Black Friday Shopping Downtown Chicago: Part One

What's that saying:" When in Chicago, Do as the Chicagoans."  At least that was our thought when we woke up early on  Black Friday morning to board a train into the big city.  Everyone was excited to be a part of the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago on the busiest shopping day of the year.  Much better than getting up in the middle of night to beat the crowd at the Big Box Stores!

Miss A who loves all form of public transportation was most excited about taking the commuter train into Union Station. Since our stop was the first on the line, we had our choice of seats; meaning we were upstairs watching the world go by.  To make up for the missed knitting in the car a few days earlier, I came prepared with a small portable project and enjoyed people watching while I chatted with Mr C and watched Miss M veg out to her IPOD

Upon arrival at Union Station, we began the first of many long walks in the cold.  Oh, so thankful for Bestemor's Christmas Presents.  I am not sure the girls would have made it far without the cowl necks and hats.  Mr C, of course, pointed out that my Red Hat made it easy to spot me in a crowd.  Sadly, a bag with Dad and C's gloves and hat had been left behind in Huntley meaning they would actually need to "buy" something on Black Friday.  Our first stop was suppose to be a Taco Fresco just blocks from the Station, but guess they had taken a long weekend off and it was closed.  I thought C was going to cry.  For weeks he dreamed of his favorite Tex Mex restaurant.  Thankfully ,Dad's IPhone came to the rescue and we found out there was another location at Millennium Park. Phew.



With a happy boy and full tummy, we went out to see the architectural Cloud Gate commonly referred to as the Bean  It's a pretty cool site and the people watching was out of the world.  It was a true melting pot.  P found some new friends; the "Free Hugs People" who I'm not sure if they were trying to find dates for Christmas Formal or just trying to spread a little Christmas Joy. Either way, according to Miss M "you don't see that everyday."

Our adventures in downtown were only just beginning....