The Winders Come to Chicago!

The day after Christmas, Tom's cousin Scott and his wife Tricia came to Chicago with their kids Sydney and Owen. When we lived in Michigan, we only lived about twenty minutes away from each other. Tricia and I hung out all the time. Ainsley adores Sydney and Owen and asked to go play with them all the time. She has really missed them when we moved to Chicago. We told the Winders they should come stay with us before we left, and they finally took us up on the offer. We were so excited to have them come so we didn't spend the whole Christmas break without seeing any family:) On Monday, we took them into the city and walked around showing them the sights. We saw the Cloud Gate, Michigan Avenue, Daley Plaza Christmas tree, etc. It was cold so we bundled up and stopped for Hot Chocolate. Since the train was on the Holiday schedule, we had to leave the city early. We underestimated how packed the train would be and counted our blessings that so many things fell into place that night for us to catch the train. They weren't selling tickets at the window, but they weren't letting anyone on the train who didn't already have a ticket. Luckily I had a weekday pass with only 4 punches left in my purse from when my parents came out in October! I'm surprised I hadn't used it up before then...but it was exactly what we needed and so we were able to make it home. We totally lucked out!

The next day, we walked around the financial district, and saw the Sears tower on our way down to the Museum Complex. We spent most of the day at the Natural History Museum. First we walked through the Egypt display. Then we went to the atrium to see "Sue" who is the largest, and most complete T-Rex dinosaur ever found. The museum is so big that we split up to see different things for the rest of the time. We checked out the Native People displays and the birds of North America, while the Winders went to see the Africa display and more dinosaurs. After we met up, we caught a bus back up to the north side of the river to go to one of our favorite Chicago joints-Portillos. We had dinner and then walked back to the train station. The next morning, Tom had to go back to work but the Winders went back into the Science and Industry Museum before heading back to Michigan. It was a short trip, but it was so fun to see family. If we move back to Michigan next summer, we'll get to see them more often. That would be so fun! If not, they'll have to come visit us again in Chicago!!!

The kids loved the train ride

For our move to Germany, we bought this backpack carrier for Sam. It is a regular backpack with a zip out pocket that turns into a baby carrier. It's perfect because when we travel and sight see, Ainsley often gets tired walking. To combat the whining, we can put her in the stroller, zip out the baby carrier and stick Sam in it. He is really good when he is in it too, because he can see everything. He has yet to cry in the thing.

Owen, Sydney, and Ainsley at the Cloud Gate

The Winder Clan

Our little fam at the same spot (the base of the Wrigley building)where we took our Christmas card pic

Ainsley and Sydney take a break in the stroller

While waiting for the bus, all three kids insisted on being held. I thought it was cute

View of the city from the Museum Complex

Willis (Sears) Tower

Goodbye Chicago, we've loved living here. Thanks for all the fun memories!!! Maybe we'll be back in July as permanent residents...maybe not. We'll see what the future brings:)