Our First Trip to Chicago

On Saturday we took our first trip by train to Chicago. It started with a rocky start but turned out to be a great day. Charlotte was a great trooper and the kids had a lot of fun and firsts. We started driving to Cary to meet Grandma and Papa to catch the 11:08 train to Chicago. We stopped to get gas so we were a little rushed but we made it to the train station 10 minutes before 11. Grandma and Papa were not there but they only live 3 minutes from the station so no big deal. Well, as we saw them pull into the parking lot we saw the train down the track. It was only 11 am. We got on the train and my parents hurried but just as Grandma reached the back of the train, it took off. We couldn't understand why the train would arrive early and leave early. Well, due to the air and water show in the city they added extra trains and we just happened to catch one. Grandma and Papa hopped on the 11:08 right behind us and met us in the city. Unfortunately, trying to catch the first train re-injured Grandma's knee. A little disappointed at first, the kids quickly enjoyed the sights of the train.








We arrived in the city and as we waited for Grandma and Papa's train, we took a bathroom break and enjoyed some Garrett's popcorn. Charlotte had only taken a 5 minute nap up until this point. The boys went to the Lego store where Uncle Rick met them. He is a short walk from there. The girls went to the American Girl store. Within minutes of entering Charlotte fell asleep in the tray of her stroll. While she slept, Mia explored. She had already decided she wanted the Elizabeth doll, the best friend of Felicity. So, we explore that area and then looked at all the other dolls. Mom and Dad bought the doll for her birthday. She used her money from AZ Grandma and Papa to buy the toy doll that belongs to Elizabeth. And IL Grandma and Papa bought her Elizabeth's holiday outfit and a doll carrying bag.




When we were finished Charlotte awoke and we met Uncle Bob's girlfriend, Julie, who took us up to Uncle Bob's apartment. He lives across the street in the Hancock building on the 79th floor. Uncle Bob had to work. So, the boys walked to meet us there and we got to watch part of the air show above the planes. And Amelia opened her doll and loved her.


Then we all took cabs to the Rainforest Cafe. It was too loud and the kids didn't care for the thunder and the lightning. Probably should have went somewhere else that was more "Chicago" but it was close to Uncle Rick's apartment and we visited his place after our meal. They did sing Happy Birthday to Amelia and they took pictures with the frog.



After Uncle Rick's, we finally managed to catch a cab and all eight of us crammed in. We lucked out and made the express train back to Cary. Charlotte finally took another nap and the kids got to enjoy a train ride with their Grandma and Papa. It was a great day and the weather wasn't too hot.