Spring Break 2012 - Chicago: Day Two

Dear Parker,

Well, you certainly started this day off bright and early.  At 5:45, you called for me and immediately asked if we could go eat breakfast.  I tried dragging you into our bed, but it soon became clear that you were not going back to sleep.  So, we got up and around and down to breakfast early.  (You were very excited about breakfast.)  We came back to the room for a little bit and then headed to the aquarium.

We had to take the subway and you were SO excited. You were also a little nervous I think.  We got on the train and you wanted to know all about the different stops.  I told you what stop we were getting off at and every time they announced a stop you would tell me that this wasn't our stop and we needed to stay on the train.  Apparently, you were a pro already.

We got off at our stop and you rode in your stroller as we made the walk to the aquarium.  We stopped to look at the art installation of "feet" and you had tons of fun running and hiding.

The time at the aquarium was, at times, a bit harder.  We had to wait a decent amount of time to get in and you were clearly getting tired.  You perked up a bit when we got inside and you never had a meltdown or a tantrum and were very clearly having fun, but we often had to convince you to keep going.  You kept asking to go back to the hotel.  I'm glad we just powered through.  After seeing lots of river fish and the sharks and other fish downstairs, we saw the 4-D movie which you thought was amazing.  You kept reaching out to grab the things, it was pretty cute.  We were going to try to cram seeing some other animals in before the Aquatic Show, but decided you could use the rest.  During our down time waiting, you insisted on taking pictures of us and Allie and even took Allie down to the water to show her the whales.  It was hilarious and cute.  We had lunch and you perked up.  We went downstairs and you had fun playing in the water.  You had fun watching the penguins for a little bit before we had to move so the man could do his talk.  We went upstairs to see the jellyfish - which you LOVED and then decided that if was finally time to go.  We let you pick out a souvenir (this is vacation after all).  And you chose a pink, sparkly turtle that looks just like the baby turtle (well, minus the pink sparkliness) in "Finding Nemo."  Apparently, marketing is not lost on you.  You love it though - and named it Squirt, just like the turtle in the movie.

We intended to run to the Target (as I forgot to bring socks and neither your Mom nor I remembered toothpaste!) and head back to the hotel.  As we were walking, you passed out.  I have no idea how you slept in that tiny little stroller, but you did and that nap pushed you through.  We ended up going to get a snack and then coming back to the hotel to take a quick swim and head to dinner.  We went to Millenium Park first.  You loved the bean.  You kept running and running and running.  You started to tank a little during dinner, but held in there.  We came back and you asked to watch a little tv.  It was only 6:30, so we said you could watch 30 minutes.  At almost exactly 7:00, you just started crying because you were so tired and just didn't know what else to do.  We did a speed bath (I mean, you were already crying, so why not?) and you were asleep before 7:30.

You did such a good job today.  I know you were tired, but you didn't throw any fits or have any meltdowns.    I'm proud of you.  I had so much fun and I know that tomorrow will be just as much fun.

I love you, little girl.  Sleep well and long!
Love,
Mommy

Spring Break 2012 - Chicago: Day One

Dear Parker,

Today we drove to Chicago for the first day of our vacation.  You were so adorable all day long.  You woke up and were ready to go right away.  Once we finally got on the road, you made us take turns yelling out the fun things we were going to do and then everyone had to cheer.  It was hilarious.  You kept asking how many more miles we had to go.  You love looking at everything in the city.  You are like the crosswalk police - commenting on everyone who walks when there is no walking man and people who cut the corner off the end of the crosswalk to start heading the direction they need to go.  You are fascinated by the idea of the subway.  It will be really fun to take you on tomorrow.

Tonight, we arrived and went swimming.  The pool is a little bit jank, but you didn't seem to care.  We then went to dinner at the Rainforest Cafe.  You were quite unsure of the animatronic animals.  You would tell me to get away from them at first, but then you warmed up.  You never did want to get close to the crocodile again, but you liked the Cheetah and totally loved the Elephants at dinner.  You had a really good time, but were so tired.  You asked us to skip dessert and come home so you can go to bed.  I can't even imagine how tired you are going to be the rest of the week, but I think the fun will override.

You were really well behaved today and I'm hopeful that will continue.

I love you so much.  You were so amazing today.  I love you more than anything and can't wait for tomorrow!

Love,
Mommy