A Weekend in the Windy City

This past weekend we rode the train to Chicago for a visit. The kids love the train ride, the timing is about the same as driving and it saves on the hassle of parking in downtown Chicago ~ so we take the train at least once a year. There are a WIDE variety of folks on board. Maggie made friends within minutes,at the train station, with Brittany - see pic. below. On the return leg home, Scott and I took a little nap. . . when we woke Maggie was not in her seat. (We ride business class so we know she can't go too far.) We asked Allie where her sister was, she replied, "in the snack car, playing cards with some lady." I found Maggie and a smiling Rose (a probably 70 yr. old nice looking black lady) She was on her way to see her 92 yr. old mother, "Lilly", in STL who had been hospitalized the night before. Rose was scheduled to fly to see her Monday morn. but was too worried and opted for the train yesterday instead. Needless to say, Maggie helped her take her mind off of her worries and enjoy the ride. As we left the train at our stop we promised to pray for Rose and Lilly. (p.s. Our family prayer on the way to the train station was to help us in some way to be a blessing to those we meet in our travel this weekend.)


We, as a family, love Chicago! (to visit, I must add. We'd could not give up our easy paced life here in central IL) We all love to be right in the thick of the city! Great shopping, great food . . . even the "street" entertainment. It's a great place to people watch and with Maggie along, we meet a fair amount of new people every day. We love your outlook Mags! Keep smiling!


Our trip to Chicago would not have been complete without a trip to the American Girl Place. Allie and Maggie had their dolls along with big plans for their new outfits and a visit to the hair salon at the store. (If only they took that amount of time to plan their own outfits and do their "dos". Wouldn't they look grand!??!) It truly is magical to see the sparkle in their eyes as they run about the store dreaming in "American Girl" style. The store has just finished the making of another American Girl tale. . . this one about Kit, the doll Maggie "parents". It will be released soon in theatres across the nation. I think this may create a "real" interest in the American Girl theme. HA! Could it get any bigger? I must say, in a world of nothing but trash on TV and in the theatres, I welcome this form of entertainment, if it is similar to the ones we currently own on VHS. They are a breath of fresh air ~ a lot of good moral values and very well done!