Visiting My Sister in Chicago

Earlier this month I was lucky to be able to go and visit my sister that lives in Chicago. They will soon be moving areas so it was the last chance for me to go and visit her and her family there. I have two nieces and three nephews over there (four of which are quadruplets), so there is plenty that I can do to help out when I’m there.

She has lived in the US for nearly ten years now, but between her coming over here or me going over there, I think we have been able to see each other at least once every year. Thank goodness for modern technology is all I can say as we can still chat daily on WhatsApp and see each others pictures on Instagram.

Between the husband and my mother-in-law, the kids were taken care of so that I could go and visit by myself. I would take Max to visit his cousins if his seat didn’t cost basically the same as mine (I’m avoiding long haul with Chloe for a while now; I’m scarred for life now after taking her to Thailand last summer)! I felt with Icelandair as they have started flying to Chicago. Two flights seems to make things cheaper and it meant that I got to visit Reykjavik, even if it was for only a few hours. They were a good airline, though a budget long haul airline, if ever there was one (had to pay for food in economy for example – I got upgraded on the way home though – result)!

When I saw my sister it was like there hadn’t been any time between us. We were just chatting away until she realised the time and that we’d be up early with the kids (the quads are 1 and my other niece is 5). Then we just got on with every day things and just spend time with the family. I have been to downtown Chicago before so didn’t really feel the need to go into the city again. Plus a quad stroller is a little awkward! I did manage to get in some shopping though and treat myself to a few early birthday gifts. Would be rude not to with the exchange rate, right?!

It was just nice having girl time. We went to the cinema together, ate out a few times and went to the gym. Rachel is literally amazing with all that she fits in with four one year old babies at home. They and their older sister are just so adorable and I loved getting to see their little personalities. When I last saw them they were only four months old. There was less of feeding and napping on a schedule as now they are all on the move and chatting. It is amazing what can happen in a year with babies. They are all so different but all so lovely.

I always get emosh when I have to say goodbye to them and say bye at the airport 🙁 It’s the strangest thing when you have an expat sister – you just don’t know quite when you’ll see them again.

Until next time, sis…

*sorry about the poor iPhone quality pictures!