Chicago

"Look Mommy! A Jesus Castle!"

Taxi!

Moments after Mom almost lost her elbow... the train was a little crowded... and HOT!

Today Mom and I set out on our grand adventure to Chicago. I know you all probably think the whole "driving across the country in a 20+ year old car" is adventurous enough but that was smooth sailing compared to how we felt about braving the big city. I was so stoked to go but at the last minute thought, "wow, the last time I did this I didn't have to think or do anything. Tanner just held my hand and I went along!" Ok, so not that's it's hard or anything but we feel pretty proud of ourselves for having such an epic day!

We caught the 9:37am train from Geneva and got to Chicago around 11am. Parker LOVED the train ride! The city was busy and loud when we got there and we put our big girl pants on and headed out into Chi-town! We went straight to the water taxi located on the river right under the Civic Opera House which is where Papa worked for many years. We hopped on a boat and were dismayed when we realized it was heading for China town. We weren't really planning an outing to Chinatown. So they brought us back, gave us "all day" water taxi passes (because they thought it was THEIR fault for sending us the wrong way-shhh, don't tell) and put us on a boat to Michigan Avenue. The ride was so wonderful! Seeing the city from the water is so serene. Chicago is such a beautiful city. The water taxi is cool and quiet and really gets you where you need to go quite quickly.

We walked the busy streets to the Art Institute and had lunch before browsing the breathtaking artwork. We saw all the major pieces featured in Ferris Beuler's Day Off and felt pretty good about that. Parker was so entrained with the miniature rooms presented on the first floor. They are like little dollhouse sized replicas of rooms in old homes. I was also happy to have a brief teaching moment in the Monet exhibit about impressionism. I said, "Now close your eyes." and then I'd lead him up to a painting really close up. Then I'd tell him to open his eyes and notice how all he could really make out were tiny dots and brushes of paint. Then we'd slowly take a few steps back and see how the picture changed from something that didn't make any sense at all to a beautiful landscape or colorful scene. For a 4 year old I think he did quite well in the art institute- especially around all the religious art depicting Christ suffering on the cross and such. I had to laugh when he saw a replica of a catholic cathedral and said, "Hey look! It's a Jesus castle!"

From the Art Institute we took a cab to the Shed Aquarium. We let Parker choose whether he wanted to see dinosaur bones or science stuff or fish and he chose fish. He's so funny because he gets the heebie Jeebies in aquariums- I know this from my recent experience at the shark tank at the Golden Nugget pool. He doesn't like really large fish, crabs, or lobsters. But, there were some really cool turtles and my favorite, jelly fish. There were also sea horses which I LOVE. He was enthralled with everything and we all had a good time.

But, all good things must come to an end. We left the Shed Aquarium and took a water taxi on Lake Michigan over to Navy Pier and then boarded another water taxi on the river back to Union Station. The water taxis are amazing. I'm so glad we chose to use them as our primary mode of transportation! And it was cheap!! $3 for the whole day!

We were leaving Chicago right when everyone was getting off work so it was business suits and ties as far as the eye could see rushing toward the train station. It was really thrilling. Again, Chicago is such a clean, sophisticated city. I just love it! Well, we RAN to catch a train that was leaving right as we were approaching and when we stepped onto the stairs we realized the train was packed and our bodies were NOT going to fit between the people already on the train and the doors which were presently closing.....ON us. They closed on Moms arm and shut on her purse! And the train was LEAVING! Mom was crying, "Ahhhh! Ahhhh!" trying to muscle her bag from the grips of the train doors. A brave man from behind her reached his hands out and with Herculean strength opened the doors enough to get her arm and purse safely inside the train. I had Parker pressed behind me as I struggled to help mom. The whole ordeal lasted less than 10 seconds but it sure got our adrenalin pumping. For some strange reason I just started busting up laughing! I mean, I could not STOP cracking up! I had tears streaming down my face! And I just kept thinking, "we sure aren't from around here!"

Uncle Ronny met us back at the Geneva station- Thankfully we were all in one piece. We were able to visit Muzzie and Papa's graves at the cemetery which was very special. Usually when I visit the graves of loved ones, I feel them close- like they are swinging by to say hi to me, too. But today I felt like they were busy. I actually felt like they were close with the Maires family today providing comfort and peace to then in their time of need.

We made it safely back to St Charles and were greeted with a yummy pizza dinner and great conversation from Uncle Ronny and Aunt Marie. They are such fantastic hosts. They are so fun and have, really, THE best home of all time. I'm so happy I've been able to spend a few days here with them. I love them so much.

Mom has been the BEST travel companion ever! We share and get along so well. We are always on the same wavelength which is so convenient for everyone involved. She has gone along with me on all my crazy ideas- I would have done NOTHING without her. You'd all be so proud of how energetic and strong and brave mom is! She's truly astounding!!!

Tomorrow we say hello to Pennsylvania  and get to throw our arms around Tanner Ray!!! Woo hoo!!! Love you!!!