Rachel and I went to Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. It took four hours and included dinner at Jimmy John’s. We had a great time exploring, looking at different stores, and talking. The mall was super crowded and we had difficulty finding a parking spot. Rachel played in the Children’s PlayCourt. I enjoyed visiting the salt water tanks at Rainforest Cafe.

This date was a nice trip to the park and then Dairy Queen. We stopped by Veteran’s Acres and walked around the frozen lake – the snow was all melted but the ice was still thick except around the edges. Alexis stood on the ice by the dock. We saw a herd of deer, eight in total. They allowed us to get within forty feet of them. Then we visited the pet shop and had a swirl ice cream cone at Dairy Queen.

Following her sister, Alexis went to Barnes and Nobles for some Daddy reading time. Alexis read three books after enjoying a “Gingerbread” steamer.

This date was a tried and true one at Barnes and Nobles. She was treated to a “Steamer” from the coffee shop – vanilla. Then we read several books in the store.

Rachel wanted to go to Richard Walker’s Pancake House for our date. We had a lovely time sitting by the fireplace. Rachel ordered the french toast and I had crepes with berries. YUM. The entire family went sledding thereafter.