Whirlwind

Yesterday and today were spent whizzing here, there and every where while on a short stint in Chicago. We had to return Jasper to his real family and we figured Chicago would be the perfect place to do that! And while we're at it, spend some time with his family.

And a family from WAY back when, the Mitals. Andrew and Nikolas were friends when they were babies. Andrew's Mom, Janet, and I met at YMCA activities and have remained friends ever since. Despite the years that may pass between visits, we always pick up right where we left off. Even the kids do the same. It's just a unique and special friendship, all around! Amazing... Wonderful to see them! We met at the Lincoln Park zoo where we roamed and wandered. Just ambling along, catching up and enjoying both fantastic company and weather. A quick dinner before parting ways and on to our next Chicago adventure!

Cubbies game next! We met back up with the Kalka family and had a delightful evening at Wrigley. Cool enough for jeans and sweatshirts. Beers in hand, peanut shells abound on the floor and just a good time all around. We bought Mia another Cubs shirt before taking the "L" home, she seems to grow out of them year after year...

This morning we woke in a somewhat leisurely fashion... As leisurely as the early bird (AKA Mia) would allow. We walked the few blocks down to this amazing breakfast place called "Yolk". If you are ever in ChiTown and seeking breakfast food; go! Run, don't walk! Then plan on a long walk, as we did, afterwards. Necesary following the consumption of such delicious food that one over stuffs oneself in pure gluttony! Carrot cake french toast for myself, Nutella crepes for Nikolas and S'more pancakes for Miss Mia!! Yummy!!

We walked down the lakefront, past Buckingham Fountain, to "The Bean" (really known as Cloud Gate) and the wading pool/fountain thingy. We managed to get in 4 GeoCaches as well!! Using my cell phone! Better cell signal than we have had previously for such activity.

After checking out from the hotel we moved the car to the Museum Campus for our final planned Chicago activity; the Shedd Aquarium. Belugas, otters, dophins, iguanas, snakes, you name it, we saw it all. It was quite the whirl wind tour of the aquarium. Love going there!

A quick stop and an old favorite along the way home, Fair Oaks Farm, for some ice cream and a quick bounce on the bouncy. One last stop at another old stand by unavailable in our immediate neck of the woods, Potbelly Sandwiches, for dinner as we zipped down I-65 back to the WrinkLee's. And now, we are all literally shattered!! It's been quite the whirlwind of activities. Enjoyable as it was, I have to say, my favorite was going to breakfast with the kids and walking around caching and seeing some of the simple sites of Chicago. The city skyline gets me every time I see it. It never grows old and there is no other sky line like it in the world for me.

Just a few pics to share... I don't have a lap top with me so I'm editing in Picasa. It's a nice back up but nothing compared to my actions in PhotoShop. And, honestly, I am BEAT! Sleeping in the same bed as Mia is an "event" in and of itself! The child has to lay across the bed and be physical re-positioned. She kicks. Her arms flail... And, once she's awake, she can't lay still or quietly... I know I said I was tired on a previous post, I had no idea then!!