It’s officially Fall and this little family couldn’t be any happier. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing colors, neighborhood walks are twice daily (at minimum), and knit sweaters are abundant. The season also inspires a new sense of outdoor adventure with all the fun seasonal festivals that create magic for little ones (pumpkin picking, hay rides, face painting, farm animals, apple cider donuts, BBQ, etc. etc.)

Whooo hoo! We have officially hit our stride as a family of four! I had always heard that the transition from one to two was the most difficult (by three, four, etc. apparently you’re just adding another to the mix…?) There certainly was an adjustment period, but we have all settled nicely into our new normal.

A few months ago, I was able to work the girls into a schedule so that they both nap at the same time every afternoon, which is HUGE. At eight months old, Nora still takes one cat nap in the morning and a long nap during her sister’s nap time. We’re lucky that even if Dakota isn’t in the mood to nap, she’s happy to play on her own for TWO WHOLE HOURS in her room (let’s face it, there’s plenty to keep her occupied in that room!)

It’s hard to believe Nora is six months old already! We can already tell she’s a kinetic little human. Never one to be contained, she’s army crawling all over the place! She’s not quite sitting up unassisted yet but that’s because she’s too preoccupied trying to MOVE.

Of all the museums and attractions of Cincinnati, we were careful to time our trip to make sure we wouldn’t miss the last weekend of the Butterflies of Ecuador show at Krohn Conservatory. You walk around the conservatory filled with roughly 12,000 butterflies in free flight.

We took the opportunity to make a long weekend out of Father’s Day and explore Cincinnati — a city neither of us had been to and was just a short flight away.

Staying in South Loop proved to be the best spot for everything we wanted to do in Chicago (despite the fact that unbeknownst to us our AirBnB sat atop a nightclub…!)

Dakota’s favorite part about our apartment was the fact that the L train ran routinely just outside our window. Every time she heard it rolling in, she ran to the window to wave hello. “hiya chooch!” she’d affectionately call out (a nickname she proudly concocted herself).

Every city we visit, we try to make it to the local children’s museum (see LA here). Some of my favorite childhood memories involve day trips with my grandmother, sister and brother to the National Children’s Museum.

The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium were nestled close together just East of our where we were staying (South Loop), making it easy to explore all the Museum Campus had to offer.

Chicago’s parks are pretty bomb. The rich history, fun sculptures, and innovative play spaces amid an incredible skyline offer a breathtaking view for everyday play. It’s safe to say the city’s parks did not disappoint.

I’ll admit, as excited as I was to welcome a new baby into our home, there was a lingering sense of apprehension about how Dakota would adapt to the transition. (She’s never been much for sharing her time with mama!)

It’s certainly been a transitional time for our family but Dakota is adjusting like a champ. She adores her new little Nora (or “Nora Noory” as she has so affectionately nicknamed her) and is often eager to help with the new baby. All those doting kisses and sweet cuddles are completely heart melting.