Halloween weekend

This weekend was another relaxing one in Chicago.   The weather is definitely starting to cool down and winter is slowly approaching.   On Saturday the family and I went to the Alder Planetarium.   It was a nice Planetarium but the deal with these places is going to see the shows in the dome.   Since Valentina is too young we did not do it this time.   I cannot imagine going back until everyone can go see one of the shows.  Afterwards went to grab some food at Los Camales.    This place is becoming our "go-to" spot for tacos and tortas.

Today we went to eat some ribs at Smoking Woody's.   This place was not that good.  I think the majority of their food came from a can.  It was really disappointing and we will be going to Twin Anchors for BBQ from now on.   We then went to a Halloween festival for Valentina.

This weekend passed by so quickly that I cannot believe tomorrow is Monday.  As November approaches I feel that family is now fully settled into Chicago and Denver is a past memory.   This city is now finally home.

Tanya posing with an interesting sculpture in downtown Chicago

Walking towards the Alder Planetarium 

Walking past the Field Museum 

Valentina bearing the wind

Walking towards the planetarium 

Tanya in a spacesuit

Taking a ride on the X mover

View from the planetarium is really beautiful 

The family

Tanya and Valentina posing with one the best city skylines in the world

Going for ribs at Smokin Woody's

Valentina slept through the whole meal

Tanya enjoying some downtime

Valentina entering the Halloween festival at Space park

Valentina enjoying the day

Valentina putting up with Mom and Dad

Walking the spooky grounds

Posing with Cousin It from the Addams Family

Valentina launching a spaceship

Valentina looking at herself in a mirror

Another great Fall weekend

These past few days have been really relaxing and enjoyable.   On Thursday I got caught up with my friend Todd Medd over dinner and drinks. On Friday I took the family out to Cemitas and then to the Woodfields mall in Schaumburg, Il.  

Saturday the family and  I went to see Midnight circus at Chase park.  This park is one of the many located within our neighborhood.

This morning we met up with our friends Carolyn and Keith for brunch.  They were nice enough to treat the family to some great food.  We then headed to a local grocer for a pumpkin patch.   It was a lot of fun and got to eat great food for 5 bucks.    Not bad considering we also got to take home a pumpkin.

All in all life has been good.

Valentina on the way to the pumpkin patch

Valentina enjoying the treats at the pumpkin patch 

Going home with the goods from the pumpkin patch 

Knocked out by all the activities 

Valentina enjoying her pancakes at the Inspiration Cafe

Going to see Midnight Circus

Valentina and Mom enjoying another great Fall day

Entering the circus

The family 

Enjoying lunch at Cemitas

Nice place...here is a video on it 

Don't mess with us...we're hungry

My friend Todd at Giordornos 

Valentina doing her own thing at the circus

Valentina doing her own thing at Woodfield Mall

Andersonville Arts Festival

On Saturday the family and I went to Andersonville.   This neighborhood is about 5 minutes from our house in Chicago.  It was great walking around Andersonville and visiting the mom and pop stores.   I find these locally owned businesses so much more interesting and fun than your typical chain stores.  I'll pay 10-15% more to make sure these businesses continue.  These type of places are all over Chicago and really make this city great.   It was another great Fall day and am hoping the weather continues to stay this way.  Here is to surviving another work week.

Having dinner with our neighbors the Simingtons

Valentina enjoying a Sunday morning

Tanya walking out of the Swedish American museum 

Valentina doing her "King of the world" imitation 

Tanya and Valentina hanging out with fellow immigrants

Valentina looking at one of the displays

Tanya outside the Swedish American Museum 

Walking around the Andersonville Arts festival 

Walking the streets of Andersonville

Valentina enjoying a Fall day in Chicago 

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Tanya looking good in Chicago 

Philadelphia

This week the family and I visited Philadelphia.  It was a great few days in the city of brotherly love.   The weather was fantastic and hope to be back soon someday soon.

Going to Geno's for a Philly cheesesteak 

Tanya and Valentina enjoying the local fare

This cheesesteak is so good...calories be damned

Walking past Chinatown 

The Liberty bell

In front of Independence Hall

In front of the National Constitution Center

Inside the Constitution Center

Tanya checking out Benjamin Franklin 

Looking out unto Independence Historical Park 

Valentina playing with one of her favorite toys, IPAD 2

Tanya and Valentina on the tour bus

Tanya and Valentina going to the Please Touch Museum 

The famous Rocky statue

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Valentina knocked out from all the touring

City hall

Modern day scene...Wallstreet protesters

Typical street in Philadelphia