The Parnell Family: Chicago Girls' Trip

6.12.2013

Chicago Girls' Trip

My parents gift to the girls for their 6th and 8th birthdays was a trip to Chicago to the American Girl Store. We were blessed to be able to stay at my parent's close friends, the Martinez, gorgeous condo downtown- walking distance to the Navy Pier and the American Girl Store. We were thrilled that Monique and Mae were able to meet us there!

Even though it was very overcast, we still had a great time exploring the Navy Pier.

For the girls the highlight of the trip was definitely the day we spent at American Girl. They had been saving their money, and that, combined with gift cards from Emmy and Pop allowed them to have enough to get come home with a new doll (Saige for Lila and Josephina for Elise), as well as let Julie and McKenna visit the salon.

Then David treated us to lunch in the American Girl cafe!!!

It was a very special day and one that (I hope) they will always remember.

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Elise

Elise Laurent was born at 5:00 p.m. on July 19, 2005. We did not find out her sex during my pregnancy and we were thrilled to tears (and slightly shocked) to meet our beautiful baby girl. She was a big baby at 8lbs, 8oz, and David and I couldn't take our eyes off of her. Elise is an old French name that David and I have always loved. Laurent is both my paternal Grandfather's name and my Dad's middle name. We always dreamed of having a daughter and were so thankful and overwhelmed to be given such a blessing.
Elise is a true first born. She likes structure, likes to fully understand everything, likes her questions answered to her satisfaction. She loves to be challenged and to challenge. She is also highly sensitive and independent.
She is a wonderful big sister to Lila and Bennett....

Lila and Bennett

It would be an understatement to say that we were shocked to learn on November 11, 2006 that we were not expecting baby #2, but baby #2 and #3!! In just shy of two years we would have created quite a family!
But, on June 1st, 2007, at 36 weeks exactly, we were thrilled and completely overcome with joy and gratitude as we welcomed two big, healthy babies into our family. First, Lila Sue, named after my Mom at 7lbs 0.6oz, and secondly, Bennett Raymond, named after David, David's Dad, and my maternal Grandfather, at 7lbs 10.4oz.
Lila has been the vocal one from the start and to this day is still pretty much running the show. She is the life of the party, the entertainer. But she is also the most compassionate, most giving of our children.
Bennett is a true boy. He is active and rough and loves to tackle and throw. He also adores his sisters and his Dad and gives the best hugs around. His big baby blues get me every time.