This year we headed to Chicago after Thanksgiving. Felix went to the annual radiology conference, RSNA, and the kids and I got to hang out with Oma, Uncle Julian, Meredith and Auntie Chira! It was super cold in Chicago... the girls had to don their snowpants, fuzzy hoods and gloves for our treks around the city. Alexander also stayed cozy and snug in his carseat with its cover, blankets and hat.
The girls had a lot of fun checking out the Christmas-themed decorations around Chicago, and especially at Macys. There is something very magical about the scenes they create in those windows!
And while I tried to hurry the kids past the Disney store as we were walking toward the German Winter Market, Emmy was not be be deterred and, fascinated by all the princess-themed items, dragged us into the Disney store. The detour resulted in gifts from Oma - a pair of Avengers pajamas for Malea (she is all about "boy" stuff these days) and Emmy got an Elsa night gown (she is all in with Elsa/Frozen toys and clothes!).
Both Felix and I are afraid of heights, but since Malea was so excited to take a ride on the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier, she and I had to take a ride. I managed to stay relaxed and calm while we traveled 150 feet up. It was chilly and windy, but very fun to see the excitement in Malea's face as we looked over the Chicago skyline from our high vantage point.
After a cold day spent outside, it was nice to spend a cozy evening in the hotel room. Emmy wasted no time donning her new Elsa nightgown!
Hmm... these faces look alike!
The next day, we headed toward the "Bean" and found a delicious little breakfast spot, the
Wildberry Cafe to stop in for pancakes before checking out the ice skating rink. As you can see, our Malea is and has always been a good eater!
Warming up at Christkindlmarket and meeting Christkind, a German fairy. This picture was taken by Malea!
Hmm... is Alexander "reading" the RSNA brochure? I think it was interested in finding out what Papa Felix has been hearing about at the conference...
And now one of the highlights of our Chicago trip! Chira and I got to enjoy a sister's evening out! (Thank you Felix and Julian for hanging out with the kids!) We went to
Tanta, a Peruvian restaurant, and it was delicious! It's was such a treat to be able to linger over a meal, enjoy a couple drinks and chat with my little sister without any distractions!
A quick girls' picture while strolling up Michigan Ave.
Wishing dad good luck at his tennis tournament!
Because the weather was still cold and chilly, we found a fun indoor playground,
Edinborough Park, to explore while Felix was playing tennis.
After all that running around, it was time to take a coffeeshop break. We found this cute little cafe, Sparrow Cafe, and the girls learned how to play their first card game, Uno.
Alexander was playing with my iPad on the bed and, with a little help from Chira and me, managed to FaceTime Felix! It was hilarious to see Alexander trying to figure out how dad got into the iPad.
And of course, for a fun weekend up in the cities, you have to check out the rides at Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America!
