Leah Loo, Jelly Boo, and Teddy Too: Chicago

After Chris accepted an offer, we made a quick 4 day get-a-way to Chicago. For the first time in years we didn't take a summer vacation (or a Spring vacation!). We obviously didn't go anywhere in the Spring because I was 36 weeks pregnant, and didn't in the summer because we weren't sure when Chris's job would be winding down or how long it was going to take him to get a new one. We love to travel, and I am positive we were all missing exploring and relaxing together. I was missing planning, too, as that is one of my favorite parts of vacations. We had 1 weekend before Chris started his new job, so we took a few days off and headed off to one of our favorite cities.

We had never been in the Winter. It was fun to see the big tree and everything all decorated. It was cold, though, and our little "travelers" lacked the conditioning to walk for too long without complaining bitterly. Miss Juliet Renee would purposely lag a few steps behind us and then try to hail cabs. I think Chris and I explained (and loudly reminded) about seventy billion times that WE LIKE TO WALK AND WERE NOT GETTING A CAB TO GO 1 MILE.

We went to the Christmas Kindermarket every day. Chris and I were both sick when we were there, and the hot wine did excellent things for our sinuses and throats. The girls liked walking around and looking at all the cool stuff and munching on whatever junk food caught their eye.

We spent a morning at The Shedd, and Juliet touched a starfish for the first time. She NEVER wants to touch anything in these types of places, so it was a big thing for her. She was so proud (and we were, too!).

We had lunch in The Shedd, and I told Chris about how the last time we were there I walked down a certain set of stairs and thought that my period was starting. I was so sad but tried to not be bothered since I was on vacation. It wasn't, and Bear was actually in there already growing. I have so many memories like that from our weeks in Chicago in 2017. It was a bit surreal to walk around many of the spots where I wondered and worried about our family and having another baby, but be back with the baby that was all ready there during all those thoughts.

We walked around Macy's to see the decorations. I have to say, they didn't live up to the hype. It was about 5,000 degrees in there, too.

We went to American Girl and had just about the worst dinner out we've ever had. They served Chris and I about 15 minutes before the girls. They spilled salad dressing all over C's jacket. My salad was totally tasteless. Juliet's cheeseburger was way overcooked. Even with the $30 off they gave us for spilling all over the jacket, it was still so very overpriced for what it was. I'm not sure how much longer the girls will want to go there, and I'm sad that after so many meals there we might go out on this note.

Each girl got a doll's hair done and then we shopped a bit. Bear liked Julie's chair.

A nice view to wake up to.

We went to the art museum. It was so much bigger than I remembered(?) or thought. I can't remember if I came here before or not. The girls loved the audio guides and seeing work from artists they have learned about.

The Monet room was a total favorite. For some reason, I think this was my favorite piece in the room.

They both sat in front of this Picasso for a long time appreciating it while listening to the guide.

I could have spent all day in front of the Chagall windows. They were so beautiful.

Juliet was getting to be a little done after a few hours in the museum, so to entertain her we started posing in front of the art like the women and taking pictures. Leah loved the Japanese art.