Chicago!
All aboard the train to Chicago! The girls had been planning a "surprise" trip to Chicago for my birthday for the last year...and Doug made it happen. They really did not sneak a word about it until my birthday - and Ava was bursting at the seams to tell me. Couldn't believe they kept such a big secret. They were even at one point saving all their money in a baggy in Ava's dresser - just for the trip. So sweet. Love my girls. They know how to make a Mom feel special. Best birthday present ever - time with my four favorite people in one of my favorite cities.
Our weekend started early, early on Saturday at the train station. Doug figured the girls would get a kick out of a train ride...and he thought right. Ava was enamored by the train station, the trains (inside and out) and looking out the window.
Olivia caught a snooze on the way - she was getting over croup from the past week. Glad she got some Z's...and I loved holding her in my lap!
We arrived to Union station in Chicago and "hailed" (as Ava would say) a taxi. Real taxi ride - they thought this was the coolest. We arrived at our hotel which had the fastest glass elevators ever, which overlooked part of the lake and city side. Also - big long escalators. Dreams come true in a kid's book. Right after this trip down - we got lost in the hotel:-)
After dropping our things at the room...we ventured out to Michigan Ave. Ava was amazed with all the traffic and buildings and Kate commented on the amount of people and honking cars. They all loved the street entertainment. Their first time in a big city, big city. We ate lunch at Grand Lux Cafe and lucked out...getting the big fancy booth right in the front room made of glass that overlooks Michigan Ave. Timed that one right! The food was excellent...and Doug and I cheersed to a fun birthday weekend:-)
Thought the angle on this one made for a funny pic! Don't worry...she was sipping on her water and not my Mimosa!
We were greeted by these guys at Millennium Park...
And next...the Cloud Gate sculpture. The girls thought the "Bean" was so cool. I love this sculpture and the reflections of the city, blue sky and fluffy clouds in the background of family photos:-)
Next stop - John Hancock building and up 1000 feet to the observatory. It was a beautiful day - and we could see in all directions - getting a beautiful view of the city, Lake Michigan, Navy Pier and the shoreline. Such a beautiful city!
The girls even got in some window washing (notice Kate is washing her sister)...
And some smoothies at the skywalk cafe!
After a long day - we strolled back to our hotel which wasn't far from John Hancock. The girls were such troopers - Ava & Kate walked the whole day with very little complaining. Olivia had the life in her stroller. We caught a cab for a 5:30 dinner at a yummy Italian restaurant. We had fantastic pizza, fresh mozzarella, shrimp and spaghetti (yum!!)- and got to sit at a table that was semi outside. The girls got a kick out of the double decker buses that drove by.
Our weekend started early, early on Saturday at the train station. Doug figured the girls would get a kick out of a train ride...and he thought right. Ava was enamored by the train station, the trains (inside and out) and looking out the window.
After lunch, we started making our way South to Millennium Park, crossing the Michigan Ave Bridge...stopping to look at "the river that turns green". Love my girlies!
After dinner we were all beat - back to the hotel for baths, jammies and bed. Girls got to sleep in a bed overlooking the city lights. So fun!
Next day we woke up and walked a few blocks down to Navy Pier where we explored, rode the ferris wheel and swings and ate lunch overlooking Lake Michigan. Such a beautiful day...one of my favorite moments from the entire weekend was the ferris wheel. The girls thought it was so cool. Loved it! Also loved riding the swings with my Ava! I'm such a sucker for thrill rides.
Next...Michigan Ave for some shopping of course! Love the shots of Kate trying on jeans and a sweater at Gap Kids...and Ava flashing the bunny ears:-)
Here's Ava in a Chicago Bears shirt. She was going to get it until Doug made a comment about his beloved Bengals...then she decided against it. I had to snap a shot though...thought she looked so cute in the shirt!
And here is a sketch drawn by Kate on the hotel stationary after a day in Chicago. She's my little fashionista!
Late that afternoon we stopped at Garrett's popcorn for some famous Chicago blend (caramel & cheddar popcorn...YUM!). Then to the train station for our trip home. Girls (and Doug) slept the whole way home - it was a jam packed, fun family filled weekend. Hopefully another fun memory in the books for the girls. Loved it...best birthday present ever from the best family ever!
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