Our First Attempt at a Family Vacation

Is it at all sad that in the past 3 years John and I have not once attempted to take a family vacation? I was sort of feeling like a bad Mommy for never even considering taking my children on an actual vacation. Then again when you live in a city like Chicago that’s full of museums, parks, aquariums, lake front attractions, beaches and more diverse people watching than you can shake a stick at, where do you go on vacation anyways?!?

Apparently the answer to that question is ‘Milwaukee’. No – I’m not kidding – we actually went to Milwaukee over Labor Day weekend. The deciding factors included a short drive (who knew that Milwaukee was only 90 minutes away from Chicago) and kid friendly activities that even though were in the same nature as what you’ll find in Chicago were still promising to be different than what we actually have here. So plans were made, a hotel was booked, the car was loaded up and we headed out – for our 2 day, 1 night “starter” family vacation. After all I’ve seen one too many Griswold movies to think we should attempt anything more than the bare minimum required to be considered a vacation. Baby steps people, baby steps…..

We left Sunday after attending church (Thank you, Jesus!) and a brief yet filling lunch at Arby’s on Jackson St (you should see my kids each destroy a medium roast beef sandwich – seriously – it’s a massacre of sorts). Traffic was light, bellies were full and 3 of the 4 Chung’s were passed out in the family vehicle (Thank you, John – for driving!).

We arrived in Milwaukee and proceeded directly to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum where we were greeted with a various assortment of sleepy parents trying to do something entertaining for their offspring. Seriously, it can’t really be that bad, could it? We found out shortly that it wasn't as bad as some were making it out to be – and the girls enjoyed it so much that they wet their pants, literally. OK, that was only Addy, but that’s Addy protocol. She’s all about wetting her pants, and I’m pretty sure she only does it just to prove to herself, and her adoring parents, that on some level she still is in control, much to my dismay.

After a full tour of the museum we headed out for a brief walk by the lake front and a pit-stop at a local coffee shop. John and I loaded up on our caffeinated drinks while the girls screamed and giggled in delight of all the 4-legged creatures running amuck around the outdoor patio.

4-hours into the trip and no “Griswold” mishaps (Thank you, Jesus!).

After checking in and getting settled into our hotel room we headed out for a child friendly dinner that was also sure to promise a few brews for this hard working woman her hardworking husband. AJ Bombers was a short walk from our hotel room, just over a cute little bridge, crossing a duck filled river, that the girls adored. Addy filled her belly with mounds of the free peanuts while Sidney destroyed a cheeseburger like a starving grown man. Me? I had another beer while waiting for the rain to subside. Ah – vacation (Thank you, Jesus!).

The rain eventually ended and we made a dash out the door, back to our hotel room, where we hung out in the lobby with a few other Milwaukee visitors and their friendly pets. The girls were in bliss, petting a vast arrangement of doggies while filling their bellies with M&M cookies, while John and I sipped on adult beverages as our nightcap. Our evening concluded with 3 of the 4 Chung’s passed out snoring in the hotel room (curse me and my light sleeping determent).

8-hours into the trip and no “Griswold” mishaps (Thank you, Jesus!).

Day two started off with rain. Rain?!? What is this rain?!? There was no rain in the forecast for the day! Yep, there was rain. Which for some days is a mere matter of inconvenience – but for a day that was planned for the zoo was a deal breaker. 4 Chung’s and 1 umbrella = an earlier than anticipated arrival home, after a trucker-style breakfast and a pit stop at Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte of course (Thank you, Jesus!)

So – all in all it was a decent mini-vacation. I could have done with out the rain and without the snoring Chung twins and their father – but they are all so cute I think I’ll keep them!

Thank you, Jesus indeed!