We headed out for Chicago on Thursday morning...all of us with some sort of ailment. I think we were all fighting a virus but it was causing different symptoms in each of us. Eric was fighting an upset stomach, I had a headache, Morgan was just grumpy, and Will had a cough that just kept getting worse. Turn around! Turn around! (Both E&I thought that but we had promised Will and pre-paid for the hotel so we thought we'd make the best of it). Well, it turns out that the I-80 bridge was closed over the Mississippi leading us on a detour of southeast Iowa/southwest Illinois. *Good job honey, I was obviously NOT the best choice for navigator that day!!* The kids did remarkably well during the longer than expected trip but more fun awaited us at the hotel. Eric was keeping track of the munchkins as I went to check in and "Oh, I'm sorry Ms. Schipper, we didn't charge your room ahead of time." UMMMM, WHAT??? I have a confirmation number from March 2009 stating that I would get this incredible rate right on Michigan Avenue ONLY if I prepaid the room. Well, no, they messed up - didn't charge the room and gave us a 2 double bed room instead of the King with a rollaway that I had requested. Yay. This was not a good start to what would be a good, but frustrating and exhausting weekend. We made do with the room, Eric on one bed, me and Will on the other and Morgan on a comforter on the floor. Oh, and have I mentioned that Will turns into an Octopus when he sleeps (I swear he grows arms or legs and then he rolls around all night!!). Anyway, after we settled in a bit we ventured out onto Michigan Ave and had fun wandering the streets. 
We LOVED the Lego store!
Friday was the big game and MAN was it a game. Except Eric & Morgan didn't get to enjoy it with us. Morgan was exhausted, needed a nap, and Eric was still fighting his bug. So off Will and I went to Wrigley. 
We watched as the Cubs took out their frustrations on the Pirates with a 17-2 win (including an incredible 10 run second inning). It wasn't nearly as fun without our other 1/2 but we did enjoy the game and found our brick. 
Friday night was collapsing after more wandering Michigan in search of Garrett's popcorn (please tell me why they don't have a store anymore on Michigan??). We headed home Saturday morning a little poorer, much more tired, but SO thankful for our beautiful home and our beds.
**Note to self - Check credit card next time to make sure pre-paid reservation was actually paid.**
We LOVED the Lego store!Friday was the big game and MAN was it a game. Except Eric & Morgan didn't get to enjoy it with us. Morgan was exhausted, needed a nap, and Eric was still fighting his bug. So off Will and I went to Wrigley. We watched as the Cubs took out their frustrations on the Pirates with a 17-2 win (including an incredible 10 run second inning). It wasn't nearly as fun without our other 1/2 but we did enjoy the game and found our brick. Friday night was collapsing after more wandering Michigan in search of Garrett's popcorn (please tell me why they don't have a store anymore on Michigan??). We headed home Saturday morning a little poorer, much more tired, but SO thankful for our beautiful home and our beds.**Note to self - Check credit card next time to make sure pre-paid reservation was actually paid.**
They caught a total of 6 good sized Northerns as well as a few Blue Gill. We also caught our share of Perch when we all went out. Morgan loved the fish (not to mention her Minnie Mouse fishing pole) and cried "No Mommy, my fishy no go bye-bye" when I tossed her fish back into the water. 
Will was a superstar and rode the surfboard for the first time. He wasn't quite sure about skiing so this was a great first step. He started on his knees and then got up on his feet while we were out on the lake. I was and am SO proud of him! 
We also had campfires complete with smores almost every night. The kids ran and played all over and wore themselves out each night!
We spent every morning up at the Lodge where we enjoyed fresh donuts and all the fun games.
