Over Memorial day weekend I did something I never do - I went on a trip without the family, just for fun. Last year about this time I went to a homeschooling convention up in Minneapolis. The convention was OK, but I really enjoyed the time away. It would have been even better for me had I been able to take in the sights and all of the city, but time didn't allow it. Really, as a stay-at-home mom, you never get a break. You are on call 24/7/365. So this year, I was planning on returning to the same trip, and looking for a companion who would also like to break from the convention and hit the city. Unfortunately, the timing didn't work out for anyone to even go for the convention this year as most people in our home school group were committed to going to ordinations that same weekend. My husband knew how disappointed I was not to make the trip and get my few days of respite. So he suggested I pick a weekend and go somewhere with a friend. Ideally, I would have gone with him, but alas, there was no one to watch the kids overnight. The younger ones have had a hard time adjusting to my absences with treatment and all, so having both me and Greg gone would have been extremely difficult for whoever was left in charge. So that is how I ended up in Chicago with my good friend Bridget.
The first day of our trip we landed, got settled in our very nice downtown hotel and headed off on foot to Gino's pizza. I've been there dozens of times before, though in its old location, and was really looking forward to the pizza and its unique atmosphere. Bridget was new to Chicago, so it was nice to share that first time experience with her. From there we hit the Art Institute, one of my all time favorites. Unfortunately they close at 6:00 and we didn't get to spend a great deal of time there, not to mention many of my favorite galleries were off exhibit - the Renaissance period. Still, what we saw was great. That evening we took a boat ride and tour of the river and lake. This was when I probably missed Greg the most. It was beautiful, and it was cold!
Saturday we hit the Sears Tower, which was way more exciting than I expected, and then Shedd Aquarium. In between we had tickets for the double decker buses and trolley cars, which was very disappointing. We took a water taxi from Shedd to Navy Pier for dinner. We finished out the evening at a sports bar across the street from our hotel and watched the first game for the Stanley Cup. Bridget is a huge Red Wings fan.
We did a lot of walking, really taking in the city, and came back to quiet and green Nebraska on Sunday. I really enjoy the city, but I must admit, I like living in Nebraska.
1 comment:
A trip by yourself... nobody asking "Mommy where is my ___"... I am so jealous... I have been telling Mark for years as much as I enjoy our family trips bottom line all they really are for me is doing the same thing in a different place which isn't as relaxing as he thinks... tee hee hee.
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