Memorial day weekend

We have been checking weather channels so frequently because we had plans for the long weekend. It was only when we found out that very possibly that it would be around 80s and sunny for all three days, that we claimed to the kids that they would have a chance to the beach as well as the zoo. No doubt that Yaya jumped up and down the floor for quite a while upon hearing that.

Friday night, Lei did laundry and we folded all the clothes. That's a good start, meaning we don't have to worry about it during the weekend. The kids were put to bed early as usual so that they could have a good rest.

Saturday: Peter woke up early, around 6:30am. Unfortunately we had no plans for the morning since Yaya needed to go swimming at 10:45am. Finally time came for us to head to the gym, Lei took Peter for grocery shopping. Yaya got more chance working on her back swim skills in the pool since only 3 kids showed up for the class. Afterwards, we went back home upon being told that Peter was taking a nap. After lunch, I played a while with Yaya outdoor and as soon as Peter's up and done with eating, drinking, diper changing and stuff, the whole family drove towards Lincoln Park zoo right away around 1pm. In the car, both kids were in pretty good moods, but outside the car, we sadly found that there was no parking available at all. It seemed that all the parents in Chicago have decided to take the kids to the zoo that day. After driving around for some time searching in vain, we decided that it's time to change our plan to Navy Pier. It was not too long before we found a parking in downtown Chicago. Still hearing Peter's screaming in my back ears on our last trip to Navy Pier, i insisted that we do not park in Navy Pier this time, to avoid the long check-out line later. Finally, car parked, kids loaded onto the strollers, Lei and I took time going along the streets. There were many people walking around, also buildings with all kinds of ads or decorations, Peter and Yaya were both swamped with enjoying the scene and neither one of them cared about us anymore. No wind blowing, nice sunshine and comfortable temperature, therefore everyone was in a very delightful mood. Before we realize it, we were already there at Navy Pier. Around the water fountain up in the front, there were tons of kids, some in their shorts, some even in swiming suits, a lot of screaming, jumping around, laughing, when the water splashed up from the ground. Some little kids got all wet, but still chasing around. Yaya was tempted to try, but eventually gave up. Walking along the sidewalks towards the lake front, Peter, on the other hand, was very busy observing people dressed in all kinds of different ways, and this little guy sat quietly in his seat without a single move. Peter was also very excited about the seagulls, keeping pointing aound with his little fat fingers. There were a band outdoor playing some very rhythmic music along the way, Yaya went through the crowds and danced actively following the music, which attracted a gentleman who then stood up and showed her some different poses. Yaya actually followed that guy and smiled with him. Peter, a little overwhelmed by the loudness, stuck his body in mine, but still could not resist to rock with the rhythm. We stayed for 4 to 5 songs, after each one, Yaya and Peter would clap and cheer as the whole crowd of audience. Then we returned upstairs to check on the ferri wheels and carousels as Yaya strongly required. It was very packed up with people, maybe because a lot of people travelling to Chicago during this long weekend were here. There were long lines for tickets everywhere. Since it seems the desire was unresistable (Yaya would like to give up everything, including ice cream just for a try), we did not want to dissappoint her. The whole family went for the ferri wheels ride, and Yaya went for carousel ride twice. Both kids were very happy and relaxed up in the air inside the ferri wheels and Yaya had much fun to ride a lion and a horse. Then she finally agreed we could leave, because it was getting late. While being put back in the strollers after dinner, the two fell asleep before we even arrived our car. It was sometime around 7pm, but they were exhausted. That night, Lei heard Peter giggling, talking like "this, this.." in his dream.

Sunday: After a good night sleep, everyone in the family was ready for more fun. A friend's family was said to come for lunch. While I took the kids outside, Lei, our chef for that day was busy preparing food. Both Our friend's and our own family were very lucky because Lei made us his famous round noodles. Everyone stuffed his stomach up with as much food as possible. After lunch, Yaya and friend's daughter went for a ride on their bicycles along the small pond in front of our apartment, Peter went down for his nap, while the adults got to sit under the tree and chat a bit. After they left, we actually decided to head to Evanston, the town we came from and the whole family missed. We were told that there's a party Sunday evening in the building we previouly lived, and Lei, for some reason, was very much attempted to go. Plus, we did one more thing at Evanston--Lei bought three pairs of slippers, kids got tons of toys in A DOOLAR STORE we used to love to go. We were joking about driving 50 miles for a dollar store, but i knew that we really missed the place that we have lived for 5 years, and it just felt good to be able to go back. At 6pm, there we were again, seeing the familiar faces of friends and old neighbors, back in the kids' playroom, and the outdoor playground. Peter was attracted right away by the whole room of toys and went right up to the toy vacum cleaner. He pulled and pushed it as if he was doing the real cleaning, and he just loved to play with it so much that i had a hard time taking him away to go eating. Then he went right back to the vacum after feeding. Yaya, on the other hand, was a little overwhelmed at first and did not really remember those girls who used to play with her whenever they came for a party, so later she decided to play by herself and with another similar-age boy. Outside in the playground, Yaya became very sweaty running around, up and down the slides, and Peter, simply was very thrilled by something I never figured out. He would stood there, suddenly, he acted so excited and closed his eys and yelled "yeah" for several times. He was too, busy running, as if someone was always chasing him. He lifted himself right up whenever he was tripped, as if there's some urgent fun waiting for him. Time flew by fast and it was already something past 8pm, both kids gradually cooled down, i knew it has been a long day for them, and we should go home. As expected, both fell aleep in the car, and we ended another fun and busy day.

Monday: "Should we stay home?""Maybe not" As parents, we agreed. Ok then, time for the zoo again. This time, we decided that it might be a good idea to go early. However, when we finally got out of the door, it was already 9am. Luckily enough, we were able to get in the parking lot without any problem this time, except that little Peter decided to take an early nap for the day. So I stayed with Peter while Lei took Yaya into the zoo first. Half an hour later, Peter opened his eyes all of a sudden then a big smile to me. OK, a sign for being ready for another good day. As soon as we went in, Yaya ran up to while calling us to follow her to see the cheetahs. She was very excited to be in the zoo, and told me several times "mommy, i like to come to the zoo". Peter, beyond my expectation, was also very alert to various animals. He is a guy who would finger-point everything when he is attracted. He enjoyed the monkeys, birds and lions, cheetahs. While Yaya flied around all the time, especially when we were at giraffe, polar bear, and she cared more about what the animals doing, what do they eat for life, whether they are nice or bad and where did their moms go,etc. Her questions, i know for sure, one day like her little self, will outgrow the ability of our parents'. Then, sometime around noon, we went in this indoor rest area, where there's a long climbing track up in the air. Somehow, Yaya persuaded Lei that she would go in, but she began to feel scared once inside. The track is not a continuous channel like that in the Mc'Donald's, it is more of a climbing up and down stuff, with separate curved frames held together by some webs. Yaya became nervous in the middle of the way, but unfortunately there's no way out or backward. Even though we tried to encourge her to go on, I guess she felt scared to be up in the air, with no one help. She lost her tears, and kids behind her at last got blocked up. She was a little upset afterwards, but kids are kids, soon she was happy again after a little chat during lunch time. We spent a little more time hanging around and headed out of the zoo afterwards. The zoo is located close to the lake, so it is really tempting to walk to the lake. After making sure the kids got more sunblock and water supply, we took the kids to the beach. Peter was still, scared of sand and stayed with Lei in the shade across the street, while Yaya tried every way she can to make me take her into the sand. The sand was very hot since it was 90 degree that day, and I let Yaya climed up onto my back to get her to the water front. I could hear her talking to herself on my back like"I am gonna so love to play in the sand, I love this place, .." Once near the water, she jumped off and ran right into the lake. Yes, Yaya is big now, instead of taking some time to get used to the water and sand like she used to do, now she is very comfortable with them. The wave was pushing the water up and down, she then ran up and down to let water get in her toes. She laughed, hopped like an angel. I was influenced by her spirit and became very excited. We stayed for a little while and had to come out because Yaya needed to go to the bathroom. Even though she still begged to go back to the beach, I was a little worried aobut Peter being over heated, we started our way back to the car. It was just amzing that at that point, Yaya still remembered that she did not do very well in the climbing back in the zoo, and she asked whether she could be allowed to go back for another try. "it is too late and both Peter and you are tired, let's do it next time, OK?""no, I am not tired, I think i can do it better this time" Honestly I felt so happy for my little girl, even though she was not so confident about herself soemtimes, she never gives up easily. If it were only her and myself, I am sure i would take her back and let her try. But consider the whole family already had a long day, we got in our car and headed home directly. It turns out that that was a very wise decision. On the way home, the heavy storm came. We were so lucky not being caught in the heavy rain on beach.

That should be the end of our long weekend--tiring but fun. Hopefully every kid can stay healthy and make up for their rest soon.