Category: travel

We made it to Chicago. It’s kind of rainy, but I think the fact that I’m unencumbered is totally making up for that. We made it to Oak Park for a great toy store, the Paper Source, and Whole Foods (ran out of baby food). Then off to do half of Michigan Avenue. I actually tried on jeans without someone tugging on me.

Ellery, during this time you have been a saint. You have camped out happily in your stroller with your toys and blanket, and give every passerby a huge smile. For the second night in a row, we wrapped up with a dog party in bed. You barely made it through the first half of the movie, though. You’ve got to build up some stamina if you’re going to make it through your college years, kiddo.

One year, our friends Carole and Chris told us they were taking separate vacations. They have three kids, and it just didn’t seem feasible to relax with the whole family in tow. At first, I was confused by the whole idea. Vacation? Without my husband? And family?

Then I had three kids.

And now I’m all like, “Separate vacations? Why didn’t we think of this sooner?”

You might remember that Tom went to the Pitchfork Music Festival a while back. Now it’s my turn. I should probably say “our turn” since Ellery and I are a package deal for a while longer. But she’s a great traveling companion as long as you don’t mind being spit up on now and then.

I was going to just go to Chicago for a few days, but I decided to divert to see a few Michigan beach towns and scope out a few places out for possible vacation spots next year. Then Ellery and I went back to the motel for take-out and bed. And, like the uber-geek family we are, I checked in with Tom via iChat. He and Neko showed me the kitchen wall that they’re painting brown (!). I sanctioned this project, but I always get nervous when we make bold moves like this. I think it’s gonna be good, though.

Tomorrow we’re off to the Windy City…