After a weekend of rain and 40 degree weather in Chicago we wanted to take full advantage of the North Carolina 80 degree weather when we got home. We took out the kiddie pool and had a a little water fun. I see lots of similar activities in the months to come! 
Ryan and I went on a trip to visit Uncle David last weekend. I know that the transition from being an only child to being the big brother has been a bit of a challenge and he has been craving some more one on one time, so a trip with just the two of us to Chicago seemed like the perfect remedy. 
This picture is of Ryan meeting the pilot of the plane, Ryan hadn't been on a plane since he was about 1 so it seemed like a new experience to him. Everyone at the airport was really nice to Ryan (including security- I know, color me shocked).
Here is Ryan's little set up, he had his snacks, drink and iPad (at this moment he was watching a bit of Finding Nemo). 
Ryan riding on the train into the city from the airport. A plane, then a train... what could be better for a 2 year old?
After getting in Uncle David brought us to Michigan Ave and their super fun Disney store- I let Ryan pick out one toy so after lots of testing he ended up with a combo pack of Mac and Lightening McQueen from Cars. It was much needed because when we walked into Uncle David's apartment the firs thing out of Ryan's mouth was "Wow, nice place, where are the toys?"
The weather was pretty bad the whole time we were there- rainy, cold and grey but Ryan didn't mind- in fact I'm pretty sure he was excited he got to walk in the rain a lot (and splash in every puddle along the way).
This is the only picture with Ryan and I together where he wasn't hiding his face- he did it on purpose and on the train ride back to the airport he looked up at me and said "I no hide my face anymore"
It was a vacation- he wanted ice cream so Uncle David and I took him out for ice cream- even though it was dinnertime and freezing outside.
Probably the most fun thing we did the whole time in Chicago was a visit to Shedd Aquarium. I am so thankful Uncle David took us. I had never been, even though I lived in the city for 2 years. It is a great place for kids- Ryan spent a lot of times playing in the Penguin section and in their model submarine.
We went to go get pictures taken with the Easter Bunny today! This is the first year that Ryan didn't fought me tooth and nail to get away from the beastly bunny. Even Audrey seemed to enjoy what she seemed to see as a large stuffed animal, she reacted better then she does with people she doesn't know.
Audrey is starting to get big enough to play with her brothers toys... I think Ryan is coming to the realization of what having is a sister is all about. We'll see how this works out. I foresee a few bumps along the road coming our way.
Reason #278 that my house is always in need of being cleaned. This picture was taken 5 minutes after I finished cleaning this room. Oh well, such is life! 
It is interesting to watch the difference between a first and second child. I always thought that it was just that parents gave less attention to the second child but that's really not it. Here are a few of the differences I have noticed:
I couldn't figure out a good blog entry to do with these pictures but I love them so here they are: 
Last Wednesday (yes I am kinda behind in posting) daddy took the day off work and we headed to a science museum. This might be Ryan's new favorite place on earth. Here are some of the pictures of the day, we lucked out and the weather was great. When we finally headed home Ryan was so tired that he was asleep by the time we left the parking lot, a sign of a very good time had. 
Questions for Ryan:
Audrey is starting to communicate! She says "Dada" and at times she says "Hi"... she also gabs a lot which is very different then what Ryan did. Such a girl, I can see large phone bills in my future.
Some of you might have noticed that Audrey never wears socks, no matter how cold it is... here is my answer as to why. This picture was taken 30 seconds after I put on her socks.
