Chicago

It's unanimous: the kids' favorite part of any trip is the hotel.  Even when there's no pool, Damon has to sleep on the floor, and the girls have to share a cot, which was our hotel experience in Chicago last week.

Feeding the pigeons in Millennium Park was a close second.

I don't know if you can make out Anne's look of concern, but she was watching a pathetic pigeon that looked like an oil spill survivor.  "At least it's still alive," said Damon.  "At least it isn't a zombie," said Claire-- "...at least I hope it isn't." 

Because zombie pigeons are a major problem in big cities.

More on Chicago tomorrow.  I cleaned a bathroom, took the kids to the park, and planted peas today.  I feel like a hero and I'm beat.