Mall of America and Chicago(:

Well... it took the girls 9 hours one day, and 7 hours the second but we finished shopping all 4 floors of the Mall of America(: We took the term "Shop 'till you drop" in a literal sense. The girls had a great time shopping for some new clothes that we had a hard time packing in our suitecases.
The boys would like to point out that they completed the mall in less than one day. They spent the rest of their time seeing movies, shopping at the lego store, and doing the INDOOR theme park!
Our drive to Chicago was a beautiful scenic drive along the Mississippi River with plenty on interesting stops.
One of those stops included a replica of Laura Ingalls Wilder's cabin from her book "Little House in the Big Woods".
We also stoped at a little creamery in Nelson, Wisconsin for cheese curds and ice cream.
Driving into Chicago was definatly an experience. Rush hour is probably not the best time to attempt to drive in. The traffic was strong and it took a little bit to reach our destination at our hotel along the Magnificent Mile.
During our 4 days here in the Windy City we enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells of Chicago.
As a family we visited the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium.
We took a walk down to Taste of Chicago, took some of our first's city bus ride, shoved all 6 of us into a small crowded taxi more that once, experienced TRUE deep dish Chicago Style Pizza, and took an elavator to the 103rd floor of the Sears Tower and "dared to step out" on the glass ledge overlooking the city.
The family took a walk down the Navy Peir and enjoyed a fire works harbor cruise that was stunning. In no way could any picture ever do it justice. The lights of Chicago are incredible. All though the hustle and the bustle of city life is heard all throughout the night, things seem to calm down when the buildings light up.
Dad took mom out to a beautiful dinner at the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building for their 20th wedding anniversary while us kids stayed back at the hotel and enjoyed relaxing. We bought mom a new dress at the Loft and dad bought her a rose. Their evening was one to remember.
The last day, we slept in and checked out around 11:30 and headed off to the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Chicago was a city all of us will remember and some hope to visit again in the future.
Now we are driving off to Clebveland, Ohio. Goodbye Windy Ciry, hello Buckeye State(:

"Life is colorful, this is life" -As observed by Evan at the Shedd Aquarium.