthony and Travis went with Scott to the Elder's Quorum activity for a barbecue and to shoot guns. So jealous! Mom, Dad, Brent, Eliza and I went to the Botanic Garden. The flowers and the shrubbery was absolutely beautiful! I think my two favorite areas were the Japanese Garden and the Waterfall garden.

Eliza in the Gardens


Watching the ducks

Monday we got to go into the city. We drove past the Temple and through Northwestern University on our way into the city. We also drove past Wrigley Field, US Cellular Field, and the Sears Tower. (I know it's the Willis Tower, but it will always be the Sears Tower to me!) We then parked at Navy Pier and walked around the pier, had lunch, walked to Grant Park and then made our way back home.

Giving Baby a hug

Sadly, my family had to leave on today, but they left with a bang. We got to make Molasses cookies and Eliza had fun pounding the dough so she could use the cookie cutters. Anthony and Travis had a blast putting the sprinkles on the cookies. They turned out really well. Cookies made together as a family always have some way of turning out super awesome!

Grandpa reading to Eliza

Making Cookies

Travis and Eliza

Aside for spending every waking minute together and playing games late at night until we were so exhausted and would laugh at everything, I loved having my family here. I wish the stay wasn't so short, but it was so worth it! I love you guys!

Natter Family Reunion

So, this past week has been awesome! The Natter family has had the chance to come out to our place and have a family reunion. After everyone showed up, we took off for the Dunes in Indiana. Scott's boss was gracious enough to let us stay at his beach house from Saturday to Tuesday. We spent every day going to the beach and Eliza absolutely loved the water. The last time Scott, Eliza and I went we couldn't get her into the water. This time, she was running and jumping in, forgetting the fact that she doesn't know how to swim. Luckily one of us was always around her so she didn't drink up too much water.

Playing Games

Relaxing in Lake Michigan

Eliza running down the dune

We spent all of Tuesday driving down to Cuiver River State Park in Missouri. We ended up spending that night in a hotel instead of at the campground because of all the rain and because some of our stuff got wet from the drive down. So, we set up camp on Wednesday, played in the river, went on a hike, and just relaxed. Scott and Steve had fun catching crawdads and little Jackson was excited to see his dad, Tim, meet us there.

Lounging on the fallen tree


Scott hunting for crawdads

Walking in the river

We also got to spend Thursday in Nauvoo and watch the Nauvoo Pageant that night. It was an amazing production and we all had fun with the pre-pageant games and activities.

Family Pic in Nauvoo


Circle Dancing

Scott and Eliza dancing

Watching a puppet show

Friday's activity took us to a cave in Southern Illinois. I was a little nervous about going into the cave, but I had a blast! We hiked in as far as we could go and then Scott's dad and I came back. I couldn't stay in the cave much longer and I couldn't do all of the exploring like everyone else got to do. That's the joys of pregnancy: big stomach and nature always calling.

Group photo before entering the cave


Scott and I are posting on wall

Scott crawling through the cave

We came home on Saturday saying good bye to Tim, Lindsey and Steve before we left camp. They flew out from St. Louis that afternoon. We then had to say good bye to Scott's dad and Danny on Sunday and today we said good bye to Riki, Jackson, Scott's mom and Grandma Hendricks. It's sad to see everyone go, but we had such a wonderful time.