Tri- state tour

Here is the blow by blow from our tour of the midwest.
Sunday, Sept. 3- 3 hour plane trip to Chicago, 6 hour drive to Wellington. I was an amazingly good traveler. I didn't cry at all on the plane or in the car until about 10 miles outside of Wellington. It was a great first impression for Grandma Walker but she says she has seen it all before. Mom and dad couldn't complain one bit because I was so good otherwise. We got in late so we pretty much just hit the hay (we are in farm country!).
Monday, Sept. 4- We headed up to the local McDonalds for breakfast with all of Grandma's brothers and sisters- my great aunts and uncles. I was a hit and again very good and smiley and soaked up all the attention. Later that day, Mr. Walkers sisters ( Priscilla, Marie and Iva) and cousins (Shea, her husband Chris and their little girl Cait) all converged on Grandma's house for an impromtu family reunion. It was fun for mom to see everyone and catch up on Wellington gossip. Later that night, we went out to dinner with Aunt Marie and Neil.
Tuesday, Sept. 5- Today, we went to see Grandma's sister- Aunt Elsie. She lives on a big farm in Amish country. She has about 8 big draft horses in a pretty red barn. They made a lot noise but it didn't scare me. I was pretty fascinated by them acutally. They are alot bigger than my dogs! Then aunt Elsie took us down to the next farm which is an Amish farm. The family, the Keims, run a little vegetable stand so mom and dad bought fresh sweet corn, green beans and huge tomatoes. So yummy and so cheap! Then, we went to Uncle Dorrels farm to see the pigs and cows. The pigs were really interested in me but they were pretty stinky. Then cousin Fred took us out to the back pasture in the Gator to see the cows. We also got to pick raspberries right out of Uncle Dorrell's front yard! All in all a good, wholesome farm day.
Wednesday Sept. 6- Another long day of driving back to Chicago. Again I was very, very good. Everyone got a little frustrated because we missed the exit for the tollroad and ended up driving through downtown Chicago at 4 in the afternoon. Not fun. Mom and dad were very happy to get to the hotel. They celebrated with dinner from Subway and a $20 bottle of wine. Who says they don't know how to live it up?!
Thursday, Sept. 7- Today, we met up with our friends Joe and Amy and headed over to the Field Museum. Mom and dad got tickets to the King Tut exhibit. I was really fascinated by all the displays until I fell asleep. Unfortunately, strollers weren't allowed in so mom ended up carrying me for an hour and a half while I snoozed away, blissfully unaware of her agony! That night, we met up with the bride to be, Vanessa, and her fiance, Rob, for a sushi dinner in downtown Chicago. Very chic and so unlike mom and dad! The food and company was very good.
Friday, Sept. 8- Today, we walked to Marshall- Fields. Apparently, they were bought out by Macy's Department Store and Chicago was all in an uproar about the name change. It has been Marshall- Field's for 126 years and it is the home of the delicious Frango mint. We bought some mints just in case they aren't made anymore. Amy was even interviewed by the local news for her thoughts on the effects of the name change on tourism. Chicago takes its shopping very seriously. We got to have a picnic in the park with Joe, Amy and Vanessa. Then the big girls went to get their nails done and I went with dad and Joe to NavyPier.
The rehersal dinner was at Giordano's Pizza. So fabulous- mom and dad chowed down on the fried cheese appetizers, the deep dish chicago pizza (heaven) and cheesecake for dessert. About 5 bazillion calories but so worth it!
Saturday, Sept. 9- The big day! I got to spend most of it with dad. We went to the planetarium and I was really good until the show started and the lights went out. I figured this was as good of a time as any to have a little cry. I was loud enough that dad had to leave. The best laid plans.... Mom spent the day with Vanessa and Amy getting gorgeous for the wedding. Vanessa and Rob got married at the Shedd aquarium and I guess it was very cool. I wouldn't know because I was back at the hotel. Mom's friend Heidi and two of her kids drove in from Indiana to babysit so mom and dad could enjoy their evening. Mom says Thanks Heidi!
Sunday, Sept. 10- We met Heidi, Tabitha and Max for breakfast and then headed to the airport for another long plane ride.

Overall, a great week with lots of travel. Mom discovered that I don't sleep like a baby but more like a drunken sailor. I guess I fidget, fart, rustle, grunt, squeek, slurp all night long.
Best wishes to Vanessa and Rob on the start of your new life together.

Will try and post pictures tomorrow- still having some trouble uploading.