Babysitting in Chicago

My friend Kara, has a little girl, Ava who is 3 years old. Kara had a conference to attend through her job at the VA in Chicago. So Ava tagged along as well as Kate and I as the babysitters.

It was a short 3 day excursion. We drove into the city Monday morning, and had the afternoon to explore. Kate and I started out by going to Navy Pier for the afternoon. Ava got a kick out of the funny mirrors and exploring the children's musuem. Ave expiernced her first sorbet, and also enjoyed a carosel ride, but reeally wanted to go on the ferris wheel. It was a cool, sunny, windy day in Chicago.


That evening Kate went to visit her friend Chris, who lived in the city. While Kara, Ava and I made the trek out to the 'burbs to find IKEA. We found it, but when we arrived they were closing in 15 minutes. Ava had behaved for Kate and I all day, but when it came time for mom to be around, she didn't want any of it. Maybe it was the lack of a nap. So after some kicking and screaming we got some supper and came back to the hotel. Kara and Ava went to bed and I headed for the lounge and grabbed some wine and read a book. The lobby was a buzz with lots of people, many in fancy dress.

Ahh the reason to go to the city, Dunkin Donuts coffee!!



On Tuesday we had the whole day to explore. We woke up late, and went towards Millenium Park, the plan was to get to the Field Musuem which was at the other end of town. Well we never made it that far. We made it to the park and that was it. There were sculptures to see and a fountain to play in. Most important there was a resturant and bathrooms in the area as well. So we lathered Ava in sunscreen and played in the fountain for a while. Then we thought that maybe Ava should take a nap so she wouldn't be a crab for her mom that night. So we took a walk along the lake and she fell asleep. Well when it was time for her mom to be done with work, we went to catch a bite to eat....Well Ava still didn't want to behave for her mother...I guess she just knows how to push her buttons.


After supper we relaxed in the room. Kara and Ave went to bed and Kate and I went out for ice cream and Dunkin Donuts coffee.

On Wednesday we had the morning to kill. So we wondered around and made it to a beach near Navy Pier. The weather was a continuation of the day before about 80 and sunny. SO Ava was lathered up in sunscreen.


We then went to Navy Pier for a hot dog.


then it was time to go home, so we made it back to the hotel and grabbed the car and made the trek home. It was a good trip!