During the pandemic, we didn’t travel nor did I take many vacation and/or balance days at work. Accordingly, I accumulated PTO, planned ahead and took time off matching my kids’ daycare “summer break” week off.
While we’ve enjoyed more time together given the pandemic - such having breakfast and dinner with them vs. commuting time - I felt that memorable activities with them were lacking (whether founded or not).
DAY 1 - Train Park + Library
We found a new park with crank trains and a water feature at Duke Park in Glencoe fittingly named after the donor’s beloved Pomeranian pup. While we could have stayed for longer, my daughter Sydney’s accident cut the fun short.
After heading home to seek new underwear, shorts and a needed snack, we walked to the local library to return books and select three new ones and settled in for a brief “quiet reading time.” Most importantly, both kids were obsessed with the “check out” library laser scanner and had a go at it.
Sydney “read” her new Frozen book on the walk home - a riveting, compelling story. And during her nap, I headed out for an overdue appointment while my son Jayden had quality afternoon play time with his Mimi (my mom).
DAY 2 - Chicago City Day
City day! We took the Metra train with Papa into the city, and my husband took off work. We took the city bus to visit mommy’s “Chicago city office” going up escalators and riding the elevator.
They played ping-pong at the office, met some of mommy’s “work friends,” took in the city sights from above. We then strolled over to the vast and beautiful Maggie Daley Park for climbing, adventure, and endless slides. After a Shake Shack lunch, we made a tourist stop for a bag of Garrett’s popcorn. We tried to surprise them with a Chicago water taxi ride but it was “unavailable” that day! Boo. #momfail
So, we strolled down the bustle of Michigan Avenue, saw the tall buildings and stopped in the Disney Store (where my son fell asleep in the stroller) and then checked out the Lego Store at Water Tower Place with a needed cookie and treat at JoJo’s Shake Bar. We took another bus back to the train station and promptly caught the Metra train home (see Metra Schedule here).
The kids loved it and were pooped at the end of the day.
DAY 3 - Doctor Visit + Gymnastics
Not so fun, but for the morning, my son was a brave sidekick for his sister’s annual doctor checkup along with more blood being drawn (to check in on her peanuts allergy levels). No fun, I know.
After lunch, a nap for my daughter and rest for my son, their Mimi took Jayden to another new park and I was able to take Sydney to her very FIRST gymnastics class at our Park District (let’s just say class times aren’t friendly to working moms). So, I savored the opportunity.
She was the youngest in her class, listened so well and did amazing. I was one proud - and emotional - mama.
DAY 4 - The Zoo
The Zoo!! After a morning outdoor workout with a dear friend for me, we were off to the Brookfield Zoo with one of their longest friends with a car-friendly lunch (almond butter quesadillas and jelly, cucumbers, pretzels).
We saw dolphins, a snow leopard, tigers, monkeys, lions, a rino and more. Perhaps equally exciting were the animated real-life roaring dinosaurs scattered around.
While the rains descended- and of course I left the umbrellas in the car - the kids couldn’t have been happier to skip through the zoo.
However, the most exhilarating experience of the day was… their first carousel ride! My son was adamant about his animal selection (tiger) and my daughter followed suit (elephant). I will cherish the video I took of their pure delight and happiness.
To commemorate the day, I gave into a timely “deal” the animal stuffies at the gift shop.
DAY 5 - Groceries
We needed a lot of groceries, and we do not use a service, so instead of touting them around, I dropped them off at my parent’s house for play for a few hours.
Then, we all enjoyed lunch al fresco and their grandparents let them pick out a special treat from one of our favorite local bakeries - Bent Fork Bakery in Highwood. All recent birthday celebrations have boasted cakes from here! Highly recommend.
All in all, I am grateful for these memories, moments. You see them grow so much and I know to do my best to be in the moment and soak it all in.
