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| LegoLand Tiger, so real! |
We spent Memorial Day with Uncle Magdi, Aunt Linda, Uncle Alex and Aunt Carly in Chicago. Teddy had the time of his life. Never has he been to more parks in two days that we went to up there. The highlight was for sure LegoLand and the sprinkler in Uncle Magdi's backyard.
THE FLIGHT
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| The Bicycle Flight at LegoLand |
This was the first flight as a big boy for Teddy and of course we are smack dab in the middle of potty training (I made the decision to forego the big boy undies in favor of Pull Ups given that I did NOT want an accident on the plane). Well, of course Teddy had to have us pretend it was Rocket from Little Einsteins and clap for takeoff. Then he wanted to watch us fly but did NOT want to stay buckled into his seat. Again, thank you Apple for the iPad because that was the only bribe that worked to keep him quiet and buckled. Then there was the issue of the plane bathrooms. (On a side note, how in the world can two adults fit in there? We barely fit with Teddy and me...I digress.) He was NOT a fan between the vibration and the small space, he was loathe to use the potty. Then we discovered what the flight attendant referred to as the "master bathroom," which is one that was slgihtly larger. Oh the Joy, Teddy liked this one and its space, especially the sink. Automatic water and soap, oh yes. Luckily all was smooth and we did not end up having any issues, thank you Apple!
CHICAGO
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| Playing in the Sprinkler! |
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| Uncle Alex |
Well, what can I say, we loved Chicago and its suburbs. Uncle Magdi and Uncle Alex has a full schedule planned for us. It all started with playing in Uncle Magdi's backyard where Teddy did his duty as the official stick collector for the City of St. Charles, IL. Teddy helped find all the sticks and dragged everyone, from Uncle Alex to Aunt Linda into helping him. Then we went to the Greek restaurant, and you know what Teddy loved the most--it's a tie between the flames from the ouzo on the haloumi and the flush of the toilet. Yes, you read that right, the flush. He was OBSESSED with the flush and begged to go to the bathroom multiple times. He finally bamboozled Magdi to take him and then when he would not go, Magdi let him flush it multiple times. He loved that flush! Then it was off to LegoLand, which regardless of your age, is a very cool place. Teddy loved the flying bicycles and begged to go on that multiple times. Then it was time for dinner at the bocce/bowling alley with the most amazing Jazz singer, where Teddy had to show off his smooth moves. Sunday brought us heat and fun (we tried to go into the City but the train was too late so we bagged it), so we made the best of that with one of the most beloved traditions in all childhoods---SPRINKLERS! Yes, we put the sprinkler on and everyone had to go through with Teddy. He was in heaven. After that it was time for some good old fashioned Oberweis ice cream, which was awesome! Teddy loved hanging out and demanded all the attention from Uncle Magdi and Uncle Alex, detailing everything to them. We enjoyed the amazing parks they have and the food!
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| Playing with Uncle Magdi |
FAMILY
I miss my family so much, and trips like this to see everyone makes me happy. Taking Teddy on these trips is so important because I want him to have a sense of his family and his heritage on both sides of his family. Watching Uncle Magdi teach Teddy some Arabic and talk to us about family in Egypt is special and valuable for Teddy. Though he cannot understand it now, one day he will remember these conversations and share them with his children, and that makes these trips worth their weight in gold. I cannot wait to share more of these special trips with Adrian's family and my family and let Teddy grow up hearing stories of family and playing with cousins, just like I did. I treasure those memories now, especially that some of those folks are gone (I miss my Grandma Lillian so much and I so wish she could have met Teddy and be amused by him, she really would have thought he was something else), and I can appreciate them more now as an adult than I ever could as a child.
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| Just swinging! |
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Big Boys play too, always competing
for who has the higher swing! (It was a tie) |
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