We had an amazing opportunity to take our little redheads to Chicago last week. My best friend recently moved there, and I have to say that it did my heart good to see her and her family.
Neither Brandon nor I had ever been to Chicago. We both grew up here, so we are “city people” only in the sense that we live in a highly populated area away from the country. Yet Phoenix where we live isn’t really “city” as compared to a place like Chicago.
I’ve been to New York, so I feel I kind of knew what to expect. Yet, (sorry New Yorkers) Chicago blew me away!! I’ll say it’s my favorite city in the US. I know- either you hate me or love me at this point!! Ha!
Our friends are in Lincoln Park, so we were told we were definitely “in” the city. I felt it was such an amazing combo of so many places. Big city (obviously), yet lots of green and parks, actual changing leaves, new and old buildings, the lake (which seriously, it’s as good as the ocean in my book), tons of history and culture, the amazing “vibe” of a big city with the ability to walk or take the train almost anywhere, yet something more down home or low key. I’m told that’s the mid-western feel coming through. Well, I’ll take it!!
Now, we are in no way planning on moving there. We are AZ people, we don’t winter well. And prayers go out to Lindsay and her fam on surviving their first winter there. (They’ll do great!) So we will strategically visit as we are able.
I know that my kiddos will most likely not remember this trip- other than by looking at pictures. Yet, I feel blessed that we were able to take them to a place with such culture and history. And no, we didn’t hit all the sites and museums- we have a 1 and 4 year old so that would be crazy- but to expose them to a different atmosphere such as a big city, is just as important as exposing them to a 3rd world city on a mission trip someday. Don’t break the bank to travel and there are definitely seasons of life where it will work out, yet I feel exposure is important.
Two highlights for me were the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Science and Industry Museum. Ok, so the Phoenix Zoo needs to take a few notes- the Lincoln Park Zoo is amazing, and beautiful, and free!! And yes, Phoenix Zoo, I do love you. But holy cow- this one really was great. I’m sure it helps that you can look up to see the amazing skyline!!
The Science and Industry Museum was the one museum that we did make it to. I just love how beautiful the outside of the building is! It’s a thing to behold in and of itself! We could have spent all day there, and it is definitely on my list to return to when we visit again. Yet it was a rainy Saturday and I think most of the city also thought to go there, plus we had two 1 year olds, two 4 year olds, and a 6 year old, and meltdowns were inevitable. And that was just from the adults!!
So expose your kids to different places and cities as much as you can. While it might not seem on the surface that a place/city is that much different that where you live, it’s neat to how different it seems to you kiddos; redheaded or not.
Embrace life!