My daughter is off from school AGAIN - this time on Nov. 11th for Veterans Day. We are trying to decide what to do. If it were up to me, we would just do something in the neighborhood, like breakfast out and a bit of shopping; maybe a movie. But she is hounding me to go into the city. It is a hassle going downtown with her because she is too little still to walk the 1.5-2 miles from the suburban train station to the tourist sites, such as Water Tower Place or any of the museums, so we end up taking cabs. She L-O-V-E-S taking cabs! I have no idea why she finds them so fascinating.

Her top two choices are the Field Museum (natural history) or American Girl Place. Both have their merits and detractions. The Field Museum is somewhat difficult to access from our train station and we would likely be better off driving and parking at their garage. American Girl Place (now at the urban mall, Water Tower Place) is also far from the train but we can take a cab there without too much trouble, although it would cost a few bucks.

Museum admission and parking is going to run well over $50. Ditto for American girl to have lunch there and take the cab; dont even mention the actual SHOPPING.

Personally, I would like to go to the Art Institute, and have lunch at one of my family*s fave spots - Millers Pub beforehand. But that child of mine finds the Art Institute *boring*. I guess it is too much to expect of an almost-nine year old.

Today, when I am not doing chores or trying to exercise my flabby arse into shape, I will be researching potential field trips for us.