Family on the road.
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[ Chris + Simon on the swings at Navy Pier ]
We've been in Chicago for just about a week now.
We combined a couple of work things (me teaching a class at Windy City last Thursday + Chris attending the Democratic Leadership Council annual meeting this past weekend) with some sightseeing and family fun/adventure.
We embarked on lots of tourist stuff: an architectural boat ride up the river, checked out the Lincoln Park Zoo, Millenium Park, Navy Pier, the Lego Store, the Shedd Aquarium, etc. I think Simon liked the Lego Store the best.
Chicago is a very cool city - I have been here many times but always ended up out near the convention center for CHA (will be back here for that next month) and just not enough time/energy to be able to come downtown and see all the tall buildings and hustle + bustle.
My travel reality: I am wiped out. I think I am much more of a beach vacation person...where there is very little to do except relax by the pool. I think Simon does better with that too - all the coming and going and walking of an active vacation takes its toll fairly quickly (even when focusing on the kid-friendly activities).
We heard a lot of "will you pick me up?" and "are we getting a cab?"
Chris mastered the public transportation system by the second day (the first day included way, way too much walking and whining while looking for the right bus). We spent lots of time on buses and on the train (Simon loved both of those).
Random silly memory: Simon and I ordered room service the last two nights while Chris was in meetings and we had a lady that brought up our dinner and each time she would say, "beautiful order, beautiful order." Made me giggle both nights.
Here's a look at some of my favorite photos from the week:
Simon in the hotel room at Hotel Allegro (got a deal through Priceline - another one of those things that Chris loves to experiment with). Cool, modern hotel with very small rooms.
On one of those great double-decker buses. We stayed on here until we were all melting in the heat.
On the small train at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Checking out the view from the Sears Tower.
Lots and lots of looking up. The buildings here are really amazing. I especially am a fan of the combination of old and new mixed in together.
Playing with goodies from the Lego Store.
I definitely have enough photos and memories for some creative documenting. Looking forward to time to play with the photos + words soon and looking forward to getting back to "regular life." I also have some plans for a couple upcoming series I hope to get underway in the next couple of weeks.
Happy Monday!
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65 comments
How fun to get out and see so many things!! I can picture my 6 year old daughter asking to be picked up to....she still insists on sitting in shopping carts and she dosen't really fit anymore. Oh mercy on the back!! Thanks for sharing Ali!
P.S. I hope you don't mind, but I put a link to your blog on mine under inspiration!!!
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Glad you are back to blogging. Missed you last week!! Sounds like a fun trip. My son loves the Lego store too!
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great shots - i especially love the swings. welcome home and get some r&r....looking forward to a new series... :)
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Hi Ali,
It is so great to have you back! But, I understand your need for a break. A little birdie named Tricia told me that she thought you might be teaching in the Toronto area? Is it true?
Kelly
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Sounds like a fun trip! And now I think I know where the cover to Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was shot :)
http://www.amazon.com/yankee-hotel-foxtrot-Wilco/dp/B00005YXZH
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The shot of Simon on the bed at the hotel captures so well the feel of the city, of staying in a downtown room, of this type of travel in general {including the need for some "down time"}. Really liked the room service story as well.
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The corn cob buildings are my absolute favorite buildings I've encountered in my life. I just adore them. Chicago is my favorite city after San Francisco. Not that you needed to know all that, but I told you anyway, lol. I'm jealous you get to go twice in such a short time!
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hey ali!
so glad you enjoyed my wonderful city! you have seen more of it than i have ha ha!! i REALLY need to get my girls down there (we are about 35 miles from there) this summer! i am more of a beach kind of person too! LOL!!!!!! can't wait to see how you scrap this vacatiON! mini books are mY FAVE thing to do~
tara
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Hi Ali,
I just wanted to say we thought your class at Windy City Totally Rocked, we LOVED it!I have a special request I was hoping you would post the book you had forgotten. I would love to see it.
P.S. Once I let go of the "instructions" and made the album my own it went together very quickly.
Thanks again Donelle Macey
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how fun!
so glad you got to get away as a family (even if it wasn't at the beach).
have a great week, ali.
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What a wonderful trip Ali!
Love the photo esp of you and Simon.
Welcome back :)
Lusi x
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Hi Ali,
I love your pictures! I lived in Chicago for two summers and LOVED it!! It looks like you had a wonderful time.
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Hey Ali! Sounds like you had fun in Chicago...I did get a call the night of your class that there was an opening but it was too late to get a sitter and drive the 45 min to Chicago to see you....maybe next time! Looking at the photo of your hubby with Simon on the swing made me remember when I rode that swing last Labor Day weekend with my son...I pretended to like it but I was white knuckling it the entire time...it scared me to death and my son thought it was awesome! (I think I am getting old!) Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed your stay and again, I hope I get to visit a class of yours next time you are in town. (I have to say the people at Windy City Scrapbooking were really nice and called many times to keep me posted...I can see why you like it there.) Have a relaxing week!
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Hi Ali! It was so great meeting you and attending your class! I am glad you liked Chi-Town so much! Now we need to get you to a cubs (not sox!) game!!! Hugs! Nan
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What an awesome picture of your guys on the swings! Chicago is one of my favourite places ever - glad your family had such a great trip :)
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I'm sorry I didn't know you were going to be at Windy City for the class or I would've driven into the city for it. Oh well. Glad you and the family enjoyed Chicago. We live 75 miles away but love to come into the city when we can. Go Cubs!
Sue
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Fun...the lego store, I know my 6 year old boy would LOVe that too.
Blessings,
Holly
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Thanks again Ali for teaching your amazing class at Windy City! I think my favorite part of the night was after class was over and cleaned up, we all just sat around and chatted. I relly enjoyed getting to know you better. Looking forward to filling my album with pictures from this month. I just hope I remember to take pics everyday :) See you in a couple weeks at CHA!
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How I wish I knew you were going to be in Chicago!! I was born & raised & now am raising my kids 1 hour north of the city. My kids love Chicago & yes the Lego store is a must!!!
Laura
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My family went to Chicago last summer. We did a lot of the same things, and reading your blog was a wonderful reminder.
Heather
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