Our Chicago Trip

Since Tim is about to open up another store (One World Wireless a Verizon Wireless Authorized Dealer~ Store #1 in Sheboygan, WI and Store #2 in Fond du lac, WI) , we knew we needed to get some family time in before we barely see him for months. We love this Holiday Inn in Shaumburg, IL that we've stayed in before when Tim had business in Chicago. It is a Holidome so it has a glass ceiling, a huge pool, lap pool, whirlpool, adult hot tub, game area, basketball court, talking parrot, and rooms right off the area. We always stay in those rooms so we just open our door and play! We arrived Sunday afternoon and hit the pool right away. Then we went to Rainforest Cafe and got seated right by an aquarium. Of course Isaiah made friends with 2 boys right off the bat and they enjoyed inventing stories about the fish while we waited for food. I don't know if you've been there before but once every 30 minutes or so they simulate a thunderstorm with flashing lights and thunder. Well, Isaiah, not such a fan. Micah could have cared less but Isaiah actually started to tear up. We explained that it was just pretend and that is what happens in the rainforest and we were at the Rainforest Cafe. He seemed okay the next time it happened. We had a good meal, toured around a bit and then headed back to the hotel. Isaiah and daddy went back to the pool while Micah and I tried to wind down and get him to sleep. That didn't work so well, so Tim ended up pacing the hallway with him for about 30 minutes before he fell asleep. In the morning we slept late since it took forever for the boys to get to seep so we ended up not getting to go to the Children's Museum since it was only open in the am. Which is okay because us Finleys are not morning people and we like an easy-going morning. We got a good breakfast in, a little swimming, and then headed to the Shedd Aquarium. We didn't know but it was a free day :) but the oceanarium was closed :(. We had a blast though and Isaiah learned a lot. When Micah got sick of the stroller, daddy hooked him up in the "man belly" and Isaiah took a little ride in the stroller. That's a lot of walking for a 3 year old! We ordered some fabulous pizza when we got back to the room and then played in the pool again. Isaiah made a new friend (surprise, surprise!) named A. They played in the pool and then later in the game room, where Tim won a funny ball from one of those grabby machines! yeah:) Isaiah and Tim watching a little football in the game area as mommy and Micah got ready for bed. Micah went to bed well this night but didn't stay asleep. (Boy was I ready for sleeping at home instead of all in one room!) The next morning we went to Dunkin' Donuts since we don't have one here and Isaiah LOVED it! The cashier even gave him some free donut holes which he thought was the coolest thing (ask him, he'll probably tell you all about it! lol). We had heard about how great their coffee and drinks were so Tim and I wanted to test it out ourselves since we have become slight coffee snobs. I ordered a plain latte and he had a black coffee. Not bad just not as good as Starbucks! Our drive home was good but tiring. We love mini-vacations and we had a fun time as a family but we were ready for some normalcy back at our house. Below are a few of our favorite pictures from our trip! Enjoy!

Micah climbing up his rent-a-crib in the hotel. He's such a big boy!

Isaiah playing with one of the interactive things at the Shedd. He loved all the hands on stuff!All my boys! Notice daddy with the "man-belly" (aka the Snugli carrier) on. It may be a slight uncomfortable but he loves the bonding! Micah loves it too! Mommy & Isaiah walking to the Shedd. Isaiah has his backpack leash on. Never liked leashes until I had a toddler who didn't like strollers and a bunch of weirdos walking around! 

What's your favorite mini-vacation spots?