Chicago

The kids were suppose to have a three day weekend so we decided to take a trip to Chicago.  Last minute the school updated the calendar since they started late and the kids no longer had that Monday off.  We had already booked our hotel and Amtrak tickets so we went ahead and went. We caught the train in Bloomington Thursday night and headed for the city. 

 Friday morning the kids got up and did virtual school from the hotel room.  I have to say it is nice they can be in school from anywhere as long as it is quiet.  

After the kids were out of school we walked over to cloud gate AKA The bean.  You could not get right up to it but it was kind of cool that we got pictures with no one else in them.

Saturday morning we got up early and visited Willis Tower and the Sky Deck. 

I am definitely not a city girl but this view with the water behind it was so pretty.  

Looking down from the 103 floor really is a long way down. 

We were waiting in line and were asked if we would be willing to have our picture taken and used in future advertisements.  For doing so they gave us a free print.  

Saturday afternoon we took an architectural tour down the Chicago river.  I think this was Tim and my favorite part of the trip but the history was lost on the kids.  They thought it was a little boring.  

In addition to the history it was a beautiful boat ride. 

Sunday morning we got up early and went to Shedd aquarium.  

Shedd Aquarium was a mile and a half from our hotel.  We walked over but Carter had wanted to ride the Lyft bikes so we rented them and rode them back to the hotel.

Monday morning we got up and caught the train to head home.  

The kids were able to call into their classes while on the train ride home (since they ended up having school on Monday).   

The best part of the train ride was getting to visit the snack cabin.