Chicago

Matthew and I took a special trip to Chicago the first weekend of April. We went to see one of my oldest friends from high school, Natalie. She has been living in Chicago for 5 years, and I wanted to go visit her before she moves away this summer. I decided to take Matt with me because I wanted to do something special with him, just he and I, before he gets too old to want to hang out with mom. We stayed for three nights and had the best time. We went to Lincoln Park Zoo, which is right by Michigan Lake, and it's a free zoo, which was even better.

Matt picked out some souvenirs for Zach, and got this lizard for himself. We went to eat right after the zoo at a famous Chicago pizza restaurant and he used his lizard to help him eat.

This was some statue in the park that kids were climbing.

We also went and got pedicures. Matt was excited to soak his feet and get them massaged, but DID NOT want his toes painted. He picked out green paint for Natalie's toes, and she willingly got them painted green.

We also went to Navy Pier and rode on the highest Ferris wheel I have ever seen. I will admit I was terrified and didn't want to move an inch. Taking this photo was terrifying. Matt on the other hand, thought it was great. No fear.

Matt's favorite part of this entire trip was....... Riding the "L" train. He just wanted to ride and ride. Sometimes we had no destination, we just rode the train for a while and then got off and went back the other way. I guess boys just love trains.

This was right before we got on the train, waiting on the platform. He was so excited, he just keep asking when will it be here??

We had such a great time. It was really wonderful to be able to go away for the weekend with him. As a parent, I would recommend little one-on-one trips with your kids. It will make memories that will last a life time for both of you, and as they get older they won't want to spend that kind of time with you. I can't wait until next summer when Zach and I go somewhere special.