Ahhhh, vacation! A little change of scenery, sweet time with family, good food, and no laundry does a heart and mind good. We just returned from a little getaway back to the midwest. We had the best of times despite the humidity, which we seem to have forgotten about since living in Colorado.
Our first stop was sweet home Chicago. Because I grew up forty-five minutes outside this awesome city, I was fortunate as a child to visit often. My mom would take my brother and me down on the train, and we would spend wonderful days shopping at Marshall Fields, watching a Cubs game, visiting a museum, or seeing a show. Then we would meet my dad, who worked in the city, for dinner and beg not to go home. They are sweet memories, and I couldn’t wait to make new ones with Harper and Jameson.
After checking in to our Michigan Avenue hotel, we had priorities to take care of, the first of which was pizza. We didn’t have the stamina to stand in a long line at Lou Malnati’s after a day of travel so we did the next best thing- ordered in! Oh Lou, we love you. By the way, they can actually ship pizza to your doorstep. Need a birthday present? Anniversary present? Early Christmas gift?
We were happy. So very happy. So very, very happy.
#gratefulfordeepdish
After an evening dip in the swimming pool, we were ready for a good night’s sleep to energize us for day two.
I begrudgingly got out of bed before the others the next morning and made myself go run. All that pizza had me in a cheesy yet slightly bloated haze of satisfaction. I didn’t want to go, but then –
I couldn’t not feel energized. What a view! What a city! What awesome weather!
#ThankyouChicagoweatherGods
When everyone awoke, we were ready for a day at the Shedd Aquarium. This is a must-see place if you are passing through the city with kids. We started with the dolphin show which was exciting, adorable, and informative. The kids dug it!
We spent the rest of the morning gawking at penguins, sharks, and sea turtles and visiting the stingray pool. Smiles all around.
Of course, one of the beautiful and wonderful things about Chicago is its glorious Lake Michigan coast line. We decided to take in the skyline via the boat ferry as we left the Shedd. We hopped on and encouraged the kids to have their Titanic moment at the front of the ferry.
Jason and I even had our own romantic Titanic moment. Oooooohlala.
The ferry delivered us to Navy Pier where we strolled, sipped on cool drinks, and took a ride on the famous Chicago ferris wheel.
Our view from the top …
A little fun inside …
After a delicious dinner at the Grand Lux Cafe, we retired for the night. Put this restaurant on your radar if you are local. It’s got something for everyone.
Our final full day in Chicago was spent mostly (5 and a half hours!) at the Museum of Science and Industry. I know I said the Shedd is a must-see place. But this museum is REALLY a must-see. There is so much to do and a great deal of hands-on experimenting for the kids to participate in. We left at 3:00 that afternoon having not seen it all. At least we have an excuse to come back again.
We reluctantly said our goodbyes to the museum but were hungry and ready for dinner at Bandera.
Yum. Yum. Yum. Yum. Have the rotisserie chicken.
After a wonderful supper, we strolled along the mag mile and weaved in and out of some stores. We licked lollipops and people-watched and happily but tiredly made our way back. How lucky we were to have this view from our hotel room …
Good night, Chicago. You were so good to us.
Tune in for part 2 soon. Door County, Wisconsin is a treasure.
