Cousins...
I love it when people come to visit, because I get to play tourist and go into the city to do things I never, ever think to do when I'm sitting around complaining to myself about the boringness of Illinois. My cousins are here for a couple days. My aunt and uncle were out a babysitter for the week, so they drove the girls out here from Kansas City to stay with us and their grandparents.
Yesterday, we all went in to my dad's parents' house to visit. My grandparents are so cute. My grandpa went out and got White Castle Sliders for us, which I don't typically like, but he was so excited about it that I had to enjoy them.
Today, Mom, Erin, Emmie and I went downtown. We took a River Bus down the Chicago River from the train station to Navy Pier, which was fun. At Navy Pier, we ate and rode the swings, then took a Water Taxi down the lake to the Museum Campus. The Water Taxi was going against the wind, and we were warned that it might be a bit of a wild ride, but boy was it ever! We started out getting sprinkled by the waves, and then it was like someone was holding a hose on us. We got smart and scooted to the front of the boat, where people weren't getting drenched. It was too little too late, though, and we were a bit soggy. <.g>
We went to the Field Museum of Natural History, which I hadn't been to in a few years. I really enjoyed it. They have Sue the dinosaur there, which was funded mostly by Walt Disney World. Exciting stuff! Remember the Sue stuff at Animal Kingdom in 2000, Carolyn? We went through the Chocolate exhibit, which was the history of chocolate. More interesting than I would have thought! That got us totally in the mood for some chocolate, but that would have to wait for later. We then learned about dinosaur eggs (the Tiniest Giants) as well as a whole exhibit on Africa, which was very well-done. All in all, an enjoyable trip.
After the museum, we took the free Trolly back to the train, and the train home. I created two little monsters by showing them how we bring the tree swing in my back yard up to the top of the monkey bars and swing off... probably not the safest thing to do with a 9 and 11 year old, but they had a blast. Lol. And after dinner we went to Ben and Jerry's for Mint Chocolate Chunk all around. <.g>
I guess this is the next best thing to being in Florida. At least having company keeps me entertained, instead of sitting on the floor making my scrap book (which leaves me surrounded by pictures and getting teary-eyed over the memories). I did miss my eye doctor appointment today, because my mom forgot to inform me that she'd made me an appointment. Oops. Dentist tomorrow, eye appointment rescheduled for Wednesday, and then I need my hair cut before school and I think I'll be set. <.g>