It started on Wednesday (23) as we used our Field Museum memberships to go visit the Whales Exhibition. This was a very small exhibition and a little disappointing. I was expecting a lot more from the Field Museum. It was also too bad that the children's play area was closed for the day. We ended up leaving around 3:00 and headed back home. After arriving at the house we had no desire to leave.
On Thursday we began our Thanksgiving preparations. I started the day by watching the Macy Thanksgiving Parade with Valentina. We had ordered our Thanksgiving meal from Dominik's. Tanya requested to pickup the food at 10:00 AM. I thought that this was too early since we would not have the Spamer family over until 4:00 P.M. But it was a good thing she had chosen the time since the turkey came uncooked! I thought it was given to us ready to eat! I then sat down to watch some football games and play some FIFA '12. The Spamer family came over and provided us with some tasty wine. In the end everything was great and everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving.
On Friday I decided at the last minute to take the family to the Willis Tower. When we arrived there was a 3 hour wait to reach the Skydeck. I told Tanya that we would return another day when it was less crowded. This is where the stories differ but essentially we decided to go and check if there was a baby entrance. As we entered the building we skipped a long line by getting right unto an elevator. I thought this elevator took us to the Skydeck. Wrong! It took us to another long line to get tickets to the top. We waited 30 minutes before getting to the front of the line. I had purchased tickets online but was told we had to exchange them for tickets at the booth. Doh! Tanya went to exchange the tickets while I stayed with Valentina. After another 20 minutes we handed our tickets to an attendant only to enter another waiting area. 45 minutes later we were escorted into a movie screening detailing the history of the Willis Tower (aka Sears Tower). After the movie we were taken through a series of 3 elevators to the Skydeck. Once there I snapped a quick photo of Tanya. Then we saw the line to go back down to the main level. It was at least a 1 hour wait. I complained that the meter was going to run out of time and was going to get issued a ticket. Tanya became instantly mad and frustrated while marching directly to the front of the line to complain about pregnancy pains. This got us to the front of the line and down to the main level. Total time spent at the top of the tower 3-5 minutes. Unbelievable! I told Tanya that we would return one day with her mom.
We then arrived home for 45 minutes before heading out again to the Lincoln Park Christmas lights. I had been recommended to visit this event by a fellow co-worker, Kyle O'Connor. We headed down with the Simingtons and Spamers. The park did a really nice job of lighting the zoo. There were ice sculptures, vendors, animals and a lot of people. The best part was we found parking very easily and the weather was not too cold. After spending about 2 hours there we headed to Edwardo's for some deep dish pizza. This was a great way to end the day.
On Saturday we got ready to visit the Prairie Premium outlets. These outlets are located in Wisconsin and is about 1 hour from our home. We arrived to find a parking lot full of cars. We shopped for Christmas presents and ourselves at Banana Republic, Old Navy, Carters, etc. There were some great deals for sure! I have a feeling we will be back there someday before leaving Chicago. I then introduced Tanya to White Castle. The sliders were nasty and overpriced. I'm sure that will be the last time I eat at White Castle. We then drove back home in the rain and arrived around 4:00 P.M.
On Sunday we went to eat some tortas at Los Comales. This place has become one of our favorite stomping grounds in Chicago. Afterwards we went to see the Chicago Wolves who are the local hockey team. It was a nice afternoon to spend with the family. Once the game ended we came back home to rest from the long weekend.
This week my parents arrive for a visit. Everyone is very excited to have them here for the weekend.
Tanya and Valentina entering the Whales exhibition
Tanya and Valentina at the Nativity exhibition
Valentina and I overlooking the Main Hall at the Field Museum
Valentina blending in with the locals
Tanya and Valentina playing around before entering the Pacific exhibition
Valentina making some new friends
Tanya and Valentina at the 9/11 exhibit
Tanya with the real head of Sue
Tanya about to begin cooking our Thanksgiving dinner
Table is about ready for our guests
Tanya cutting into her first Turkey
Everyone enjoying the dinner together
About to enter the Willis Tower
"Heck no we are not going to wait in the line!"
It is a long way up to the top
The only picture of Tanya at the Skydeck
Looking down from the Skydeck
Entering Zoo lights at Lincoln Park
Tanya walking through the zoo
Tanya and Valentina enjoying the evening...it is about 5:30 and already this dark
Tanya, Larisa and Valentina having great time
Looking at one of the ice sculptures
Picking up some pizza at Edwardos
Getting coffee on the way to the outlets in a food court in the middle of the highway
Doing some shopping
Valentina trying to keep up with her parents
Walking through the outlets....alllll done...whew!
Valentina coloring herself with an M&M
Going to Los Comales
Valentina ready for some food
The food has arrived
My torta and taco al pastor
Valentina enjoying her taco
Valentina driving around Dominik's
We are waiting for Valentina to wake-up for the hockey game
Entering the Wolves hockey game with our gear
Getting ready for the Wolves' entrance
Go Wolves!!! Owwwwwwww
Mom and Valentina enjoying the game
Great way to spend a Sunday afternoon
Valentina and I bonding
Valentina doing some last minute grocery shopping
Valentina dancing at the hockey game
Introduction to the Wolve's players
Zoo lights
More Zoo lights
