Summer in the City

We have been trying to enjoy more of our time in the city this summer. We know our years are numbered in the city since Austen starts kindergarten next year so as hard as it is sometimes I have to remind myself of all the good things that I will miss when we move to the suburbs. Here are the ones that I will miss about having kids in the city:

1. My kids having friends of all races, religions and backgrounds. Chicago is definitely a melting pot and my kids get to benefit from that as they learn all about each other at school.

2. Watching Austen play t-ball with the backdrop of the city to the south and Lake Michigan to the east. There's no way we're getting that view anywhere else.

3. Walking everywhere. Today we got together with some friends that Austen and Peyton go to school with. We hit the local park and then walked to a neighborhood bar for lunch. On the way, we stopped at the local fire station for an impromptu tour.




4. Taking school field trips on the el to Millennium Park. It's cool to have this world renowned park in your backyard.



5. Short rides to any museum, ballpark or event like the circus or some show on ice.

I will miss all these things but what I will miss most about living in the city are those nights when we get a babysitter and try out another neighborhood gem for dinner or meet our friends out at a local watering hole. And, for a few hours we get to relive our 20s or reminisce about them....there's nothing better, especially when it's summer in the city.