Vacation...Part 3...Chicago

While we enjoyed out little "journeys" this summer, we were ready for a little stay-cation in downtown Chicago. This was the first opportunity for me and Landon to really spend time downtown; Jayden and Tony had done a few trips in for a boys weekend.

After picking Jayden up from his first full day of Kindergarten, me and the boys drove into the city and were meeting Tony at the hotel. Tony's commute was literary a walk across the street and down a set of stairs; we could see his building from our room.

Saturday...a lesson in fears. Jayden has been very interested in the Sears Tower and will quickly correct you if you call it the Sears Tower, it's name change took place a few weeks ago and it is now The Willis Tower. This summer they added an 'attraction' to the observation deck, Sky Ledge. They basically removed three windows and built glass boxes that stick out the side of the building so when you stand in them you are standing 103 stories above the streets of Chicago. So up we went, PACKED into a large elevator with about 50 people. The computer display shows you the various tall landmarks you pass on your ride to the observation deck. The heart started pounding. We arrive at Sky Ledge and I volunteer to take Jayden to the ledge so I can get some pictures...only I can't do it. I got to the ledge and stopped. Jayden walked out there like nothing, looking down and out along the horizon...I, was paralyzed. My heart was furiously beating, I was sweating and there was no way I was going out there...so I quickly took pictures of my little dare devil standing in the ledge...leaning against the outside glass...heart is leaping out of the chest now. Then, I quickly grabbed him and ushered him back to normal building material. So, Tony takes Jayden and Landon back out on the ledge for a second look. I swear I was near passing out.

After Willis Tower we headed back to the hotel for a little nap for Landon, everyone took advantage of nap time...including Jayden! Then we were off to Navy Pier.

We walked along Navy Pier taking it all in. Jayden found a little Thomas the Tank Engine ride and took a few turns on that. We also rode the carousel, and drove little remote control boats. Jayden had been asking for weeks about riding the giant Ferris wheel but the line was too long so we decided we would make a return visit in the morning.

Sunday...fears revisited. 10 am...Navy Pier and the Ferris wheel opens. We first stopped to ride Thomas...again, but this time we let Landon take a turn too. He cried when the operator had to pick him up to put him on the ride but Jayden quickly worked his big brother magic and calmed him down. Then is was off for the Ferris wheel. We were first in line...goody. The heart is starting to speed up. This Ferris wheel is huge...I mean HUGE. It stands 150 feet tall, is in constant motion (no stop for letting people on or off, you do all that while it moves) and it takes 7.5 minutes to do one revolution (translation: 7.5 minutes of hell). We're on, we're moving and as we are moving up...heart is pounding, palms are sweating and I have a death grip on Jayden, who by the way, is busy looking all around and pointing various interesting things out. Landon is good for about the first 2.5-3 minutes and then proceeds to spend the remaining time squirming about in Tony's arms...of course he waits until we are high in the air. When you get to the top it feels as though the wheel is slowing to a near stop and then finally we are on our way down. Heart is still about to leap from the chest and Jayden has tried numerous times to pry my hand from him waist. We finally unload from the Ferris wheel and my heart rhythm is beginning to regulate.

After all our exciting time at the pier we quickly drive down Michigan Avenue, there was no parking so we didn't even stop and shop, and headed for home.

So the lesson of my little weekend in the city; not for someone with a fear of heights.