Home Sweet Home

I have to agree with Dorothy, "there's no place like home!!"
So happy to see the kids.

Time with David

Finally done with his conference David had some time to explore with me.
After buying David 2 new suits for an outrageously discounted price (the store was closing and getting rid of everything) we headed over to the Field Museum, Chicago's Natural History Museum.  There we met Sue, the largest most complete T-Rex in the world. It was an amazing museum and I'm  excited to take the kids back one day.  On the way back to our  hotel we walked through Millenium Park and got to see Cloud Gate.  

Amazing Animals

We visited the downtown Chicago ward.

I always love to go to Church when we are out of town.

In every prayer that was offered they prayed for the new building that will be built.

They are currently meeting in a school building.

Evidently there are plans to build an 8 story structure right near the Magnificent Mile.

Sounds exciting!

In the afternoon we visited the Lincoln Zoo.

The last picture was a sweet gorilla mamma loving  her baby.

Absolutely adorable.

MOTHERS

Today I am grateful for MOTHERS.
All mothers! but especially my mother who loves to come and care for my kids.
The lit up revolving MOTHERS sign is spinning in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art.The MOTHERS sign was designed by Martin Creed who said mothers are the most important! I can agree with that.
I thought that perhaps there was a special exhibit on mothers but inside we just found single block lego tower and painted yellow x's that I have a hard time understanding as art. There was a cool oblong staircase....
We took a swim in the fancy swimming pool which was the best part of are very overpriced accomodations. We finished the day by seeing the play, The Book Thief, at the Steppenwolf Theatre. This is one of my favorite books and it was amazing to see it brought to life on stage.

Colorful Stores

David was at conferences all day so Jaymie came for 2 days to keep me company.
Friday we headed shopping along the Magnificent Mile which has every shop you can imagine.
I loved looking at how different stores present their products--the colors, the layout.
After several hours of shopping we filled our bellies and headed to the top of the John Hancock building which is the 3rd tallest in Chicago. It also had a great view of the city. At the end of the day we met up with David, grabbed some middle eastern food and went to Sportz Comedy improv show.

Beautiful Art

Today David and I arrived in Chicago.
He has an ophthalmology convention this weekend so we came a day early and will stay for a few extra days to make it a little vacation.
I was giddy to get here.
I love exploring new cities.
David bought me 2 travel books and on the plane at 5am I was planning our day.

First we took an architectural tour down the Chicago River.
It was interesting, educational, beautiful, and cold.
My question for the  guide: "What building was on the movie Adventures in Babysitting?"
He didn't know the answer so now I am investigating.

Next we went to the Sears Tower, the tallest building in the US.
Recently it was bought by someone else and has been renamed the Willis Tower.
The view was amazing and the clear ledge was really scary.

To finish the day we headed to The Art Institute of Chicago.
I love walking around museums.
My 2 favorite pieces were Thanksgiving by Doris Lee and The Child's Bath by Mary Cassatt.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Not that my heart didn't already adore my bald beauty but I am counting down the hours til my mom and Georgia arrive.  The kids are so excited.  David is so excited!! We are going to buy balloons and make her favorite dinner--Orange Ginger Chicken with Jasmine Rice.  Oh I can hardly wait for 4:45 today....