Yay for Spring Break. Not that it felt like "Spring" at all....but it was a nice break.
We have been wanting to visit Chicago ever since we moved to Iowa (and discovered it was only 3hrs away) and this spring break seemed like the perfect chance. I'm going to be honest and tell you about my huge blunder...only because it MIGHT be funny a couple years down the road.
One of the items on my unwritten bucket list was to see the chicago river dyed green (which they do every year during their St. Patties day celebration). Because St. Patricks day conveniently landed on the first day of our Spring break, we pretty much planned this trip to see the green river. We made sure we were in Chicago with enough time to see them actually dump the dye in the water. We didn't know exactly where we needed to be so we stopped at a McDonalds for a little wifi connection. Skyler ran inside, looked up the information and came back with a somewhat shocked look on his face....Only to share the dreaded news that we had completely missed the celebration. APPARENTLY...they do the entire dying of the river, St. Patties parade, partying...you name it, it all happens the weekend before St. Patricks day. WHAT?? Are you seriously kidding me? How in the world did I miss that. :( Boohoo...We(I) got over it...I don't think anyone else was really that disappointed. After I swallowed that rather shocking news, we really did enjoy the next few days of our Chicago getaway.
Conviently, Skylers Dad flys to Chicago all on time on business. He happened to work things out to be there the same time as us. So he so very very nicely shared his hotel room with us. And check out our view. Second floor to the top looking out to some pretty magnificent buildings. The tallest building you see with the two white spikes on top is the Willis Tower, aka. Sears Tower. Never living anywhere near a big city, I'm just in awe at giant skyscrapers, every time I see them.
Our visit out to Navy Pier. 30degrees and I'm almost positive everyone thought I was being ridiculous, but I just wanted to walk all the way to the end of the pier. Preston did not. So we somehow convinced him we were walking to the end of the world. That of course made it much more exciting.
Shed Aquarium. We couldn't actually stomach paying $25 a person to see the cool sharks, whales, and other giant sea creatures downstairs. But the kids had just as much fun seeing the hundreds of other fish the aquarium had to offer (for a much much more reasonable price too).
Treated ourselves to a delicious chocolate cake shake from Portillos...so SO yummy! While experiencing our first double lane drive through. Lots of guys walking car to car placing orders, taking money, and delivering food...it was totally different than your normal drive-thru. I can't explain it. you just have to try it for yourself.
> Oh, and Skyler may and may not have had a run in with the bellman for a luggage cart. :)
We also were so lucky to spend our few days in Chicago with Skyler Mom. She flew in to have a little Chicago fun with us while Farrell was working. The boys of course loved the one on one time with Grandma and Grandpa! And Preston really thought they were the greatest when they took him to the Rainforest Cafe...two nights in a row :)
Family Selfies in The Bean.
And a trip to Chicago is not complete without seeing "The Bean". A giant piece of artwork that is really called "Cloud Gate" but looks just like a bean. I'm also rather fascinated by giant pieces of modern art placed all over big cities...I mean, who isn't?
So cool!
Can you tell how excited we all were for our lake day.
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