Our Trip to the Windy City

Matt attended a conference in Chicago last week, so the girls and I tagged along. I've visited Chi-Town three times previously, but never before have I seen the city quite through the eyes of a one and a three-year-old. It did not disappoint, and Skylie claimed she wanted to "stay there forever"!

I was pleasantly surprised at all the help I got wrangling my two crazies--a definite bonus considering meetings filled all of Matt's days and some of his evenings.

If you're thinking about a family vacation to Chicago, I'd give it two thumbs up. We easily filled our days with activities without spending a dime. Except on food, of course, and the bus fare to the zoo.

TUESDAY:
All morning in Millennium Park we checked out:

• the monuments
• creepy art
• the bean
• the family activity center
• a symphony's rehearsal
• the gardens

This may be my favorite picture of the entire trip. Love my smiling girl running around a fountain with the buildings of Chicago in the background.

The famous bean in Millennium Park

Art Institute of Chicago Children's Area
By a happy accident, we wandered across a bridge and found ourselves at the Art Institute. Hot temperatures enticed me to check into the amenities. The museum not only has a family area, but it's no cost. This place entertained my kids for over an hour while we cooled off before making our way back to the hotel.
Garrett Popcorn
Kaitlyn fell asleep on the walk, so I seized the opportunity to pick up some Garrett's Popcorn. Skylie and Kaitlyn (okay, Matt and I, too) relished downing that sweet and salty goodness while we watched T.V. Skylie referred to the caramel popcorn as the "really tasty kind". 

Michigan Avenue's Favorite Stores
Michigan Avenue (aka the Magnificent Mile) is one of my favorite places in Chicago! The cool stores, the buzz, the excitement--it's truly an experience. Coming from a girl that doesn't love to shop, that says a lot about this shopping central!

We hit four stores Tuesday evening. Matt joined us for a while before heading to his dinner appointment.

• The American Girl Place
• The Lego Store
• Hershey's (free chocolates are given out)
• Ghirardelli Chocolate Co. (also a complimentary chocolate, here)

Skylie would have been content feeding pigeons all day, every day. After window shopping she spent at least half an hour feeding the pigeons bread with an old man. And yes, my daughters did roam Chicago mostly bare foot, despite my attempts to keep shoes on them.

Watching shows way past bedtime

WEDNESDAY
Lincoln Park Zoo and Farm-in-the-Zoo

Riding the bus to the zoo thrilled Skylie and Kaitlyn! First we visited the Farm-in-the-Zoo where the kids pet goats, watched cows get milked, and looked at baby chicks.

We eventually made our way to the zoo. While watching the water fowl, Skylie announced that she wanted to be a duck, and that "maybe we can ask Heavenly Father to turn me into one."

Visiting a city that's famous for it's food, Matt made sure that we dined well. Wednesday night our family went out for deep dish Chicago-style pizza at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, a local favorite, Matt heard. It tasted great, minus the skimpy amount of sauce. Though I still prefer Giordano's when it comes to deep-dish.

Thursday

• Navy Pier
• hotel swimming
• COSI for dinner (comparable to Panera)
• Playing at Crown Fountain

Above: At the indoor gardens in Navy Pier
Love Skylie in these two pictures--so characteristic of my silly, goofy daughter

At Navy Pier

Crown Fountain in Millennium Park

I have video of the kids playing at Crown Fountain, pictured above. But the video's on my phone, and it's being funky right now. 

Playing here seemed to be the highlight of the trip for both Skylie and Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn raced into the action without hesitation or concern regarding the whereabouts of her parents. She even came back and gave Skylie a shove on the back, in an attempt to coax her into the water. (Kaitlyn's independence keeps me on my toes. Sometimes I wish she'd be just a little more timid!) In time, Skylie splashed and played to her heart's content, as well.

Friday

• Hotel swimming
• Big and Little's for lunch, a restaurant featured on Diners, Dine-Ins, and Dives

Matt got the soft shell crab po'boy. I ordered a fish taco. Both Matt and I were a little underwhelmed about our entree. But I love me some good fries, and these ones tasted oh so good. Mmm, yum.