After we said our goodbyes to friends in Southern Illinois, we headed toward the Windy City, stopping off for a little family tree business along the way. In the great city of Chicago, we had the great pleasure of staying with a sweet cousin K and her husband, J. They welcomed us into their immaculate and beautifully renovated home and treated us like royalty. Saturday was our only real day to do family activities in the big city. So, we hopped on the commuter train first thing in the morning to take the children to the treasured Art Institute of Chicago.
The children delighted in the miniature rooms, taking note of numerous details that had escaped me. The Professor and the three elders took in the children's area in the basement, as well. It received very high reviews for its educational and entertainment value from all four. Unfortunately, Little Queen was suffering the unbearable pains of teething that day, so she was not able to enjoy the art to the fullest of her ability (and neither was the Alma Mater, for that matter).
After lunch, we took in the armor and some breathtaking European art. The Impressionist collection is incredible. And the religious Renaissance art left me speechless. We didn't even cover half of the current collections and they are adding on extensively.
The Professor had a concert to attend later in the evening, so we headed back on a 4:ooish train having walked about three miles total. The Prof and I were so proud of the children for remaining cheerful through the hot, city hike and for thoroughly and genuinely enjoying the museum.
The next morning, noon actually, we attended the Tridentine Latin Mass at St. John Cantius. The schola was outstanding and the church itself incredibly beautiful. The Professor recognized a few faces there, but it was no surprise. I haven't mentioned yet that the primary purpose of our trip to Chicago was so that the Prof could attend the American Guild of Organist's National Convention. This event draws two thousand, yes 2000, organists from around the country.
During the five days, the organists attend workshops, shop in the exhibit hall, network, etc., but they primarily attend services and concerts at churches throughout the city and region. This year they were transported around in fifty, yes 50, buses. For the Professor, this is nearly heaven on earth.
Meanwhile, the rest of us drove north to Wisconsin where we enjoyed a lovely week with the kinfolk. More on that next time...
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