2012_04_15 Sunday

We've returned from an incredible adventure! I took Jonathan and Elise (with Oma) on the train to Chicago. We really had a wonderful time. The trains are an excellent way to travel if you have the time. The kids really liked that they could move around, and I was happy to have our own sleeper car, although truth be told, I did very little sleeping with Ms E squirming around by my side. But, Jonathan slept on the top bunk both ways and did fantastic. We had a white linen dinner on the return trip that was very special; the kids behaved so well. The hardest part, which I had anticipated, was the layover in Pittsburgh, especially the return layover since it was in the weeeee hours of the morning. But, it sure was fun (and maybe a bit confusing) to see today turn in to tomorrow.

I planned a day at the Barony on each side of the trip, so the kids could ease into and out of vacation. They had a blast. E even slept in her own 'doxhole'! Not sure how that will play out at Christmas time; Opa better build a third one!!

But, I was so happy to see how instantaneously Jonathan and Shawn bonded and played together. I don't recall a single 'incident' between them. Elise jumped in as much as she could handle, which was considerable. Shannon planned one excursion each day (children's museum, Lego factory, children's arboretum); that was the perfect balance for us. She also was our photographer, so here are some picture of all the adventures (I may have some too, but it takes me forever to upload, so I'll add as time permits):

04-11-12 DuPage Children's Museum: http://s696.photobucket.com/albums/vv323/rpsp1028/2011%202012%20Ages%202%20to%203/2012-04-11%20DuPage%20Childrens%20Museum/
Here's a short clip of E's moves at the children's museum: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llhi_1fJG_0&feature=youtu.be Enjoy! 
04-11-12 All Aboard Diner: http://s696.photobucket.com/albums/vv323/rpsp1028/2011%202012%20Ages%202%20to%203/2012-04-11%20All%20Aboard%20Diner/
04-12-12 LegoLand: http://s696.photobucket.com/albums/vv323/rpsp1028/2011%202012%20Ages%202%20to%203/2012-04-12%20LegoLand/
04-12-12 Jamba Juice Snack: http://s696.photobucket.com/albums/vv323/rpsp1028/2011%202012%20Ages%202%20to%203/2012-04-12%20Jamba%20Juice%20snack/
04-12-12 Gino's East Pizza: http://s696.photobucket.com/albums/vv323/rpsp1028/2011%202012%20Ages%202%20to%203/2012-04-12%20Ginos%20East%20Pizza/
04-13-12 Morton Arboretum Children's Garden: http://s696.photobucket.com/albums/vv323/rpsp1028/2011%202012%20Ages%202%20to%203/2012-04-13%20Morton%20Arboretum%20Childrens%20Garden/

This was one of those trips that will stick with me as one of my favorites.