Chicago Trip, January 2012

In January our family made a little trip to Chicago for William's conference. We stayed at the famous Palmer House Hilton and had a wonderful time. We took lots of pictures and thought it would be nice to share them with Y'all. Enjoy!!

In the taxi from the airport to the hotel. Daddy and Kk are ready for a sunny day.

Our room was exactly the one we saw on the internet while booking our stay. We were very impresed with the accomodations. We stayed in one of the executive suites for less money than we paid for a room at the Hilton in Blue Springs, MO. It even had two bathrooms, so Kk got her own. She didn't complain. Thank you, ASSA conference room rates!!

Much to my surprise, when you stay on one of the levels with executive suites, you get your own special access elevators. They call it the "Hotel Inside the Hotel." The room guide said it was a unique and special concept started at the Palmer House Hilton. You could only utilize these elevators with your room card. I guess that's how they keep out the rif-raf. Lol!! The elevators only stopped at 4 different floors when you left the lobby: 4th floor- the gym and pool, 7th floor- spa and ballrooms, 22nd floor- executive suites, 23rd floor, executive suites and private executive lounge. We were on the 22nd floor, but had unlimited access to the lounge, which was another nice perk included in the price when you stayed in one of those rooms. Karagen was beside herself...

She's texting friends some pictures of the fantastic room. What you cannot tell from this picture is that the room is actually double the size shown with 2 huge windows facing the city. Right after this photo, I showed her that she had her own bathroom with robes and slippers... she was in there for two hours after we got back from seeing the town.

Tah Dah

The lost bathing beauty has reappeared. Did I mention Kk having her own bathroom was a big hit?

The Art Institute of Chicago

One of Mariah's all-time favorite Monet paintings. It is one from his Water Lily collection. This is one that he painted from the view of his own backyard. He had a Japanese bridge built and, by the stories I've read, he loved to paint images of scenes around where he was living. It's said that he liked to travel. Many times he would make a painting of the same scene, only at different times of the day: morning, evening, and night. 

American Gothic. Grant Wood, oil on beaverboard, circa 1930. Many people mistake this painting to be of a man and his wife. Actually, it's a man and his unmarried daughter. I took a picture of the plaque next to the painting, and we will see if it shows up on the blog easy enough to read. If not, just call and I'll tell you the story.

Plaque on the wall next to the painting.

Nighthawks. Edward Hopper, oil on canvas, circa 1942. This is a true classic!

I do believe Karagen came to town to do a little of what this painting is portraying.

William at the Arms and Armor exhibit. We could have lost him in there for hours...

I've arrived, Chicago! Lets get to know eachother.

Walking down the sidewalk and she feels like she was born to be here. As we walked a little behind her to give her the illusion she was there taking the city in all on her own, it was fun to watch other people turn around and smile to see her enjoying the view as if she was visiting Disneyland. 

Bright Light meets Bright Lights

Our bright light girl next to the Lightscape. It plays the most beautiful chimes in addition to lighting up at night. We kept walking down the sidewalk and couldn't figure out where these wonderful sounds were coming from, and then Kk found this display. The next picture will give you a shot of the sign so you can read for yourself.

This is such a cool idea.

Chicago Mass Transit

Now, how do I get around on the L? She's ready to come here for college, I think.

The shopping is calling...

The Macy's window is just across the street. In this picture it looks as though they are calling Karagen. The window display was still up from Christmas and was awesome!! It was from the movie Hugo.

American Girl Store

The last time we came to Chicago, it was for only one day. At that time, the only thing Karagen wanted to do was go to the American Girl store. It was housed across the street then. This is the new building and entrance. We did not go in this time. Karagen was more interested in visiting the Water Tower mall that boasted having 8 levels. The elevator at that mall is all glass. It is the next picture posted. 

Young lady shoe shopping. Kinda reminds me of a recent painting we saw...

The elevator at Water Tower mall.

Mariah and her friend, Angie Rose, standing under one of the most iconic symbols of the 20th century. Dave and Angie Rose also attended the January conference this year. We had lots of fun together. The four of us went out to dinner at the The Russian Tea Room. Kk opted for a movie in the hotel room with room service- Chicago deep-dish sausage pizza. Yummy!!

The Silver Bean

A nice pic of William and I in front of the big silver bean in Millenium Park in Chicago.

I love her smile here. Reminds me of when she would play in front of the mirror as a sweet baby girl.

Up close.

Checkin' her reflection.

Karagen appears to be holding up the bean.