I wasn't exactly sure what we would do that day, though I knew I wanted to be outside because it was going to be a gorgeous day. I thought it might be nice to take the kids and visit our friends Rich and Leeann in the city. Rich was in an accident a couple of weeks ago and was/is still at the Rehab Institute recovering. We hadn't seen them in over a week and I thought a visit was in store.
Now mind you, I DON'T drive in the city. It freaks me out, the extra cars, the unfamiliarity of driving there, busyness, etc. However, where there's a will there's a way, and I bit the bullet, and did it.
I wasn't planning on staying for long, so I brought some snacks and water. In fact I was planning on getting home in time for the kiddos afternoon nap. Well we got down there at about 10:30. It took about an hour and I prayed the whole way down, for God to calm my nerves and for no one to honk at me! He brought me safely there and the kids were happier than usual.
We got some ice cream with Leeann and then came back and visited with Rich while he ate his lunch.
After lunch is when I was planning on going home. But between feeling a bit more adventurous than usual and that it was such a beautiful day in the city, I decided to take the kids to Millenium Park, and wait for Marc to get off work and then drive home with him. I had to stop and get some bottled water and sunscreen, so us "palies" didn't all sunburn and water because I knew we'd get thirsty.
Well, after walking a mile, we got to Millenium Park at 1:20(specifically Crown fountain - where the faces are), and it was under maintenance! Joe had fallen asleep now(it only lasted about 20 minutes). I knew Buckingham Fountain wasn't too far away and that Lydia would enjoy that, so we then walked another mile and it was a hit. Though there is no shade by Buckingham Fountain, so we didn't stay too long. By this time both kids were a bit crabby. Thank goodness for an Italian ice stand nearby! We got a large and split it on a bench in the shade.
Then we walked another mile back to Crown Fountain, hoping it would be working now. And it was! Yay! We stayed for about 2 hours at Crown Fountain, before Marc met up with us. Thank goodness for raisins and teddy grahams, which sustained us(along with the Italian ice and ice cream!). Lydia loved Crown Fountain, and spent the whole time buzzing back and forth between the two faces.
Then we walked the mile back to the Rehab Institute, and had dinner with Rich and Leeann and some other friends. We didn't leave the city until 7 pm!!! It was a great day, and the kids definitely were worn out (as was I!) and they fell asleep in the car on the ride home. I think I was a bit crazy for attempting that - skipping all naps, eating raisins all day, and "living" out of the stroller, but it was a memory I will not forget.
Lydia prancing about in the fountain.
Happy Joe, thanks to all the snacks!
In her own little world, crawling in the fountain. :)
