Off to Chicago

I had to attend a board review class in Chicago last week. Rather
than leave the all the boys with David, we though Mr. 5 and Mr. 9
could spend some special time with Nana and Papa. I had to present at
journal club that morning so I raced home from work to finish up the
packing and organize the boys. David took us to the airport while our
nanny stayed with Mr. 11 and Mr. 2 and we made it just in time despite
long lines in security due to the marathon and spring break. It
looked like all had gone smoothly until the announcement that there
was a mechanical problem with the plane. It took 3 hours but they got
us a new plane and we actually made it to Chicago. Unfortunately this
made for a very late night and I had to be at the first day of my
review early the next morning.

The review was good but exhausting - 10 hours of sitting in a big room
listening to lectures repeated for 4 days - but the boys had a
wonderful time hanging out with Nana and Papa. They went hiking,
played at the Bass Pro Shop, planted a garden, made a fairy garden,
played Starcraft, took walks, worked in the workshop (Mr. 9 wanted to
make a car for Mr. 2), went out for meals, played games, and generally
did all the fun things you can think of! The last day of the review
was only a half day so I had the chance to head back to Nana and
Papa's house and spend the afternoon hiking and going to the
playground before it was time to pack up to head home.

We flew back Monday morning which meant getting up at 4am to catch our
flight. David picked us up at the airport, dropped me off at work,
and we started our crazy week, tired and feeling very behind.