Day in the Windy City

Friday was a busy day. We got up early(ish) to head into Chicago for a big day of adventure.

Our day started with a stop at the American Girl Store -- where else? Emmalee has been planning this stop for the last 12 months. Meticulously thinking through the best ways to spend her hard earned and saved money. Pouring through the AG catalogs for ideas. Making lists. Discussing them with her 'girls' And Friday was the big day.

From July 2 - Chicago Trip

It all came down to this:

• Ear piercing for Katie with extra earrings
• A hair brush and sun hat for Katie
• A lounge/futon chair that folds out into a bed for Katie (that is small enough to pack into a suitcase!)

Gramma Sandi surprised her with a red bikini for Katie and a beautiful tap dancing outfit for her too. Mom got Emmalee an American Girl sun hat. Damage completed in approximately 1 hour.

From July 2 - Chicago Trip

Boys survived 4 minutes in the store before they were released to go out into the wilds of the city (Hershey's Chocolate Shop for s'mores and other chocolate goodies). They were good natured upon return - feigning interest in what Emmalee had bought and what she still wanted to get.

From July 2 - Chicago Trip

Then onto the good at FOOD LIFE at Water Tower Place. Where you can order anything you want in the food court and just swipe a card. You just pay at the end. Prices weren't too bad and there are at least 8 different food types to choose from. Makes it easy for groups to find different styles to suit all.

From July 2 - Chicago Trip

After lunch we headed over to the Museum of Science and Industry. They had a new weather exhibit that we were all interested in, as well as the OMNIMAX theater that we had gotten tickets for.
The kids were really interested in the weather exhibit. I would say we spent the majority of our time there. We did go see other things, but as you can see, quite a few of the photos were taken there...


We watched an OMNIMAX movie about the Tahitian Wave which was good and fit in with what the kids were learning about oceans and waves, so it ticked some boxes about education on the trip. Jim went to see the one about the Hubble Telescope, which he really liked.
Afterwards, we left when the museum closed. Dad took us on a scenic tour of the South Side of Chicago, thru 95th Street and Evergreen Park to avoid I94 and 4th of July weekend traffic. So what normally takes 10 minutes, took over an hour to drive. Instead of driving north, we drove South West. Jim still isn't sure what dad was doing.
But we ended up calling Sam and decided to meet him at UNO's in Schaumburg (eventually) for dinner. Had to get a deep dish pizza fix in for Jim before he leaves. Arrived there at 8pm (after leaving museum at 5.45pm. Kids were getting antcy and hungry. But UNO's didn't dissappoint.

From American Girl

Jim got his deep dish pie and was satisfied. He can go back to Sydney and survive another year without artery clogging 2 inch thick cheesey pizza!

From American Girl