Our quick trip to Chicago

Me and my boys

Orlando and Tyson in the hotel lobby

On our drive from West Virginia to Wisconsin the boys and I made a short stop in Chicago. I've been trying to get to Chicago for some time now, so I was really excited to finally get a chance to visit. Although it was a quick visit, I really tried to make the best of it. I was a little apprehensive about exploring the city because once I got off the expressway, driving to the hotel was a bit stressful. I'm from a big city (Atlanta) but Chicago was different...really different. More people walking, more traffic, and more cars. It was a real city!! I felt like cars and people were coming at me from every direction! A nice gentleman even relaxed his hands on his horn to let me know that I was driving too slow !! I thought that was so kind of him (not). It really freaked me out. Luckily, the hotel was close and the valet was nice enough to take my car off my hands for the night(for $60/night...I thought that was ridiculous but I was so frazzled I didn't even care). We stayed at the Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront. It was really nice and I would stay there again. When we finally settled in, I decided that the boys and I would lock ourselves in our hotel room to stay away from the "crazy horn people." After calming down and realizing that I only had one day in Chicago I decided to go out and explore with the boys. We grabbed a cab and headed to The Children's Museum of Chicago, and I'm so glad we did. Chicago truly is a beautiful city! The Museum was located at the Navy Pier which was a nice experience. I can only imagine how beautiful the Navy Pier is during the spring/summer months.The boys love going to Museums and they thoroughly enjoyed the one in Chicago. Of course the visit wasn't complete until they scored something from the gift shop (they negotiate well). After leaving the museum we took a stroll down Michigan Avenue and let me tell you, that's a shopper's dream! After drooling over retail we made our way back to our hotel and enjoyed room service while watching cartoons.  The boys had to wear the same shirts two day in a row, but that's a story for another day.
The next morning we headed out but not before grabbing breakfast at the hotel's restaurant downstairs per Orlando's request. I was thinking about picking up breakfast on the road but Orlando wanted to go all out before leaving the "Windy City!"

Since Madison is only 2 1/2 hours from Chicago I'm hoping we can visit again during the summer. I'm sure my little travel buddies wouldn't mind and maybe daddy can make a cameo appearance. He has a lot on his plate these days...a good problem to have.  I'm extremely grateful that he works so hard to provide all these opportunities for the boys and I. I'm so Thankful.

Their first cab ride

Tyson trying to be cool, Orlando always doing the right thing! Lol

My little builders

 

 

Orlando walking through the obstacle course

Water table. They loved this. They also had this one at the Chattanooga Museum

Quick photo. Can you tell that we were tired but trying to pretend not to be?

Navy Pier (frozen)

What would a visit to the Museum be without a photo with T-REX!

View from our hotel room. Beautiful.

 

Room service - Calamari

 

Hotel room view

                          

Room Service (for the boys)

Room Service (crab stuffed Salmon w/risotto)

 

Breakfast with the boys at hotel restaurant

Boys eating good!

Wisconsin, Our New Home

Another year, another move. Last year around this time we moved to Georgia. A month later to West Virginia and the year before that we were in Tennessee. It's been quite an adventure thus far but I'm extremely excited for the adventure ahead. This year we will call Madison, Wisconsin home (and hopefully for years to come). This will be the furthest I've ever been away from my family and friends. I have mixed feeling, as with every move. This life comes with a lot of uncertainty, excitement, fun, pressure, and anxiety....throw two kids into the mix and you have yourself a party!! Although we are over the moon excited we also know the stress, long hours and hard work that comes with moving and entering a job like this. All we can do is remember that if God brought us to it, he will bring us through! I have to remind myself of that daily.Getting the job was the most exciting part so far. Now the work begins! Even though I'm not reporting for a job, my job is to keep it all together. Make sure the house is packed up, remember to keep all the bills at the last house paid, travel to new location with kids, find a new house, find a new school for the kids, arrange for movers at old location, make sure utilities are turned on at new location and turned off at old location, remember to pay everyone and make sure funds are available (balance the checkbook), keep the kids entertained and quiet while staying at an extended stay hotel (mommy guilt really sets in here), be my husband's biggest supporter, remain positive and transfer all the mail to new address. All this plus my regular mommy and wifely duties (and I'm sure I'm still forgetting something). 



A few boxes...

Not that I'm complaining, but this is a job all in itself. This year, I'm learning to enjoy the process, chaos and all! So for the next couple of weeks I will be posting pictures and writing about our journey to the mid-west.  I can truly say that I am blessed and wouldn't ask for anything different. Please keep us in your prayers and wish me luck with my never-ending to-do list! Oh, and let's not forget what all of this chaos is for.... FOOTBALL. Yep, gotta love it!!  Can't wait to get some new gear. The boys are already asking for a Wisconsin helmet and jersey (no surprise there).