April 8, 2012 - Happy Beaster!

What is Beaster? It is what you call your birthday when it lands on Easter :) For this very special Beaster, we took the boys to the Lincoln Park Zoo. After the zoo, we headed back "home" to pick up their very special Power Rangers cake to take to the Rainforest Cafe.




Poor tree frog's "webos".

 

April 7, 2012 - The Bean

Cloud Gate, a.k.a "The Bean," was a must see for me while in Chicago.  I like the reflection of the city's buildings in the 2nd picture.

On the way back home, we saw Marilyn.  Vavavoom!

April 6, 2012 - Navy Pier

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from our hotel was the Navy Pier. 

 

Sea Dog speedboat

 



The smile a Happy Meal  brings



April 6, 2012 - The Windy City's Beautiful Architecture

To get a real appreciation of the beautiful architecture of Chi Town, we hopped on a double decker tour bus.   It was the stereotypical type with a comedic-like guide who makes history come alive.  Perfect for a nerd like me. Behind these astonishly beautiful buildings were interesting facts and a rich history shared by our master storyteller.



Tasting Chicago

I've been dieting for the last three months, so I must say it was liberating to give myself permission to eat carbohydrates in all her glorious forms. The "I'm on vacation" clause and the "I've lost 22 lbs." reminder allowed me to eat somewhat guilt free. Knowing we'd be doing lots of walking was also factored into my eating equation (justification).

 

April 5, 2012 - Chicago Bound (4/5 - 4/12)

After an error with our travel plans was corrected, we were off to Chicago! I must admit that one of my quirky travel behaviors is to peek in on the pilot before take off if at all possible.  For some reason it soothes me to look into the eyes of the person whose hands I am trusting to get me safely to my destination.  Flight attendants usually oblige, especially when you have twins.

We flew on Virgin America for the first time.  What a FABULOUS airline!  Everyone has their own tv equipped with something for everyone.  Sports for Daniel, episodes of the Good Wife for me, and the Disney Channel for the boys.  The ground and air staff were friendly and accommodating.  There was more leg room, food could be ordered on the tv, and I could chat with Daniel across the aisle via a handset.  Mama will definitely consider booking with them again :)

March 31, 2012 - Parnell Park Easter Eggstravaganza

Being that we were going to be in Chicago for Easter, we took the boys to the annual Eggstravaganza for a little fun.  It was a cold and drizzling day, but when does that ever matter to kids?