We decided to take a big adventure over the 4th of July weekend. This was our very first family vacation! We decided to make the 5 1/2 hour drive to Chicago to celebrate Independence day in the Windy City. The kids were an amazing in the car, in the hotel, at restaurants, really everywhere they did a fantastic job. Maybe we had low expectations, but we were really amazed at how well it all went.
We only had to stop one time both ways. We found an adorable little park in Rock Falls, IL that was perfect. When we got into Chicago, we checked into our hotel than set off to Millennium Park with Aunt Carrie and Maeve. Josie loved the fountains. The boys loved the grass with the symphony playing. After that we met Uncle Jay and Uncle Danny back at our hotel for pizza.
Friday we ventured off to the Aquarium with Uncle Danny. It was very helpful to have an extra set of hands! After naps we walked over to go on a boat ride. The kids did a great job. Will napped on the way there and Ben napped on the boat. Then we walked over to Ed Debevics for an old fashion dinner with all the family.
Saturday we met Uncle Jay, Aunt Carrie, and Maeve at Foster's beach just north of the downtown area. The boys had their first sand experience and I think they only ate a minimal amount. After heading to the hotel for naps and baths, we drove to the Lincoln Park Zoo to walk around for a bit. Then Logan Square was our next place to go and we met everyone at El Cid for a delicious Mexican dinner on their back patio. Getting to the restaurant was probably our only hiccup. We got a little turned around then had to cross 3 streets with 3 kids and lots of crazy Chicago traffic. But we survived! If that was our only stressed part, it's safe to say it was a successful trip!
Will is on the left in every picture. The one on the boat is just Josie and Will. Ben was sound asleep on me by then.
