On our way into the city, we stopped at my good friend from pre-birth's (our dad's were fraternity brothers) home. Kids were excited to hang out with "Crazy Uncle E". He did not disappoint as he told the kids, "Mom's rules don't apply here" and he entertained them by letting them feed the turtle he has had since we were together in the 3rd grade. Hubby and I enjoyed the quiet time connecting with his better half while E ran around with the 4. Before we wore out our welcome, we said our "goodbyes" and headed to our hotel near Navy Pier.
After a late dinner at a cool Irish Pub (D4), we called it a night.
The next morning we woke up and enjoyed the deluxe breakfast offered by the hotel. Nothing says "Road Trip" like being able to make a donut sculpture at the hotel's buffet.
We then picked up my sister and kids at the train station and proceeded to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Lincoln Park Zoo is an amazing zoo in that it is in the middle of the city (in the near north side neighborhood of Lincoln Park) and is a free zoo. When I lived in the City, I would often pass through the zoo to get from point A to point B and loved the family friendly vibe that filled an often isolating city feel.
With my sister, sister-in-law and the gaggle of children, we enjoyed touring the zoo, pointing out our favorite animals, oogling at the 4 month old gorilla baby, and frequently taking head counts to check that we had not lost any of our people.
With my sister, sister-in-law and the gaggle of children, we enjoyed touring the zoo, pointing out our favorite animals, oogling at the 4 month old gorilla baby, and frequently taking head counts to check that we had not lost any of our people. When in Chicago, you eat what Chicagoans eat--- so we went to The Dog Joint near Gamekeepers and Geja's. (Anyone who has lived in Chicago as a twenty-something knows this exact location . . .). The kids were not adventurous to try a true Chicago hot dog- they ate theirs plain. But not I . . .
From there we cut back through the zoo to cross over Lake Shore Drive to North Ave Beach. I was surprised at how empty the beach was in late June. The kids ran around, wrestled in the sand, raced each other with the younger cousins on piggyback and splashed in the water.
After many "goodbyes", we proceeded back to the hotel. I ran across the street to get takeout from Whole Foods so that the kids could eat in the room. After a swim in the pool and showers, the kids settled into their Jammies, ate and discussed TV movie plans while the adults readied for a night out.
We Übered it down to the Billy Goat Tavern on Madison to meet friends and pick up our tickets to see U2. (Earlier in the day we had connected with former neighbors and were excited that they could join us at the concert! The impromptu get-togethers have been an awesome part of our trip!). We then walked over to the United Center- home of the Bulls and the 2015 Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks.
The kids were tired and complaining that we had walked too far. So, we took a little rest break at the Petrillo Band Shell to listen to the Orchestra rehearsal. It was not too humid with a slight breeze and perfect to sit and relax and listen to the beautiful music.
U2 played a fantastic show. We sang and danced along to songs we knew very well and some that were new to us.
After the show, we headed towards the hotel and detoured to the new Lurie Children's Hospital. For years I had worked third shift at Children's Memorial and had connected with the night cook- Miss Bettye. At midnight, we strolled into the hospital, explained to security that we did not have a patient to see- but wanted to see Miss Bettye. After a few phone calls to supervisors, he cleared us to go to the cafeteria. (Everyone knows what a special and loving woman she is so it probably was not too strange of a request.). The new hospital is AMAZING! It is clean, crisp and welcoming to everyone-especially children. (The former hospital was worn and outdated- but holds many memories for me.). Miss Bettye was thrilled to see us- just as we were to see her! She shared memories from 15 years ago when I was working there and informed us that she is retiring after 50 years! Such a warm heart and kind smile. A perfect end to the night!
The next morning the kids and I walked over to Navy Pier. Child #3 has become an animal lover and specifically a panda enthusiast. My mom had done some research for me ahead of time and found that the IMAX theater was showing a panda movie! Perfect for my daughter! (It takes a village to not only raise a child- but also to plan a road trip!!)
With our movie tickets in hand, we had an hour to explore. With hubby's dislike for heights, I knew he would not go on the famous Navy Pier Ferris Wheel. Since he was working, it was the perfect time for us to go!
He doesn't know what he is missing!!! The beautiful views of the magnificent city from the Ferris wheel were spectacular! We walked through the arboretum at Navy Pier as well. The kids enjoyed the water fountains spurting arcs into the plants.
Then it was movie time!!!! The kids had never been to a 3D IMAX movie- so this was a thrill. The movie was very informative and entertaining. I wouldn't be surprised if animal lover daughter wants to learn Mandarin so that she could someday work in the Panda Rescue Center in China.
After the movie, we ate Potbelly's for lunch. (Again- when in Chicago . . . ). For those who do not know Potbelly's- it is a sandwich shop that serves sandwiches on a soft roll and warmed. The meat and rolls are fresh and tasty. It started as a single store across from Children's Memorial on Lincoln Ave. Now it is franchised out and can be found in many cities nationwide. Sadly, they have not made it to Northern California yet . . .
After lunch we walked through the Loop to find a camera store for a new camera card. My suburban kids were not accustomed to the sights of the business district of a major city. My biggest challenge was keeping them together and shielding them from crossing the street against the signal. They all commented on how sad they were to see the homeless- especially the Veterans and those with animals.
We then met Hubby at Millenium Park. The kids loved looking at their reflection in the silver bean!
Time to close the Chicago chapter. We packed up, headed back to the burbs and prepped for the next Road Trip adventure . . .
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