the first day

On Thursday, July 12th we left Lydia with CC and Granddaddy and headed to the Jackson airport. A quick stop at the kiosk to print a boarding pass and a quick trip through security, and we were on our way!!!

The trip was part business, part fun - I had a conference in Chicago, and Ashley and Eden came along to enjoy the city and see some friends we first met in Indiana. Then, we added on a quick trip to Indiana so Ashley could meet with a professor at Purdue for work. Eden began the trip by making sure to pay attention as the flight attendant overviewed the saftey information ... she asked tons of questions ...

She was especially excited when we walked onto the plane and one of the flight attendants handed her some wings ... her Uncle Bebop commented that hers were way cooler than his!

Next stop, Atlanta and the fun-fun-times that airport brings.  Our flight from Jackson was delayed by 20 minutes which is usually not a problem; however, our flight from Atlanta to Chicago was to take off only 50 minutes after our Jackson flight arrived and we had to sit on the runway for a few minutes once we landed ... Eden was exicted because we got to ride the moving sidewalk, and we turned the running through the airport into a race.

We did, in fact, make it onto the plane with about 5 minutes to spare (first time my name has been called over the intercom in an airport!) When they announced "snacks for purchase" and mentioned "M&Ms" Eden was sold, and we were out two bucks ... Our plane arrived, and we hopped on the "L" for a 45 minute trip to the hotel ... Ashley's part of the M&M's = the peanuts inside. E made sure to lick off all the chocolate before she handed over the nuts.

Our hotel was the historic Palmer House Hilton right next to Millenuim Park. Very cool!

Eden was excited about the hotel, especially the room which featured a king-sized bed and hotel stationary...

Bathtime was as usual - meaning goggles and swimming.

But bedtime was not usua;- she got to stay up WAY late and watch a bit of TV before going to sleep. Hey, we were on vacation!