I love being on holiday break with my kids. During regular school time, it just doesn’t feel like we have time to breathe. I feel like we are constantly rushing to school, hurrying to after school activities, shoehorning in homework time, and then jamming in dinner before showers and bedtime.

I am cherishing lazy mornings and afternoon adventures.

Yesterday, my mother-in-law and I decided to take my girls and nieces to downtown Chicago.

The girls loved riding on the train, chitty-chatting, taking pictures of each other and playing games on their itouchs. This was a big improvement on the two-hour drive we took to the city last week. (Why do I always forget that a little rain can add an hour to our drive in a flash?!)

We started our afternoon in the city by collecting a dizzying array of colorful food a the French Market at Ogilvie Train Station. We then went to visit Daddy at his high-rise office and ate our wacky smorgasbord in one of his conference rooms. (Anyone care for a crepe? Or a Vietnamese spring roll? How about a lobster roll or butternut squash soup? And don’t forget the French macarons for dessert! )

Next was a quick hello to Auntie Amy before wandering the halls of the Art Institute.

And then back on the train for more silliness and selflies.

We had a glorious day of exploring different tastes, beautiful art, lots of hugs, and almost no bickering. A glorious day!