Chicago

Last Monday the kids and I took a quick trip to Chicago. We were supposed to go with my dad and meet my sister and her family there on their way out here for a visit, but since he shattered his shoulder about a month ago, the trip was cancelled since my step-mom needed to help him instead of my sister drive out for a vacation. Luckily, we weren't left high and dry. We were also planning on meeting my aunt and her daughter who are from Dallas and were visiting the other daughter who lives in Iowa City with her 1-year-old and hubby.

After the 4 hour drive, which the kids did very well with, we drove into the city on Lake Shore Ave., about one road's width away from Lake Michigan. It was beautiful! The first thing the kids said when we came upon the skyscrapers overlooking the lake was, "Can we live here?!"

As soon as we could, we jumped out of the car and played on the beach. It wasn't a planned stop and was only 65 degrees, not my idea of swimming-in-a-lake weather, but the kids had a blast! Victoria actually got on the water a little. Karissa and Austin didn't touch the water, but were overjoyed at being out of the car looking at it with the skyscrapers behind them.

After our fun detour at the beach, we met my aunt Terry, Danielle, Celeste, and baby Ellia at the park zoo.
That evening at our lovely hotel, we took a dip in the pool and Karissa really got attached to her new BFF, Danielle.
The next day we went to the Shedd Aquarium and saw the bottom floor, which was free that day. It was crowded, but enjoyable. The kids really liked the jelly fish.

Here's one of the many pictures Victoria took of fish. This one came out without the glare.

Since we were expecting the entire aquarium to be free, not just the bottom floor, we left earlier than planned when we discovered the extremely high prices of the upper floor. We will return one day and experience that, but probably with Jason so he can enjoy it too. So, we just left and had lunch on the museum square. We left for home shortly after that to make it in time for a better-night's sleep so Victoria could have fun at her end-of-the-year party at school. We were there about 24 hours, not counting driving, but it was fun and we don't regret it!