Chi Town

We decided that we needed a short getaway over President's Day weekend.  The girls had a day off of school and we wanted to have a weekend away.  We were hoping to get away from the bitter cold in Indianapolis, but probably weren't thinking too clearly to head north rather than south!

But with Chicago a short 3 hours away from us, and Quinn's thought of going to the American Girl store, it was obvious that we were heading there!

Ryan had checked the weather and Chicago was only supposed to get light flurries, which is no big deal.  However we were surprised to experience white out conditions on the road up there, with lots and lots of accidents on the interstate.  Thankfully we made it there safely and the conditions were just fine (cold, but clear) when we got to the city.

We all had an agenda for going to Chicago.  I wanted to go to IKEA, because honestly, who doesn't love browsing IKEA?!?  We hadn't but stepped in the door, when we just HAD to stop for a cinnamon roll in their cafeteria that smelled ever so delicious!

After IKEA, we were on to the bread store.  Ryan was running low on bread that we can't get in Indy, but they do have at a bread store in Chicago.  So it was obvious we had to run there to stock up.  But nothing in Chicago is really just "running by".  It took a while to get there, but if you ask Ryan, it was worth every minute.  I guess whatever makes you happy - even if that is just bread!

After tootling around the Chicago suburbs, we headed downtown to our hotel.  The girls thought it was super cool to be staying up high in the sky.  

We settled in and quickly made it down to Michigan Avenue to hit all the shopping stores.

First up, without a doubt, was the American Girl store.  Quinn and Sullivan were in h.e.a.v.e.n!   They loved every inch of the store and wanted everything it had to offer! 

The girls had money some money that was given to them and allowed to buy whatever they wanted.  Before we even got to Chicago, Quinn had hers earmarked for AG clothes and Sullivan had hers earmarked for the Lego Store - a specific set to be exact.  

But after Sullivan walked in to the AG store, the Lego set went out the window. Even after visiting the Lego store, there was NO way she was even going to spend a nickel of her money in that store!

Along the way, we had to do a little eating too... what would Valentine's day be without a little sweet treat?!?  We settled for a mint chocolate cupcake from the world's famous Crumbs Bake Shop.  Yum!

After a long afternoon of shopping (and eating), we settled downstairs in the lobby of our hotel for a Valentine's day snack... the girls had popcorn from Garrett's (too.die.for!!) and Ryan and I settled on an adult beverage.  Saturday was a perfect way to spend Valentine's Day with the family!

On Sunday, before heading home, we went to the Museum of Science and Industry.  We had gone to the museum about 3 years ago with the Boyles, but still enjoyed the museum just as much the second time around!  They had some of the same exhibits, but had plenty of new ones too!!

The girls had remembered this big plane inside the museum and they were looking forward to it again.

Three years ago, they looked like this inside the engine casing...

Fast forward three years...

They had more fun monkeying around that plane, I tell you what.

Other highlights from the museum included watching an assembly line make their very own spinning top...

And a giant sand wheel that the girls controlled the speed of with the wheel...

We had the perfect little getaway in Chicago.  The weather was freezing cold but despite that, the girls are already planning the next trip there and the itinerary for that trip.  Maybe perhaps it will be a little warmer next time around!