We struck out yesterday morning and after dropping off Dozer and Sam at their respective caretakers, we faced our ride to the north and west and pressed on the gas... Chicago here we come. Two hours into things as I was chatting on cell phone with my friend, Beth... I was (not so) surprised to be targeted by one of our fine Indiana State Police officers standing dutifully by the side of the road, radar gun directed at my speeding mini-van. I bid a hasty adieu to Beth and pressed rather forcefully and quickly on the brake, alas it was not quick enough. I whizzed way too quickly by him as he spoke into his radio causing officer #2 up the road to turn on lights and jump on my rail. Sighing, I pulled over post haste, prepared necessary license, registration and insurance, assured Stephen that no, I would most likely NOT be going to jail, and put on my sweetest oh-please-just-give-me-a-warning smile. But once I was informed I was clocked at 70 in a 50, I prepared myself for an authentic citation; which I got. Needless, I thanked the officer and expressed my appreciation right AFTER he ever so nicely (yet emotionlessly) requested I slow down and have a nice day. Not everyone can suck up so well AFTER being punished, but hey... It's a gift.
The remainder of the trip into Chicago was quite uneventful. Our first task was to find parking near the Willis Tower for our planned trip to the 103rd Floor Skydeck. We found a valet garage and grabbed a quick bite at the McDonald's next door before walking the 4 blocks to our destination. We had an hour wait for an elevator but were able to save some time by skipping the pre-tour movie and were on our way up after about 40 minutes. I hate to say it WASNT worth our time, but much more would have been gained from this particular attraction if I could have spent more time browsing the many views and historical information rather than keeping track of the kids running from window to window to gift shop to window to viewing ledge, to window... And even though I explained the significance, the 103rd Floor SkyDeck didn't really seem to do much for the kids. We did, however, have quite a good time on the elevator ride up; for although it shot us up with great speed, it still took a minute or so during which the (packed in like sardines) tourists were helpless victims of my kids' farting noises and giggles, not to mention Stevie's uninhibited and random comments and encouraging laughter from Macy and Nick.
After a successful descent and (thank God I thought to jot down the address of the parking garage) retrieval of van, we braved Chicago traffic and made our way to our hotel in Arlington Heights. After checking in we changed into our bathing suits and found the pool. It was of the outdoor variety, and albeit quite small, it was halfway surrounded by shade trees quite relaxing. I liked it. But the kids said it was boring and we did not stay for long.
Upon a return to the room and the donning of dry clothes we ventured out for dinner at The Grand Station, also in Arlington Heights. Italian faire (thankfully they did offer chicken fingers, saving us all from the wrath of Nicholas.) Stephen ordered one of his stand-by faves, Mac n Cheese, Macy tried the Chicken Ravioli and I opted for the Salmon Salad and a glass of Pinot Grigio. We all left happy, skipping dessert for a cup of frozen yogurt at the BerryYo down the block.
Before returning to the hotel for the night we went back downtown to see the Bears football stadium, Soldier Field. After taking the kids' picture at the front, we had the best time walking around the entire stadium admiring the ivy, putting our hands in the wall fountain, chasing squirrels, taking an emergency pee in the bushes, goofing off on the hollowed out rock earth, practicing our balance on the rock moon, climbing on the (I don't know what it was called but we called it the) spider web, and laughing at the sweet innocence of Nick's heartfelt, slightly squeaky, off key and louder-than-he-realized singing while listening with his headphones. Our walk around Soldier Field I was my favorite part of the day.
We took an alternate route back to our hotel along the lakeshore at dusk. Driving by the Navy Pier, the beach walkers and the beautiful lights and energy of downtown, we decided that our next trip into ChiTown would be spent exclusively along the shores. And although impressed and excited by our day in the city, Macy wanted to be sure we all knew... "I'm still more of a country girl."
