The kids and I have been taking in the city during their time off between camp and school. So far we’ve hit Garfield Conservatory, The Notebaert Nature Museum, the Chicago History Museum, the Come In And Play Center, various commercial stores where they will play for hours, and walks up and down Michigan Ave. It’s great to act like a tourist in this city.
If you’re in Chicago and have kids, take them to the Come In And Play Center at the Chicago Cultural Center (open until September 30th). It’s like being in someone else’s rec room — someone WITH ALL THE GAMES IN THE WORLD, that is. Best of all, it’s free!
The kids built buildings out of Legos. Their final products perfectly capture their personalities.
Bean, channeling Howard Roark/Frank Lloyd Wright:
She does things her way and you can be sure there’s a reason for it. But if you don’t get it, it’s your problem. She shouldn’t have to explain anything to anyone.
Buddy, channeling Louis Kahn:
Our philosophizing, deliberate, little architect. And apparently a door was a waste of time and space.
(Momomax, don’t be laughing at my remedial architectural comparisons…)
I love how absolutely different they are. I love how they have their own styles. I love how they nod in respect at each other’s masterpieces, and then go back to doing their own thing, not influenced by the other.
I’m boiling it down to Legos, I know, but these really do capture them perfectly.
Just one more week before school begins. I’m looking forward to it, but having a lot of fun with them on our mini-expeditions.
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The other day, Buddy woke up from a nap and, groggy, stumbled over to me. I asked him if he slept well, and he nodded. Then I said, “Hey, we’re gonna go pick up Daddy from work soon. Is that okay? You up for it?”
He nodded, still groggy, squinting from the light. After rubbing his eyes and yawning, he started to wake up a little and then stood there, watching me as I brushed my hair.
Suddenly he looked confused. And concerned. He held up his hands in a half-shrug.
“Mom. We can’t pick up Daddy. He’s too heavy!”
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6 Comments
love how a post about legos can bring about an ayn rand reference! cute buddyism!
Sounds like you’re having a lot of fun exploring Chicago with the twins. Great Lego creations, though I think Buddy’s building is more Tadao Ando than Louis Kahn
I hope all goes well with school next week. I’m getting a little stressed, my son begins Grade 1, he’s not too thrilled with the thought of less playtime and more work, but he is excited to see all his friends.
Oh, I had to laugh at Buddy’s comment about picking up Daddy. I had a little 1st grader who when told to pick up his desk said the same thing: “I can’t pick up my desk; it’s too heavy!”
Darn idiomatic expressions.
That’s priceless!
I’m a fan of the classic museums downtown. We haven’t hit any this summer, but I prefer the city in the fall anyway. Justin adores the Science and Industry. Of course, I cried when we walked by the babies in jars… Oh, and my 8 yr and my 1 yr olds both enjoyed their children’s museum room.
But I think anything downtown is fun for kids. The constant action and movement of the people, the variety.
buddy strikes again. love that kid.
I like the kahn comparison, I would even throw out a venturi link to that masterful rendition of simplicity, strength and…don’t pay attention, I’m just giving you love in my own way.
I also wonder why the big ego-licious starchitects always have multiple families, at the same time? kahn juggled two and they never knew about each other until he died, or something like that.
again, don’t pay attention to me. I shouldn’t even be commenting in my sleep deprived state.
I can’t get enough of those things - Legos! I think they’re by far the best toy ever invented, and they’re all. over. our. house!!! Just yesterday I packed away an entire plastic bag full of ‘em bc I already had two on reserve in the toy box. But I couldn’t help feeling guilty over it bc, well, what if the kids run out of Legos in the midst of their architectural creativity and I’m the one to blame for their hindrance??! (gasp!) Out went the Legos.
Your posts always make me appreciate the little things in life and Buddy’s views and comments make me want to run home to scoop my little guy up!
Happy Monday!