Last week at this time we were in Chicago - beautiful, busy, exciting Chicago. We had such a great time, and it felt great to get out of town to slightly warmer weather. Rob spent some time at the MPSA conference - the real reason we were there - but we also had lots of time to swim, visit museums, sightsee, and shop. I have so much admiration now for moms (like my friend Stephanie) who live in big cities with young kids - it was quite the challenge to get our double stroller on the El and we wound up walking or taking taxis most of the time.The kids loved everything, and were so sad to leave (me too - back to making our own beds and cooking our own meals!). Jake still says, several times a day, "Chicago!!! So excited!!!" Fortunately the MPSA conference is held there every year so we will be back for sure.
Some of our favorite memories from the trip:
Swimming in the pool every day.
Pretending to be princesses as we explored the Grand Ballroom in our hotel, the Hilton Chicago.
Watching from our hotel windows: the busy streets at night, Lake Michigan at sunrise.
Spending most of a day at the Children's Museum - building, creating, climbing, playing in the water area with raincoats.
Valarie spending 30 minutes drying Jake's clothes at the hand dryers after playing in the water area (Jake's raincoat was no match for him).
Drawing on the tablecloths and enjoying amazing Italian food at Pizano's.
Sitting at the edge of Lake Michigan, tossing in stones and making Valarie freak out about the kids falling in.
Going for runs along the Lakefront trail - it's hard to beat that view! The downtown skyline and Lake Michigan...gorgeous.
Several nights we stayed late at Navy Pier or shopping on the Magnificent Mile - then we'd tuck the kids tight into the stroller and walk the several miles along the Lake back to our hotel as the lights came on in the city. Rob and I enjoyed actual uninterrupted conversations as the kids drifted off to sleep.
Jake pushing every single red button on the displays at the Field Museum - lots of display narrations!
Shopping! The American Girl Doll store, Nordstrom, Ralph Lauren, Crate and Barrel - we were in shopping nirvana...our small-town kids just loved all the escalators.
