Chicago

Boy these kids have been busy. After washing clothes and unpacking from our Wisconsin trip, I immediately got to pack again for both kids to visit Chicago with my Mom and Dad the following morning (Sat. the 2nd). They spent Sat. afternoon at their old friend's house, Kris and John, feasting at their last annual Pig Roast/John's Retirement Party. (These are the folks who did the roast at our wedding almost 15 years ago.) The kids had a blast swimming, jumping in the giant blow-up jumpy thing, swinging on the tire and playing with other kids. They even got to see Elvis, but didn't care because they have no clue who he is. They spent the night in a hotel (which is the coolest thing according to my goofy kids) and swam again. They brought home some coffee, non-dairy creamer and assorted shampoos as gifts for their mother, thanks guys. Sunday morning they visited their Great-Grandma Doornbos. That afternoon was spent at my Dad's cousin Tom' and his wife Karen's house. The kids got a kick out of their pet tortoise Tilly. She gets to roam free around the yard and is a pretty good size. She's pretty quick I guess, so you need to keep a keen eye on her to make sure she doesn't get out of the yard. This close contact is not going to help quench Joe's desire for his own pet turtle, damn. Monday they toured the Field Museum of Natural Science downtown. They got to take the passenger train from my Aunt Pat's house and ride in a taxi! Even cooler than a hotel! Thank goodness Auntie Pat went with to keep them from getting lost. The museum was pretty neat from the bits and pieces I get. Joe thought Sue the T-rex was the coolest. They drove home on Tuesday and luckily arrived home in one piece and my parent's with their sanity still intact. I'll have to post pictures after I get them from mom, so check back.