I hate doing “touristy” things… especially in my adopted hometown of Chicago. I try to avoid crowds like the plague (except if I’m trying to score a really great deal on December 26… you know I like to shop), and since I don’t celebrate Christmas I can’t help but find that this time of year gets overly bogged down with jingly songs on the radio and altogether too many bad drivers heading downtown to do all those touristy things I try to avoid.
However, since we’re a little Chicago-bound this year because of the newborn, (Although I’m totally regretting getting sucked into flu scare so much to cancel any thought of traveling until the kid is like 15 or something.) I figure I have to bite the bullet and do a few things for my older son that would otherwise send shivers down my lululemon-clad (yes, still wearing it all) body.
Like eating at Ed Debevic’s tonight. Where I found myself honestly saying, “Honey, please eat your chicken finger. Please.” Like it was some sort of vegan tofu patty chock-full of vitamins. I figured it was better than the fries and rice krispie treat presented on the side of it. I even saw some meat in there.
Or, graciously accepting my friend Kim’s offer to go to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere because I’m not afraid of heights or anything and I thought the little man would enjoy eating a cookie 103 floors up. I was right. And I was so proud he spotted our health club from the top of the Willis (Sears!) Tower. He we is are seriously sheltered.
Look, mommy! The eliptical!
But in all honesty, when you have the time, are a little bored, and have friends that will motivate you, being all touristy in your hometown city can be rather exciting. I even have grand plans to take the kids to the Modern Wing of the Art Institute next week. It’ll make me feel a tad better about having worn a paper hat all night.
Happy Holidays to all!
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I feel the same way sometimes. So good to see you and your boys. By the way, I used to be a hostess at Ed’s. And I also worked in the Art Institute Museum gift shop. How’s that for touristy?
Steph
Boy, Steph gets around. Who knew? I’m so glad you were able to join in; I loved meeting your boys.
Sometimes it’s good to get out and be a tourist. Sounds like you had fun.
What a great picture! Being a tourist in your own home town (even if it is adopted) is a great thing! You see your town through new eyeglasses with totally different lenses. It’s a beautiful thing!
You and the kids will enjoy the Modern Wing of the Art Institute. It’s quite kid-friendly. Lots of pretty colors and interesting designs.
We did an overnight tourist visit this week too. We found a great hotel at Michigan and Wacker. It’s a Comfort Suites, and the location and price were great.