Our Trip to Chicago :: Visiting Family

I had been throwing the idea of visiting my family in the Chicago area around for months. I was on the look out for a good deal on tickets and came across an amazing one on Spirit Airlines. I’d never seen ticket prices so low and jumped on the opportunity to book 3 tickets to Chicago! It was perfect timing since my Grandpa was celebrating his 89th birthday the weekend we finally made it out. None of my family in the mid-west had met Piper, and I was very excited to take her to visit and meet everyone. She acclimated to them instantly.

I’m pretty sure we made my grandparents month! It had been way too long since I’ve seen them, three, and a half years! My grandpa said it was “the best birthday he’d had in a very, very, very long time.” I have to be honest, it is a little hard to visit since the house brings up so many memories of my mom. There are photographs of her in almost ever room, her artwork on the walls, and it is the home she grew up in. Making my family happy is the best thing of all even though sometimes it’s hard missing my mom. Piper got to see where her Grandma Leanne came from and learn a little more about her. I hate the fact she will never know her, so telling her as much about her grandma as I can is essential to me. I don’t want her to be forgotten; my mom was the most important person in the world to me.

                                           

We spent 4 days playing in the snow, spending quality time with my family, and even got to go to the Shedd Aquarium thanks to my friend Tami who is a dolphin trainer there! My grandparents, Aunt, Uncle, cousin, and her daughter Sara all came with us. Piper and Sara had a great time playing together. I always find it amazing how fast kids gravitate towards each other, it was like Piper and Sara have known each other for years.

The aquarium was awesome! The dolphin show was my favorite part by a landslide. I can’t believe how smart the dolphins are. It was amazing to see them interact with their trainer and mimic their movements, waving and shaking their heads yes and no. Piper loved touching the starfish and finding the colorful fish in each tank.

    

It was so nice spending time with family, catching up, relaxing, and enjoying the snow. Even though it was cold the days were really quite beautiful. Pat and I enjoyed the snow as much, if not more, then Piper. I will miss my family until next time I see them. Hopefully it will be sooner then 3 and 1/2 years!

Until next time! xo- Alia