Chicago Day 2

Our second full day in Chicago was filled with so many amazing places to visit. It was cloudy and cold when we started out in the morning. Our first stop was to the Sears Tower. They told us that there was zero visibility and that the 103 floor was under construction, so we would only be able to go to the 99th floor. We went up anyway and actually could see quite a bit, even with the zero visibility. The Sears Tower is the highest building in the western hemisphere.

Something I didn't know is that Chicago is a finalist for the 2016 Olympics. There are signs of support all over the city.

After that we went to the Chicago Institute of Art where many incredible artists and works of art are displayed. I have never had much of an interest in art, but have always felt it was so important for our children to be exposed to fine art. I was absolutely blown away by how much Cameron knows about artists and works of art. He talked nonstop telling me about the different artists that we saw. There was art from Monet, Renoir, Jackson Pollack, Georgia O'Keefe, Remington, and Salvador Dali. I asked him where he learned all of this and he said that he learned it in art from his wonderful art teacher, Mrs. G. He also learned it from the Art Masterpiece program. I truly was blown away and it convinces me even more how important these opportunities to learn are for our children. His favorite picture is "Water Lillies" by Monet which was on display.

The other display that was awesome to see was the Caldecott winners from 2000-2008. These are the artists that illustrate children's books.

After that we went to Museum of Science and Industry where they are having the Harry Potter Exhibition. Cameron was so excited to see this. He could hardly contain himself when we got there!! I have to say that as excited as he was about the Harry Potter, he was almost as excited to see the great works of art. Anyway, the Harry Potter Exhibition is only in Chicago. It has been there since April and runs through September. It will then go to two other U.S. cities that haven't been announced yet. After that it will be taken to Europe. We weren't allowed to take any pictures in this exhibit. I haven't really followed the Harry Potter Series, but I love that this series has gotten so many people, both children and adults, to read and be excited to read. The exhibit had many of the original costumes and artifacts from the different movies. It was very well done and I thoroughly enjoyed it!We saw a whole lot in the two full days that we were in Chicago. It was great to see so much. I think I would like to come back and really take more time in some of the places that we went to visit. Of course, I have to make sure that Cameron comes with me because he has so much information stored in his brain!!

It is late now and we are in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We are driving to see Mount Rushmore tomorrow. We went through Wisconsin, Minnesota, touched close to Iowa, and got here about an hour ago. I had never been to Wisconsin or Minnesota and both states are absolutely beautiful and green.

More driving tomorrow, but it has been well worth it! It has been cool to cold all day today--so hard to believe it is June!!

Chicago

Chicago is a great town! I had been here once before a few years ago for the International Reading Association convention. Didn't get to see anything in the short time I was here the. It has been fun to do the tourist things this time.

Yesterday we went to the top of the Hancock Building. The view of the city and Lake Michigan was absolutely beautiful. After that we visited the Field Museum. We saw Sue, the dinosaur. It is the most complete T-Rex skeleton in the world.

We went to two different exhibits. The most incredible one to me was a series of photographs that were taken during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950's and 60's. The photos were in black and white and depicted the events surrounding Dr. Martin Luther King and the other leaders of the quest for equal rights. I remember when all of this was going on, but I had forgotten about so much of what had taken place during that time. One of the most somber was a picture of Dr. King's motel room after he had been killed. Once again, this exhibit reminded me that we don't look back at history and learn from it so that we don't repeat previous mistakes.

There was also an incredible exhibit on Native Americans. It is a very large exhibit and shows the progression of early people through tools, pottery and art. The exhibit displayed thousands of years of artifacts and is amazing!

We then visited the Shedd Aquarium. It was fun to see the Beluga Whales, sea lions, and dolphins.

The last tourist "thing" that we did was take a one hour boat trip on the Chicago River to learn about the different architectural designs on the different buildings in Chicago. It was awesome!!
We are off again this morning to visit Sears Tower and take a boat ride on Lake Michigan among other things.

Sonya's Wedding Continued!

As I was going through the pictures that I have taken since we have arrived here in Illinois, I found a couple of ones that I hadn't posted that I think are very interesting. I mentioned in a previous post that there was an inland hurricane in southern Illinois that caused a lot of damage. I had never heard of an inland hurricane before, but we saw the uprooted trees everywhere we went in Carbondale.

One of the best signs that we saw was on a church close to where we were staying. It said, "Jesus is bigger than an inland hurricane!" I wish I had taken a picture of it.

When we went to the rehearsal dinner at Sonya's parents' home, I talked to her mom about this storm. She told me that she hadn't realized how bad it was until it was over. When we went out to the back of their house, Sonya's dad showed me where they go when a storm like this comes along. I found it absolutely fascinating to see. They actually have a storm cellar that is in the ground where people go for protection. It fits six people and is something that is purchased and then put into the ground. Her dad told me that after a storm, neighbors check on each other to make sure that trees haven't fallen on the storm cellar door. Having lived in Arizona for all of my life, this is so hard to imagine.

I also mentioned that the original reception hall that Sonya had booked for her wedding had been destroyed in this inland hurricane. It was going to be in the middle of this beautiful lake near the wedding chapel. Because there was very little time before the wedding, she had to find some place quickly that wasn't already booked. She was able to find an Elks Club and she was a bit disappointed that it wasn't quite what she was looking for. Sonya and her mom did a great job of decorating the place and of course, it was a lot of fun. I am posting a picture of the sign in front of the Elks Club last Saturday night. I absolutely love this picture!!We are in Chicago now and have spent the day doing tourist things. We have a two day pass and will be seeing much more tomorrow. Chicago is a great city, but it is very expensive!! I will be doing a post on this part of our trip later. This trip has been great and we have seen so much!! I am glad we have driven and been able to see the different parts of our great country!!

The Wedding

Yesterday was the big day for Sonya and Jason. They were married at 3:30 at a beautiful chapel in a cemetery. Yes, that is correct--in a cemetery. I was thinking that the significance of the cemetery was because Sonya loves all of the Mexican skeletons that are for Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead.

However, her mom said it was because of the stained glass windows in the chapel. Sonya is an artist and is majoring in art at Southern Illinois University and has gotten into stained glass. Her mom said that since Sonya and Jason don't belong to an organized church, they weren't able to get a church with stained glass. Most of the churches around this area are newer buildings and don't have stained glass. As I looked around the chapel at the stained glass, I totally understood why she chose it. The stained glass is awesome and there are many depictions of lillies which has a special significance in that her daughter is named Lillia.

The part of this that I liked so much is that I have always said the only two things I want out of life are a Mexican Wedding and an Irish Wake!! You can do both at this chapel!!!

Sonya and Patrick have been friends since they were in high school. Sonya and Lillia have been a part of our family for several years. Last year, she decided that the best plan for her and for Lilia was to move to Illinois to live with her parents and to be able to finish college. We were all sad when she moved, but knew it was for the best. And it has turned out to be for the best. Jason is a wonderful young man who loves Sonya very much.

The ceremony was beautiful and unconventional which is so Sonya. Jason's sister, Lisa, was the "Best Woman" and Patrick was a "bridesman." They included both of their children in the service. At the end, the four of them, Sonya, Jason, Lillia and Cassidy, all had a vase of sand. Together they poured their vases into a larger vase signifying the blending of their families. I don't think I have ever seen anything like this and it was so beautiful!!

The reception was a lot of fun. The Elks Club reminded me of the one in Douglas. They are probably very similar no matter where you go. Patrick did a toast to Sonya and told the story of her walking down the beach in Rocky Point with her high heels on pretending to be Marilyn Monroe. The toasts at a wedding are always emotional and when it came time for Sonya to talk, she had a difficult time. She thanked her parents for all that they have done for her and then she thanked me. I was absolutely not expecting this and it touched me so much! I didn't and still don't know what to say to be included like that. It certainly meant a lot to me--more than words can ever express, Sonya!!

We are on our way to Chicago now. We have had a wonderful time here in Southern Illinois with Sonya and her family. I am so glad that we were able to come to this wedding and I am so happy for Sonya and Jason!! Sonya, you deserve the best and I thank you for being a part of my life and enriching it in many ways!!

PS--The song for this post was the song that Sonya and Jason picked to walk out of the church after they married!

The Little Red Barn at the Cabin in the Woods

Those of you who are around my age or older will probably remember the television show "Green Acres" with Ava Gabor and Eddie Albert. Well, we are officially at Green Acres. We arrived in Carbondale, Illinois early yesterday afternoon. Sonya had sent information about several places that we could stay when we got here. There are several cabins in the area and most of them were already booked. The Cabins in the Woods still had one left--The Little Red Barn, so I booked it. It is off the beaten path in a beautiful, green forest. Our cabin looks a bit like a barn that has been converted. It has two bedrooms, a living room and kitchen area, one bathroom and a huge screened in backporch with a hot tub.

Right down the hill is the barn with the pigs, goats, donkeys, horses, and a variety of chickens, roosters, turkeys, guinea fowl, peacocks, etc. They have several dogs and cats who have free run of the place. Needless to say, Cameron is thrilled to be here! There is satellite television, but no internet. It is really relaxing and so far away from the hustle and bustle of city life and a welcome change from the hotels and cities where we have been staying. I think I could spend a few weeks here!!

We met Sonya at the tuxedo shop. She came back to the "barn" and then took Cameron back to see Lilia. We fixed steaks on the grill along with corn on the cob, zucchini, and baked potatoes. Once again, it was nice not to eat in a restaurant!

Lilia came back with Cameron and spent the night with us. We are sitting at the Starbucks at Barnes and Noble right now, getting caught up on my blog and email.

This afternoon we go to the wedding rehearsal and then to Sonya's parents house for the rehearsal dinner. Tomorrow is Sonya's and Jason's wedding at 3:30. They had originally planned to have the reception on a lake that is close by. A few weeks ago, this part of Illinois was hit with an inland hurricane and the kitchen where the reception was to be held was destroyed. Of course, Sonya was really disappointed and had to find some place without much notice. She was able to book the local Elks Club, which was definitely not her first choice. There is an Elks Club in Douglas that we have spent a lot of time in over the years so I love the local Elks Clubs!! It will be fun no matter what!! I know that Sonya will make a beautiful bride and Jason is an absolutely wonderful young man!!

We are here in Carbondale until Sunday when we head for Chicago for three days. So far this has been an awesome vacation and so great to be away for a few weeks. Haven't been able to get totally away as I have my school Blackberry and have had to deal with a few issues.

It is amazing to me how different life can be in the various places across the United States. I am glad we took the time to drive and not fly in and fly back right away. It has been so good for Cameron to see all of these different places and for me, too! It has been a relaxing and fun week, although I miss my little Lucy and the other dogs!!

St. Louis Blues (as in blue from the cold weather)!!!

Inside the tram

Busch Stadium from inside the Arch

Looking up at the Arch

Cameron dressed for boat ride on the Mississippi!

It is June 3rd and it is cold here in St. Louis. Don't the weather gods know that it is June????? I know that those back in Arizona are probably thinking I am nuts, but I like the warm weather!!

St. Louis is really a great city. We are staying right downtown next to the Mississippi River and by the St. Louis Arch. We are close to Busch Stadium where the Cardinals have been playing every night that we have been here and a few blocks from Edward Jones Stadium where the St. Louis Rams play football. The Courthouse where Dred Scott went to court to ask for freedom from slavery and where Virginia Minor asked for the right to vote for women is right across the street.

Yesterday we went to the St. Louis Zoo where we got caught in a torrential rain two different times, but it was warm and humid. Apparently, there was some severe damage from this storm. We didn't experience any of that storm.

Early this morning there was a very loud sound and then a voice came over the intercom telling us to disregard the fire alarm. We are on the 16th floor and that was a bit scary!

Our plans for today were to take a river cruise and visit the Gateway Arch. Part of the plan was not to spend $30 on a sweatshirt at the gift shop at the Arch!!! I was not prepared for this as I am thinking of summer in Arizona where you only need a sweatshirt if you are heading to mountains.

The river trip was very interesting and very cold!! The Mississippi is an incredible river. And all of the history here about the Westward Movement brings back all of the reading that I did many years ago. I have always loved history.

I was in St. Louis one time before--the summer of 1965. I was a delegate to the National Y-Teen Convention in Washington D.C. that summer and we traveled on a chartered bus from El Paso to Washington. The Gateway Arch was not finished until October of 1965 and I remember being in awe of it then, even when it wasn't complete.

I had no idea that you can actually go up into the Arch in a tram. There are eight very small cars and that is probably the reason the attendant asked if anyone had claustrophobia when we bought the tickets. There are seats for five people in this little car. This tram was designed by an engineer in the 1960's.

So we all pile in this little space and proceed up to the top of the Gateway Arch....... Now you have to picture this...Cameron who is afraid of going on rides at Disneyland is actually excited. His mother is terrified!! This is our brave, confident Kerri!!! We get to the top and take a few pictures and Kerri wants to get down. As she said and when I thought about it...we are up very far in the air with nothing beneath us--as opposed to going up in the Sears Tower or Empire State Building. When she put it that way, I could see her point. So we headed back down in the very small tram car.... Kerri was very relieved when we got to the bottom and got out!!

It has been a great three days here. Tomorrow we head for Carbondale and Sonya's wedding. I am anxious to see Sonya, Lillia, Jason and her family. We are staying in a cabin in the woods called the "Little Red Barn." I don't know if we will have internet access there or not. I am just hoping it is a bit warmer (I think)!!

Somber Visit

On Saturday, we left Gilbert for a trip to Illinois for our friend, Sonya's wedding. We decided to drive so that we could visit different places in our country and give Cameron that experience. So far, driving is about all that we have done. We spent the first night in Albuquerque getting there quite late. Kerri's friend, Tyson, met us for drinks near the hotel we were staying.

Sunday we drove for many long hours and got to Oklahoma City late again. There is a two hour time difference from Arizona to Oklahoma, plus it was Sunday. We had trouble finding a place to eat and finally ended up at a Denny's. Of course, they have a different menu for after 10:00 p.m. I had no idea as I obviously don't go many places at this time of night!

This morning we visited the site of the Oklahoma City bombing. The memorial is beautifully done to commemorate this horrific event from April 19, 1995. There are chairs dedicated to each person who was killed that day.

"We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity."

This is what is written about the purpose of the memorial. What I find amazing is the feeling that you get at a site like this. People who are walking around are talking quietly, etc. I remember when Patrick and I went to New York on St. Patrick's Day after September 11. Everyone around the site at that time were quiet and appeared introspective.

I remember that day very well. It was the end of innocence for us. The fact that such an act of violence could happen here in our country by someone who was a United States citizen was so sad. Then we experienced September 11th six years later. I always read about things like this happening in other countries, but we seemed to be insulated here in the U.S.

I remember talking to my mom and Teresa that day. They told me that a family friend was killed that day. His name was Richard Cummins and he worked for the Department of Agriculture. He was the son of their friend, Christine. I recently wrote about Christine's great granddaughter, Samantha, who won the Margaret Shannon Leadership/Citizenship Award at my school--such a small world and so many connections.

So today when we visited the memorial, one of the security officers took me to the chair with his name on it. He asked me how I knew him. I told him that Richard had grown up in my home town and I knew his mother very well. I remember my mom telling me at the time that his mother was never told that he had been killed. She was in a rest home in Tucson at the time and died shortly after.

Seeing the memorial today was a somber experience and reminded me that we as Americans are not immune to terrorist attacks like people in other countries have experienced for so long. Hate is such an ugly emotion and brings out the worst in humans. It is so simplistic to think that we should all be friends. However, respect for human life and differences of opinion should not result in such a terrible tragedy. My hope for the future is that we can realize this and learn from history and past mistakes. I guess that truly is almost too much to hope for. Maybe if everyone could have the experience we had today and see something like this beautiful memorial, it might make a difference........... I pray that isn't too much to hope for!