Mulberry Trees and the Last Post

Paul's HUGE junior high (7th and 8th grade). Indoor pool, huge stage, very very nice...weekly rec nights til 9 pm...all the soda you could drink (although the cups were those 6 oz ones!) Cool thing about this school is that you can not see it from the street. The road winds behind a pasture/wooded area, dips down and then up and then here it is! David said he wants to move here this summer so this could be his junior high!




Anyone know why flags are at half mast?

Pauls elementary school. To the right is Pauls fourth grade class and behind him and past the hallway is his fifth grade class. He swears the school doesn't look different at all. Showed the boys were the old hopscotch was painted on the courts (and hadn't been repainted since Paul was there judging by the looks of it), and showed the boys were the brick was slightly dinged...Paul swears from years of wall ball!

This is also the spot his fifth grade teacher brought a horses trough and gave everyone a sack of dirt with real gold in it (gold at the time was regulated to $32 an ounce) and taught the class how to gold pan. Paul says it is this teacher who gave the "west" such a good name and is one of the reasons he went to AZ. His sixth grade teacher is the one who painted the "Paul the Pro" picture hanging in his office. Paul didn't have the teacher who married and was then "Mrs. Weiner". The boys love that name!

Mulberry bushes/trees line the side of the elementary school. paul had us all try them and the boys fell in love, so Paul showed them how to get the really tasty, mature ones (bring high branches low).

Fingers, ears, shoes are all stained purple. Sigh...

Four square. Boys LOVED doing this. Paul remembers playing this for hours and also, just kitty corner, is the outline for the softball field and Paul remembers going home for lunch (can you imagine??) and running back in time to get picked to play ball!

This is the Howell Homestead. Beth's window is the one on the right, and her parents were on the other side behind. The window to the left of Beth and right of the door is a bathroom window and the window to the left of the door is the room the piano was in which could be seen by both main rooms. The house is painted a lawn green and at that time, the fence was green too, but it isn't anymore. The house backs up to a radio station (wrok) that is still there with HUGE satellite dishes--and a new building which looks nice but takes up some of the football space Paul used. There is also a big hill there that the kids would sled on.

Paul remembers Scott and him going to the bank and buying pennies and dimes, taking out the wheat pennies and ??? dimes, rerolling the rest and doing it so often, they were getting back their own rolls, so they had to wait a month for "fresh coin". paul was also into CB radio at this time and was in a club of about 150 people. He remembers staying up really late and talking on his CB.

Day 13

Paul remembered his paper route and told us who tipped well, etc. He had to collect every two weeks, but those he didn't find on collection day, he'd stop on his way to bowl and then use the money at the alley (games were .50).

Paul has a very vivid memory of being in the car with his Dad waiting to turn left out of the subdivision, and across the street a lady, (25 y/o or so), jumping around... jumping high, waving, etc...completely NAKED!

He also pointed out which house they thought was haunted and which house had an indoor swimming pool. I think he remembers pretty much everything about Rockford! Many of the restaurants and corner stores are still hill ... not all, but quite a few.

We had a picnic where his family used to picnic--they would bring KFC to the park, and while driving around, Paul said his mom's favorite restaurant had frog legs and she would let him eat her leftovers.

Paul showed us the apt building his dad owned (by the rr tracks) and told us funny stories about Clarence, one of the renters.

The church Paul went to was nice...two story high stained glass windows, Paul said it was so beautiful inside.

It was three hour tour yesterday (w/o me) and five 1/2 hours today..and I could tell Paul didn't want his Rockford tour to end; so many happy memories for him and he was really excited to share them with us.

Well, I've taken close to 700 pictures (probably 1000, as I delete every so often) and I am ready to go home. I tried making a photobook at Walgreens, but I couldn't get the book to take photos from multiple albums...so it is half done and I probably won't order it.

good trip and lots of great memories. We'll be home tomorrow night and I hope to hear from everyone!

Winding Down and Finding the Perfect Day

Renee and Rhonda, fast friends!















Sam and Kaitlyn, fast friends! So many cute pictures of these two!











Paul in Russ' garage, holding an old family photo that includes his dad, aunt and uncle, grandparents, and great aunts. One of the best family pics I've had the pleasure to see!













This morning right outside our hotel with a view of Lake Michigan. Perfect, perfect, perfect, PERFECT weather!!!









Day 12:

Slow start to the day, but we hadn't brought in our suitcases, only a change of clothes since we were staying only one night in that hotel. So the clean up to get out process was quick and painless.

Drove back to Carols and hung around awhile. The boys learned about croquet (sp?) and we waited for the furnace people a bit. Carol had out the most delicious apple and strawberry danishes...never had better in AZ that is for sure!

Went over to Rhondas for a sub lunch and time just flew! It's amazing how easily conversations started and lasted. The kids really got along well today (with each other and with Kaitlyn) and they had a ball playing with each other. Jon and Ben especially played quite a bit of badminton!
I could easily see us as living in Kenosha, close to the O'Connors and Payne's; I guess I'll just have to be a good emailer and letter writer.

Left to drive back to Illinois and into Rockford. Starting at Beloit (sp?) Paul started the stories about gas being only .19 a gallon and during the gas shortages waiting with his Dad in the car to fill up. It is so funny...Paul does the same thing...always takes a boy along to run errands!

Got to our hotel and found out that the pool is being repaired. UH NO! (don't fret for us: apparently we can use the pool in the hotel across the street...WHEW!) Set up in the room and Paul took the boys out exploring and left me here to relax and find a place for all the bags, etc.

Paul is taking us out for authentic Rockford pizza tomorrow I think and then more reminiscing, etc. He has such good memories of this town, it is really fun to watch him light up as he talks about it.

Tonight looks like a movie rental night and hopefully a good long sleep; we've all had a great trip, we are happy to have these trip days to unwind, but we are tired!

We will be home Wednesday evening and then promptly will be packing for Ben to go with Grandpa and Grandpa Berland to Montana. Soon, Jason will be moving back home as well, so I'm sure that July won't be quiet!

Hope all is well with everyone and I hope you enjoyed staying "in touch" with us through this blog. It has certainly been a new experience for me!

Wisconsin: Another State the boys can add to the "I've been there" lists

Tollway out to Kenosha...stopped for almost and hour and a half. I was SO happy we had stopped for lunch and a bathroom break before getting on the road! Kids did well stuck in the car; Paul used his time calling Hertz about getting some financial credit for our van inconveniences; I watched GLEE on the IPOD again! Oh, yeah, we did listen to the cd I picked up earlier this morning at a garage sale


Russ, Paul, Sam, Ben, David, Carol, Jon.

Russ just had rotator cuff surgery! We are standing in their front yard--the yard they've had for 44 years! How cool is that?


Grandma Carol, Kaitlyn Kay, and Rhonda.

Sam and Kaitlyn on the twisty slide. Aren't the second cousins precious?

Day 11:

Basically:

Laundry and clearing out of hotel in am.

Stuck on tollway for EVER after lunch.

Went to my childhood home in Elmhurst 493 Verett. Again, close to no memories. But at least the people in the house didn't think I was doing something strange by taking pictures. And, I had thought the houses on either side were mansion like...not at all...they were just a bit bigger.

Off to Pauls house in Prospect Heights. Huge trees! The field across the way is gone and filled with big big houses. Paul remembers so much...we drove to his old elementary school (now a preschool it looks like). He has great memories of this house and the local area. He drove us around to where he would bike and the like he played with a water moccasin!! Can you imagine? (as I am typing, Paul admits to a bit of urban legend ... but it was some type of snake)

Off to Carols. I've never been to Carols and Paul hasn't been in decades. He does remember going and staying for a while after Beth was born; he even remembered the park down the street. We followed Carol and Russ to Rhondas.

We had a great dinner at Rhondas (lots of great stuff including Carols Hot Dish casserole) and spent time in the backyard with Kaitlyns play gym. The boys are enamored with Miss Kaitlyn...the "smartest two year old ever" mom! I got along really well with Rhonda and we chatted easily for over three hours! (Boy, I'm a big fan of the exclamation point today)!!

Afterwards, we went to Brendas condo. Brenda died seven weeks ago, and although I'd never met her, hearing about her throughout the afternoon and evening made me feel close to her. When Carol showed me Brendas game cabinet, I knew we would have gotten along very well...we have the same taste in games!!

I was grateful to Carol, Russ, Rhonda, and Jeff for hosting us today and for letting us get to know Brenda. I know that must be very hard.

We are going to get together with everyone tomorrow for lunch on our way out of town and back to Illinois. We will be ending our vacation in Rockford, the place of most of Paul's schools. He is going to do a hat trick: he will attempt to drive his paperroute from the early 1970's. he is certain he can remember every turn and house. He says when you do something every day for six years, it never leaves you! He is also looking forward to playing wall ball at his old school with the boys...just like he used to do.

Can't believe vacation is winding down. Caught myself on the road this morning thinking not only of starting my classes next month, but thinking about what songs to play with the slideshow for the AVID program next MAY! I have to stay in the moment. Agh!

Dr. Strangelove, or how I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb

Ben eating Dot candy for the first time, courtesy of Aunt Donna


Second cousins, good sports, great looking kids!

Yeah another "before" pic for me.

Otherwise: Renee, Donna, Amy, Liz

David and his next campaign poster

Jon, ditto

Day: one million

Great weather. Went to Cantigny and started at the military museum and then went outside and climbed on decades worth of tanks and bombs.

At 2 there was a childrens concert outdoors. Natural canopy of trees and a breeze: great weather. The theme was beach party, so the kids got to use shakers, hula hoop, hula dance, congo, limbo, and bubbles. It was a fun time, very relaxing and not "spectacular" but a great time and memory. We bought a cd from the singer, a compilation of paradies on Christmas music. Ben, my Weird Al fan, thinks it is great!

Then we walked the gardens afterwords and Paul showed the boys the joys of a willow tree.

Then we went to Aunt Donnas. What a nice evening! My cousin Amy, her husband Joe and their three kids came over, as did cousin Todd, his wife Liz and their dtr. Donna made steak sandwiches (Porticellos?) that were so delicious. We traded stories about my dad and grandma and ended up getting sucked into a show about Michael Jacksons life.

Leaving we realized that our van (van #2) wasn't shifting, so as soon as we got home, Paul called Hertz AGAIN and I woke up to a new van. The kids are conflicted ... van two had automatic doors and a sunroof (how cool is that!!) but van #3 has satellite radio again...so we can listen to the comedy channel on our way to Kenosha, Wisc. to see Aunt Carol later today.

Things I've noticed:

Under air dryers in bathrooms, my skin really flys around. Guess I no longer have the skin of my youth!

The kids fart, a lot.

The kids are fish and would swim all the time if they could.

The boys had no idea what a toll road is: we purposed hid the credit card scanner, and paid cash so they could understand the concept of "toll" versus free. They thought is was super cool!! Ah, youth!

Who needs stinkin brakes?

Day: really who remembers anymore??

Paul spent whole morning getting new van from Hertz. Apparently our van brakes broke!

Uncle Jon picked us up and we went to Steves, then off to Funway to bowl. Bowling was fun--I didn't bowl, but the kids (both younger and older) had a good time.

Back to Steves to swim and play wii. Beth introduced us to a game called "Blokus" (sp?) Gotta get this game! Very fun. Nice to hear more stories about family and more stories that filled in the blanks.

It was a really relaxing day, and I have to admit I had been so worried about the reunion...who would I talk to, what would people be thinking/saying/doing? But it was fun and I hope the Illinois people consider visiting AZ sometime!

Reunion

Day Eight:

First a picture of my childhood home, that I insisted we go look at and then discovered I have not one single memory of the house.

I will say this: for years and years, when I drew a picture of a house, this is the picture I drew. So, somewhere in the recesses of my mind, this is my standard of houses!

Funny thing is, later on, my cousins and all remember that house, and remember the convertible my Dad had. MY DAD HAD A CONVERTIBLE???

Then off to the reunion. I was very nervous and apprehensive, but everyone was very, very nice. It was great to get to know my cousins better and it was awesome to share childhood gossip and fill in blanks (I remembered this part, they remembered another part)

Weird to be the "middle agers" at the reunion. Really weird. Give it fifteen years and we will be the old standard bearers keepers of the torch. How did that happen?

Talent show was a loose term, but I was impressed that my mom went first. She does always find joy in life! Jon and David became fast friends with Isabella (my cousin Beth's dtr) and they did an improv swim routine to "popular" from Wicked. Sam found other kids that he thought were great and the 6 y/o posse also did a swim routine for talent. Ben found the wii, and other kids his age to play wii with. Win, Win for everyone!

Bars were driven in from Nebraska, and Joan from the city (Lincoln Park) brought cute cupcakes. I felt like a slacker for not bringing anything! Talked to Joan for quite a while about living in a building in the city. I have always been a suburb girl, but when I was in the city, I had looked around and thought it might be cool to live there.

Speaking of the city, on the freeway out to the reunion, we saw a huge car fire and were two cars away from a pretty bad accident. The kids were stunned!

Overall, really good day and nice reunion.

Navy Pier

Jon and David on top of the world on the ferris wheel.

Ben and Sam with a Transformer at the Navy Pier stage.
Ben with one of the many souvenirs he did not get.


Sam and Paul using an artsy shot I discovered on my camera.

Day Seven:

Took the boys swimming in the morning. They swam and swam. And now, at the end of the evening, Paul is upstairs with them swimming again.

Great Day!

We went to Navy Pier and hung out.

Ben and I went to the Stained Glass Museum, while the others went back to the Childrens Museum.

One of the souvenir shops was going out of business so we picked up some souvenirs.

We all saw Transformers at the IMAX. I hadn't seen the first one, but let me tell you, the audience was into this movie...lots of audience clapping and laughing.

Then, we did the carnival rides.

Had fairly okay Mexican food on the Pier and then played frisbee for awhile. Didn't make it to the fireworks, but that's okay, it was still a great day with family!

Lloyd leaves tomorrow am for home, and we are off to the suburbs (Batavia first) for the family reunion. We are driving by my childhood home in Bolingbrook first though...lets see if it holds up to my memories.

A Sam-centric day (originally titled just keep swimming but I used that for day 4!)

the start of the Howell rock band (above)
Jon and David having fun (above)

Lunch was great...the chef kept yelling at us...don't look at the menu...I'm the menu...listen to me!!!

Day Six:

Slept in! Loved it!

Paul had work to do, so I took Jon, Ben and Sam to Shedd's Aquarium. It was so nice (and cool). We saw penguins, dolphins, sharks, otters, seahorses...it was pretty cool. Sam got to "dress up" as a penguin and then got to feel some of the ocean animals...he thought that was very cool.

Met up with the others for lunch at Billy Goat Tavern. Fun place. I "think" my cousins took me there when I visited when I was 16...

At Navy Pier, the kids loved the Children's Museum...Sam especially. But they all loved making a "rock band" and having a silly, young good time. It was nice to see Sam have something at his level...usually he has to keep up with the older kids.

We took a sightseeing boat tour that was nice (and, because the ship went faster than the architectual boat tour, it was somewhat cool).

We stopped and picked up ride tickets for tomorrow (we can get five per day per card). Tomorrow we are seeing Transformers at the IMAX on the pier, so either before or after we plan to putt putt golf, etc. I am hoping to get to the Stained Glass Museum tomorrow at the pier as well. Who knows if we will make it to the 9:30 fireworks? I guess I could ask the concierge if we can see the fireworks from our hotel...

Paul, Lloyd, Ben and Sam are off at the White Sox game. The Red Head Mafia stayed behind for a leisurely night of hotel supper, order in movie, and perhaps a late swim.

Hope all is well with everyone.

More Pictures

Paul and Renee


Paul Lloyd, Ben Paul, and Lloyd Francis.



David the window washer (although doesn't that look like a toilet bowl cleaner?)

Sammy comparing his hand to Bushman. Bushman, a gorilla (?) was given a voter registration card. Only in Chicago...vote early, vote often!

David, Sam, and Jon in the hotel pool.

If its Chicago, it's another Museum

Ben, Mom, and Jon. Ben thinks he doesn't have a good smile. Hence, this pic.


David and Sam at the (omg, already forgetting) think it is the Field Museum.

Jon and Ben at the Bean in Millenium Park. Totally stole this pose from my cousin Beth.

At the airport. Ben LOVES the Blues Brothers

Outside the Adler Planetarium, before we went to the Field Museum

Day Five: Museum of Science and Industry

Great museum, we split up and did:

Harry Potter Exhibit (so so so cool to see the props and behind the scene info up close)

Coal Mine

U boat experience

Whispering room

Clown room

Science lectures on the earth and on magnets

Outer Space

and lots more

Jon and David have renewed their efforts (at odd moments of free time) to have a spectacular entry for the family reunion talent show. the rest of us aren't so sure...

Our feet were sore, but we took the bus all the way to Hancock Observatory and we all went up (Sam was delighted to finish his audio tour)

Paul went into the Best Buy and picked up a new laptop (his died last night...horrible timing!) and then we all piled into one cab (how many Howells can fit in one car???) and had dinner at the hotel.

The boys are swimming, and Mom is left alone, because, as we all know, ain't no one happy if Mama ain't happy! I'm really pushing for an early night, but Paul is pushing for another movie night, because we can sleep in tomorrow!

Hoping to get to Shedd's Aquarium (for all), Chicago's History Museum (for me mainly) Lincoln Park Zoo, and back to Millennium Park for frisbee and picnicing. Who knows?

Just keep swimming

day four:

Adventures with mom part two:

Lloyd took David and Sam to church today.

Davids take: most beautiful church ever
Sams take: I didn't know any of the songs...

Lloyd, Paul, Ben and Jon went to another Cubs game. Cubs WON!

Back at the ranch, Sam and David swam and swam. then we went to Hancock Observatory--free audio tour--Sam loved the tour...wanted to hear every section of information. Was most interested in hearing how the river turns green on St. Patrick's Day!

David picked lunch and we ate at Hard Rock Cafe. I will definitely take Ben there soon...the first thing you see when you enter is a Jimi Hendrix guitar.

We went to a Walgreen's and printed out some pics for Fathers Day presents for Paul and Lloyd.
Paul's card had a recordable feature, and we spoofed a Happy Birthday song we heard last night at Tommy Guns:

"This is your Father's Day Song
It isn't very long."

that's it. The kids think that is the funniest thing ever.

the two groups met for dinner at Gino's East. Well...different Gino's...I had to hail a cab to get to the other one. Had Chicago Deep Dish...very good!!

Now we are watching The Dark Knight...mostly to see the Chicago scenes (the opening scene is Chicago, as is the motorcycle race and the boat show down)

I finished "Split Second" by David Baldacci today and found I had already read "the Pilots Wife". I love leaving books I am done with behind...hoping another reader will appreciate it and I appreciate more luggage space for the way home! I noticed our hotel puts out the books that are left behind, for other guests to take---I noticed a Bill Bryson book I haven't read yet...if it is still there tomorrow, I might grab it!

Tomorrow we are taking the bus (could take the train but Sammy hasn't taken a bus yet and really wants to) to the Museum of Science and Industry. We will also be seeing the Harry Potter exhibit while we are there... I love Harry Potter! ... and I think the boys do too LOL

I'm hoping to get back to Millennium Park for a picnic with the whole group. And Lloyd wants to eat lunch at the Goats Tavern.?.

we are enjoying the city and I think the boys could definitely live in this city...they are enamored with the vibrancy of it all.

Go with the flow

Day three:

Today started out nice and sunny. The entire group got back on the hop on/hop off trolley and took it to the Field Museum. We split up inside, and David, Sam, and I took a guided tour and then "shrank" and observed life under ground as an ant.

Sam melted down during the tour. Just did not want to walk at all. After the second bathroom break and a promise of the McDonald's cafeteria for lunch, he bounded back and loved the last part of the tour and our individual exploration.

(Ben took over 200 pictures at Field Museum!...now to figure out how to get them off the phone and onto a computer...)

(Jon found a stone animal in the gift shop...not his long searched for red fox, but an animal nonetheless)

Afterwards, we ate Chicago hotdogs from a sidewalk cart vendor, go onto the double decker bus (and strangely, this double decker ONLY has up seats...what do they do with the "ground" floor?) and went to Navy Pier.

did I mention it was sunny today? And, oh, five or fifty degrees above normal? IT WAS HOTTER THAN ARIZONA. We got right on the architectual boat tour and stopped at McDonalds for cheaper drinks ... plus...they had free ice cream cones so David lucked out as he was helping me and Lloyd with drinks (Paul and the others went ahead for seats) The tour was very interesting, although after fifteen minutes or so I fled downstairs to avoid direct burning of the skin -- I mean sunlight. I sacrificied seeing all the heights of buildings, but I dont' look like a lobster. Everyone in our group ended up down stairs (where David remarked how the drinks on board were more expensive and way smaller than the ones we had brought on) except Paul. What a trooper!

We took the free trolley back up to Michigan and are hanging out and cooling off in our room until tonight. We have dinner theatre reservations at Tommy Gun's. Should be fun!

And, hey, if I haven't said it enough, Paul did an excellent job planning this vacation. He really is good to travel with: where I stress and want to know in advance every movement, Paul goes more with the flow and usually, like today, things fall into place (much like Chicagos 54 bridges)

Adventures with Mom Part One

First, free breakfast at the hotel. Free means a lot to a Howell ;-) AND it was a great spread, so great deal there!

Paul and Sam went with Lloyd for a four mile lake walk this am. I slept like a sane women.

Later, Paul took Sam and David to meet up with Lloyd and go to a Cubs game. (this just in: they turned it around in the bottom of the 7th and they won!)

Ben, Jon, and I caught the hop on/off trolley. Great narrator. the kids liked hearing about all the movies filmed in chicago.

We were going to go to Shedd Aquarium first BUT it was/is half price week there, so huge crowds, so we went to the Planetarium. GREAT views. Saw two shows inside and missed the thunderstorm.

Next we dealt with the desire to shop. I put the boys off by showing them that Sears Tower is known for the gift shop (apparently, they are "known" by paying the trolley guide to include the words "souvenir shop!!")

Sears Tower was great. Ben did great and the visibility was okay. We could see all of Chicago clear as a bell, but not the "four state" view. We didn't mind.

Sears Tower has half a dozen gift shops on the way out...you have to go through each of them in succession to leave. Jon really wanted this water toy, but I don't think we could carry it on the plane. Ben has been OBSESSED with finding a Chicago White Sox hat with the new flat brim and had been pestering me since we got here to find one. Well, the last gift shop had an authentic hat, at gift store prices, but I was glad to pay and have Ben happy!

Caught the trolley (it was outside as we left! No wait!) and went to the Art Institute. FABULOUS. Even better, Jon and Ben both loved it. Their favorites: the Hindu statues of Vishnu and Shiva and also American Gothic by Grant Woods. Jon, especially, could not get over that this was the "real" painting. I was impressed with the boys happiness at the museum, they wouldn't have lasted a whole day, but neither would I!

Next, Millennium Park. AWESOME! We hung out near the bean for quite a while and then went to the fountains that have faces that "spit" on you. Hundreds of happy children playing in the water...a real true Chicago moment. I think the boys would have gone down there, but they held back.

We had skipped lunch so we hopped a cab and told the driver to take us to "the best Chicago Italian" (that was also close to our hotel). We ended up at Giondinos (sp??) and it was fabulous. A nice ending to our day.

Back at the hotel, vegging, until the other half of our group returns, and then probably swimming (possibly hotel movie).

:-)

2 planes, 2 trains, we are HERE

Day one:

Favorite AM sight: All six of us rolling our own luggage. Realizing that I am traveling without a stroller, car seat, or diaper bag. Bliss.

Took pics of the kids at Midway Airport with the Blues Brothers statues. Ben is a HUGE fan.

Other great things: hotel has great view, hotel has free dinner (although Jon says my potato soup is better)

The new Newsweek is so great...finally was able to read one cover to cover and will be doing so every week now. Love the new format.

I finally watched the pilot of the tv show GLEE on my IPOD. Great tv series. Very Square Pegsish and other high school series I can't remember the names of.

It was nice to send one text out and let people know we arrived safe. The phones are still entralling the boys.

Pool is open til 11 (9 our time) and the boys can't wait to swim and see the skyline view at night (pool is on top floor)

Tomorrow, I'm taking two boys on a trolley tour and to the Planetarium. Paul, Lloyd, and the boys are off to a Cubs game.

Observation: People dress much better in the city. I'm sure it's not all "couture" but it looks like it to me...and the number of women in 4 inch heels

We will sleep well tonight, travel always is wearing.

The day before.

Suitcases packed. Ck.
Baggie filled with cords, chargers, connectors, headphones packed. Ck.
backpacks with book, activity to share, travel journal, phone + personal treats packed. Ck.
Bathrooms clean. Ck
Floors Vacuumed. Ck.
Backyard picked up. Ck.
Tile mopped. Ck.
Garbage out. Ck.
Nephew instructed on dog care, etc. Ck.
Misc laundry done. Ck.
Weather checked. Ck and YES! Highs in low 80's and only a couple days of showers.

Sad news: my laptop is completely dead -- Paul is picking it up from the shop now...they said no hope...our itinarary was on there in more complete fashion (we do have the calendar that Paul set up) It's gone... Must be a sign to do less, enjoy more!

Only packing four books, three mags. Chicago will have books to buy, right??

Now, off to finish the last few hot spots and work on keeping clean stuff clean.

"See" you in Chicago.

Family Meeting

Sunday we held a family meeting to discuss our Chicago trip. (Yes, that is both Floridinos pizza muffins and pizza you see...we are wild and crazy take out people)

Everyone got a copy of the up to date calendar and we went through things day by day.

Much discussion about who was going with Dad and Grandpa to each Cubs game (there are two games...Paul is taking a different two kids to each). Much anguish over what Mom has planned for the other two during those times. "not all museums Mom".

All boys wanted to swim ALOT. Jon wanted to make sure he finds a stone animal souvenir for his collection. (Sam said the same thing, but only because he idolizes his big brother) David thought the family would enjoy Legoland. Ben announced he doesn't like flying, boating, or being in tall buildings. He was promptly told he might not enjoy this trip then!

Overall, the trip is coming together. Chicago weather is supposed to be a high of 80 while we are there...with some showers. Trying to convince the boys they need to pack more than shorts and tee shirts then.

And, hey, I figured out how to post a picture on this blog. Bring on Chicago!!

England

"I know it sounds boring.

But sometimes it's the boring stuff

I remember the most." Up.

Six years ago, Paul and I spent three weeks in England and Wales. We did all the London touristy stuff, which was great. We did all the Welsh stuff you need to do (just try saying a word with 11 L's in it).

The picture that Paul displays from that trip: the one at the park, where Sam is giving him a sloppy kiss.

My favorite memory: in Wales, my reticent hubby after finding out the the surname Howell is

1. Incredibly well regarded in Wales and
2. Learning that we have mispronounced it for generation

is that he went home to home, knocking on doors, introducing himself as a long lost son of the Welsh!

I certainly want to make the most of our Chicago vacation. We've always "planned" pockets of relaxing time, but I think I'm going to go over our planning calendar and make sure we have plenty of "boring" time!

Navy Pier

Our last day in Chicago as "tourists" and not family-reunion-attendees is the 24th. I'm thinking Navy Pier, the whole day.

This is what I am thinking

10 am : 1 hr sightseeing boat tour off the pier
Various rides
noon: Show: Battle for Booty (free)
Various rides and lunch
1:30: Show: Magic by Randy (free)
Various rides
Childrens Museum
Stained Glass Museum (I adore stained glass)
4pm: IMAX: Transformers 2 (This is definite and paid for, thanks honey!)
7 pm: dinner; various rides
9:15: fireworks
Back to hotel to pass out

Do you think the kids can stay sane a whole day on the pier? Can I? realistically, we'll probably arrive later and leave earlier (although I LOVE fireworks...) I'm just trying to make sure we have plans, but I'm open to changing them.

Are there places to just sit and people watch? Play frisbee?

Also, to be honest, I'd like a day where I'm not figuring out public transportation and getting on and off it all day!

Most other days I am thinking day trips and back to hotel in evening for swimming, hotel movie, etc...


Or...should we just do an afternoon at the pier and end with the movie?

staycation

All this thinking about making each segment of each day in Chicago count has got me thinking: I certainly don't put that much effort into Phoenix.

I'm willing (well, to be honest, Paul is willing) to plan, organize, have back up iternaries for our trip...and our kids haven't even been to the Grand Canyon yet.

To be fair, Jason has been...and he has hiked it in and out. BUT the four littles haven't...mainly because Paul and I didn't want to be scared-out-of-our-flippin-minds that they would get too close to the edge.

We do Prescott at least once a year and have been camping in the pop up. We've done the caverns and biosphere II...and yeah, that's pretty much it.

Hmmm, maybe next fall we'll do some family weekends. But I still don't want to cook!

Saving $15

It costs 15 to check a bag. Times six people. Times both ways. Even though we don't use a bag per person, it's still a lot of money. And for a two week trip, we might need a bag per person...

I was thinking that we could use captain's suitcases (the small ones that go overhead) One per person. We take a whole row, so we "own" two overhead compartments, right? All the hotels have washer/dryers, so it's really not like we need a whole wardrobe. (right?)

Anyway. This made perfect sense to me yesterday explaining it to Paul. He was all for it --- especially because everyone could do their own bag, etc.

Lunch at work today: my friends aren't so sure this is going to work. We all agree that we don't like how everyone brings their luggage on board, how it slows things WAY down, etc.

But it's almost $200 we'll save.

Personally, if it was a direct flight I wouldn't be having misgivings...any luggage that doesn't fit overhead gets checked at the gate FOR FREE. But we are connecting through Minneapolis with a short layover. We definitely could NOT have the bags checked at the gate for the first leg.

I'm pretty sure we are going to go for it though. That said, we only own one small luggage bag...so I need to find five more...