Razzle Dazzle Nov. 2012

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We are in Chicago visiting with my boys and our husband who is working on Les Miz's revival. We have been very lucky that the weather has been temperate. Our first week has been in the 50's. For the windy city in November, the weather has been great!

One of our favorite stops?.........................The Lincoln Park Zoo. It's one of the few zoos that are free in this country. The boys still love it! They were preparing for Zoolights and it looked phenomenal!

During this time of year, we typically hit the Light Festival Parade. This year would be a great time since the weather wasn't terribly cold. However, everyone else in Chicago thought the same thing. Michigan Ave was PACKED!!! There were so many people that it felt almost dangerous. So, since we were staying at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, we were able to see Michigan Ave which is the street that the parade was on. Also, the fireworks were over the river. We were on the 33rd floor and it's a great floor. All the corner rooms have a little refrigerator. We were very happy to have snacks and drinks while looking out of the window at the parade.

We also took the METRA (train system in Chicago) to the Museum of Science and Industry. The train ride was fun for the boys and they love this museum because they can run around and try everything. For us as parents? It's a great way to expend energy!

 






We also went to Daley Plaza for their annual lighting of the Christmas Tree, but also for the bratwurst! My boys love the German in them and this is a celebration of German Christmas (Christkindl). I was able to have some delicious Gluhwein, bratwurst with sauerkraut, potato pancakes, and delicious German chocolates.

Another one of my son's favorite place is Giordano's pizza. He loves deep dish Chicago style pizza. We go there all the time when we're in Chicago. I, personally, think there are other places that might be better, but this isn't that bad and my son loves it there.

A Remington

 My favorite place to go in Chicago is the Art Institute. It has the most beautiful art collections on display. My boys tend to do silly things with the art, but if that is what helps them remember the art, then so be it. It is huge and can take a few hours to get through. Nonetheless, the boys have learned to enjoy the art there and hopefully, our discussions will stimulate their minds and teach them the important of art in our world/culture.

The Millennium Park is a great place to just walk through and enjoy the sites. The Silver Bean is a fun place that my boys enjoy. In the winter time, there is a skating rink right below the Silver Bean. Near the park on Randolph Street is another favorite spot of ours for breakfast. It's called Wildberry. On the weekends, the lines are out the door, but if you can get in there on the less popular times, you will get seated. The breakfasts are VERY good!!!! Wildberry's is not overly prices. Great meal for the start of the day!