We'll go down to Mexico...

Just got back from an AMAZING trip to Mexico. It was a week long of the pool, ocean, flea markets, ruins, fish, food and bars. Now - most of you probably latched onto the bar thing, but honestly? Not much alcohol was drank (or drunk - natch). The greatest part? Watching kids have a blast just being kids.

I won't go into details as I never do divulge names - I protect all the innocent at all times.

I have determined that after a week of the sun, sand and pool I am a beach person. I never thought I would be the type to spend a day on a chair roasting in the sun, and I still don't. I do love to read and vacation seems to be the only time to do that anymore. Alternating between jumping waves, sitting on a chair or in the pool reading is a FANTASTIC way to spend a week. No cell phone or computer for me, and might I say how relaxing that was. The kiddo was with me so there was no need to panic that something went horrible wrong in that arena. Yes, something else could have gone wrong, but the family had the hotel info so if I was needed, I could be found.

Of course, a lot of this may be due to the company I kept. They are great people who have fun too.

In Europe - actually most other places in the world -people take a holiday. An actual unplug kind of vacation and we Americans need to learn from that.

I plan on doing that from now on, even if I just take a weekend - unplugging needs to happen for me to be human.

Unplug. I think we should all do it.

IT'S SNOWING!!!

An amazing day spent in the city...we did Sears, we did Giordano's, we did the EL, we did WRIGLEY!!!! Of course, Wrigley is currently under major construction due to the Winter Classic but we still got take pictures all around and then, through one of the drive in doors, saw the ice rink!!! The most amazing part was showing my kiddo Wrigley and seeing the joy in his face. I don't think anyone can actually understand the majesty of the old parks until they see them first hand.

It's a known fact that I am a city girl when it comes to the hustle and the atmosphere. Sears Tower shows you the whole city, and yes it was foggy but still beautiful. Seeing the 'tourists' (yes, I know we are tourists as well) and their bright eyes, knowing that the hour long lines we waited in to get to the top of the US are a distant and forgotten memory - it only adds to the drama that you feel from being so high above the world. It wasn't my first trip up, and won't be my last, but wow - each trip is better and better.

One of the best parts of the day, despite all the wonderful sites we saw, was walking arm in arm with my son from EL stop to EL stop, block to block. We passed shops, people, Daley Plaza, houses, the city. Surrounded by people, yet we were on the journey alone - there are no words.

Flurries did start tonight, there is a light dusting on the ground, but now have stopped. Time to curl up with the fresh apple pie my wonderful friends are making and the boys to enjoy this glass of Maker's Mark.

Good night Chicago, thank you for hosting us and making us feel at home.