Comic Con Chicago 2015

Like last year, we had decided to go to Chicago Wizard World (Comic Con). The kids had decided to go with their Pokemon costumes still.

Adam and I came up with our costumes fairly early. We were going as Mary Poppins and Burt! Adam pretty much had everything already in his closet. The few things still needed were either picked up at Goodwill for cheap, or made with found items around the house. My costume was a bit more of a challenge. Luckily I found the skirt, shoes, and tights already in my closet. For the blouse and bag, I hit up Goodwill. The bag was a lucky find! It was a large stained piece of luggage, and then I found an carpet like valance and was able to glue the fabric to the bag. The red ribbon belt and bow was made with ribbon already in my crafting bins. Now the hat.... I found a few tutorials online and made it myself. The first go was way too big, but with a few modifications the second time around was perfect. The flowers and berries were found at Dollar Tree and hot glued to the hat. Adam made the parrot head on the end of an umbrella we already had. He molded it with clay, then covered in paper and lastly painted it.

I think we look pretty cute!

D was very excited to take her picture with anyone she was a fan of.

The lines for food were crazy long, and then they ran out. So we stayed just a bit longer and the kids begged for Al's beef again.

And as we were leaving Adam suggested we hit up Chinatown for dessert and a nice walk around. The kids each picked out a pastry from a bakery and weren't terribly thrilled with it. But were good sports about it.

It was a very long day, and after walking in heels for most of it, I had blister on my feet, but boy was it worth it! We already can't wait for next year!

Annual Chicago Christmas trip

If you have been reading this blog for a few years, then you know every year at Christmas time we try to head to Chicago for the day. This started as a variation of a tradition I enjoyed as a kid, I then introduced Adam to it, and now the kids beg to go every year.

I so enjoy driving to the big city. It takes around 2 hours to get there plus a time change for us, but it is well worth it!

 After parking in the underground parking garage, our first stop if always Grant Park to see Cloudgate/The Bean. As soon as it was in sight, the kids took off running. We knew exactly where they would be, always on the underneath, shoving themselves as far in as they can.

 A family reflection selfie?

 D had decided this year to bring along her sketch pad and journal our trip with quick drawings of the sights along the way. They have added so many fun and interesting art installations over the years, and these were new to us.

Just had to say hello to the festive lions in front of the Chicago Art Institute. While we love going to look at the art work, we didn't stop in this time.

Next up was a walk across the street to hop on the cow in front of the Cultural Center. I used to frequent this amazing building when I went to school a few blocks away. The kids always have fun sitting on top. This year, we decided to take the kids inside to check it out.

 Both kids were blown away at how beautiful the building was, and they both picked up on clues that the building was once used as a library.

 D sat down in the middle of the room so that she could sketch the dome. I turned around and saw this fantastic shot.

 Then it was off to Marshall Fields/Macy's to look at the windows.

It wouldn't be a visit without waiting 2 hours to see the Big man in red himself!

Then it was time to bundle up again, although the weather was perfect, and head a few blocks west to Daley Plaza to check out the German Christmas Village.  We always get a few things to eat, and the hot spiced wine to drink out of the special mugs.

 Every year we also all go to a specific shop and pick out a glass ornament for the year. This shop has a glass ornament in just about any shape you can think of. While we wait in the line to get in, D has to get her photo with this same Nutcracker every year.

 It was then that we headed back to Grant park, stopping to watch the ice skaters and one last visit to Cloudgate on our way back to the car.

 We had to of course make a trip over to Trader Joe's to stock up, and then a kid requested dinner of Italian beef sandwiches at Al's before heading for home.

Last trip of summer break

School starts on a Wednesday here, so I thought that last Monday before it started, why not take a mini road trip. I didn't tell the kids where we were going, loaded up the car, and took off. Our first stop was Lincoln Park Zoo. We went once before, but didn't get to see the entire zoo. The kids were so excited. We ended up timing it perfectly and got there shortly after they opened.  We spent 5 hours there!!!! I was not thinking we would spend that much time, but we saw every single thing there was to see. From there we made a stop at Trader Joe's to stock up on fun snacks for the school year. The kids beg and plead with me to take them there. Not many kids do that at a grocery store, but at this one they get to look for a hidden stuffed animal and then the cashier rewards them with natural suckers and this time, smelly stickers!

From there we had Al's #1 beef sandwiches for dinner, and then off to Ikea. I know, I know, "you take your kids with to Ikea?????" They know that I head up there with my girlfriends often and to them it is a magical land. By the time we got there they were exhausted, so we didn't spend much time. Just long enough to pick up a few things from our list, grab a drink and frozen yogurt cone, and then it was time to head for home.

 We got there at the perfect time to see how they train and work with the seals. It was tons of fun to see, and we had front row seats!!!