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Relaxing weekend in Galena. 🪺

Relaxing weekend in Galena. 🪺

When mom gets to pick what we do, we go to the zoo! 🩷
#brookfieldzoo

When mom gets to pick what we do, we go to the zoo! 🩷
#brookfieldzoo

Tried ChatGPT for the first time today. 😳

Tried ChatGPT for the first time today. 😳

We eat at Little Tokyo every time we are in Galena and it never disappoints! The Dancing Scallops appetizer is our absolute favorite. Caden tried the Rainbow Roll today.
❤️ 🍱🍣🥢❤️ #littletokyogalena #galenaillinois

We eat at Little Tokyo every time we are in Galena and it never disappoints! The Dancing Scallops appetizer is our absolute favorite. Caden tried the Rainbow Roll today.
❤️ 🍱🍣🥢❤️ #littletokyogalena #galenaillinois

Our Eagles fan got to see their stadium! It’s under construction now but was still fun to see. Serious analysis paralysis when deciding on a souvenir from the gift shop. Settled on a Super Bowl T-Shirt and some cards after much deliberation. 🏈

Our Eagles fan got to see their stadium! It’s under construction now but was still fun to see. Serious analysis paralysis when deciding on a souvenir from the gift shop. Settled on a Super Bowl T-Shirt and some cards after much deliberation. 🏈

Longwood Gardens were spectacular! Plant Man Dan was in his element and took it all in. The pre-teen even got excited to take pictures. We wandered for 5 hours and could have used more time.

We had a mid afternoon snack at their gorgeous new restaurant 1906 and The Fountain Room. The Caramelia
(chocolate mousse, espresso caramel, cocoa soil) was as delicious as it was beautiful.

The stars of the show were the Blue-Poppies! Usually only grown in the Himalayan Mountains, an opportunity to see them in full bloom was special.
#familytravel #longwoodgardens

Longwood Gardens were spectacular! Plant Man Dan was in his element and took it all in. The pre-teen even got excited to take pictures. We wandered for 5 hours and could have used more time.

We had a mid afternoon snack at their gorgeous new restaurant 1906 and The Fountain Room. The Caramelia
(chocolate mousse, espresso caramel, cocoa soil) was as delicious as it was beautiful.

The stars of the show were the Blue-Poppies! Usually only grown in the Himalayan Mountains, an opportunity to see them in full bloom was special.
#familytravel #longwoodgardens

Historic Philadelphia Highlights -
• Independence Hall
• Liberty Bell
• Visitor’s Center (National Parks Stamps)
• Washington Square - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution
• Betsy Ross’s home
• Ben Franklin’s grave
• City Hall
• U.S. Mint (Fantastic tour, no photos allowed)
• Federal Reserve Bank (Bag of shredded money at the end of the tour)
“Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof.” #familytravel #nationalparksservice

Historic Philadelphia Highlights -
• Independence Hall
• Liberty Bell
• Visitor’s Center (National Parks Stamps)
• Washington Square - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution
• Betsy Ross’s home
• Ben Franklin’s grave
• City Hall
• U.S. Mint (Fantastic tour, no photos allowed)
• Federal Reserve Bank (Bag of shredded money at the end of the tour)
“Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof.” #familytravel #nationalparksservice

“Mom, is this what the inside of your brain looks like?” Yes it is. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, created by Isaiah Zagar over the last 30+ years, is an immersive mixed media mosaic art environment. Multicolored tiles, wheels, bottles, glass, and mirrors create a unique and memorable experience for visitors. “Art is the center of the real world” #philadelphiasmagicgardens #familytravel

“Mom, is this what the inside of your brain looks like?” Yes it is. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, created by Isaiah Zagar over the last 30+ years, is an immersive mixed media mosaic art environment. Multicolored tiles, wheels, bottles, glass, and mirrors create a unique and memorable experience for visitors. “Art is the center of the real world” #philadelphiasmagicgardens #familytravel

Battleship New Jersey - We walked over 1 mile on every available path on the 887’ 7” ship. It was an interactive look at our country’s military history. The incredible battleship was active in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War from 1942-1991. We appreciated our conversation with a Navy Veteran who now volunteers on the battleship. Caden purchased a round peg that was removed from the teak deck during a restoration. #battleshipnj #familytravel

Battleship New Jersey - We walked over 1 mile on every available path on the 887’ 7” ship. It was an interactive look at our country’s military history. The incredible battleship was active in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War from 1942-1991. We appreciated our conversation with a Navy Veteran who now volunteers on the battleship. Caden purchased a round peg that was removed from the teak deck during a restoration. #battleshipnj #familytravel

I wore a dress to Kalaya, just in case we happened to run into Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon, the James Beard Award-winning Chef/Owner. I’ve been slightly obsessed with her since seeing her on Somebody Feed Phil and Chef’s Table. Chef Nok tells her family’s story and changes perceptions of Thai food with this beautiful restaurant, named after her mother. While I didn’t get to meet her, the experience exceeded expectations! We tried the famous kanom jeeb nok (caramelized cod dumplings in the shape of little birds), cabbage, scallop, shrimp, and squid stir fry, and a giant river prawn 🦐! Dessert was a huge coffee and banana shaved ice. The service was excellent. We loved every bite and all agreed it was one of our favorite meals ever! #fishtownphilly #phillyfood #familytravel

I wore a dress to Kalaya, just in case we happened to run into Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon, the James Beard Award-winning Chef/Owner. I’ve been slightly obsessed with her since seeing her on Somebody Feed Phil and Chef’s Table. Chef Nok tells her family’s story and changes perceptions of Thai food with this beautiful restaurant, named after her mother. While I didn’t get to meet her, the experience exceeded expectations! We tried the famous kanom jeeb nok (caramelized cod dumplings in the shape of little birds), cabbage, scallop, shrimp, and squid stir fry, and a giant river prawn 🦐! Dessert was a huge coffee and banana shaved ice. The service was excellent. We loved every bite and all agreed it was one of our favorite meals ever! #fishtownphilly #phillyfood #familytravel

Visit to Independence Seaport Museum and tour of the Olympia at Penn’s Landing, in Philadelphia, along the Delaware River. The Olympia was the most famous vessel of its time and positioned America’s Navy as a world power in 1898 as Admiral George Dewey’s flagship during the Battle of Manila Bay. #phillyseaport #familytravel

Visit to Independence Seaport Museum and tour of the Olympia at Penn’s Landing, in Philadelphia, along the Delaware River. The Olympia was the most famous vessel of its time and positioned America’s Navy as a world power in 1898 as Admiral George Dewey’s flagship during the Battle of Manila Bay. #phillyseaport #familytravel

Laser Wolf was wonderful! We had salatim (veggie salads) with pita and the most delicious hummus on Earth, date-harissa wings, fries with tehina ketchup, chicken shishlik, Romanian beef, swordfish, and ice cream. Staff was friendly and it was fun to try something new! #fishtown #philyfood #laserwolfphilly

Laser Wolf was wonderful! We had salatim (veggie salads) with pita and the most delicious hummus on Earth, date-harissa wings, fries with tehina ketchup, chicken shishlik, Romanian beef, swordfish, and ice cream. Staff was friendly and it was fun to try something new! #fishtown #philyfood #laserwolfphilly

Since 1959, Philadelphia has had an ordinance that requires new construction or major renovation projects to include public art in the amount of up to one percent of the total budget. This has resulted in incredible and free public artworks all over the city. Here’s a compilation of things we thought looked cool as we wandered Philly this week! 🎨#philadelphiaart #philadelphia #visitphilly

Since 1959, Philadelphia has had an ordinance that requires new construction or major renovation projects to include public art in the amount of up to one percent of the total budget. This has resulted in incredible and free public artworks all over the city. Here’s a compilation of things we thought looked cool as we wandered Philly this week! 🎨#philadelphiaart #philadelphia #visitphilly

Tour of the oldest brewery in America was informative, authentic, and FREE! Six generations of the Yuengling family have owned and operated this brewery since 1829. We learned about their brewing process and history and even got to walk the underground caves that took coal miners 10 years to dig. During prohibition, you could get a prescription for Porter if your doctor confirmed you were anemic! #yuenglingbrewery

Tour of the oldest brewery in America was informative, authentic, and FREE! Six generations of the Yuengling family have owned and operated this brewery since 1829. We learned about their brewing process and history and even got to walk the underground caves that took coal miners 10 years to dig. During prohibition, you could get a prescription for Porter if your doctor confirmed you were anemic! #yuenglingbrewery

The Hotel Hershey was perfect! Off season so the amusement part was closed but we enjoyed our stay with fewer crowds. We had the game room and beautiful pool all to ourselves! Toured the Gardens, Museum, and Chocolatetown. 🍫 “The Sweetest Place on Earth” #hotelhershey #chocolateworld #hersheyschocolate

The Hotel Hershey was perfect! Off season so the amusement part was closed but we enjoyed our stay with fewer crowds. We had the game room and beautiful pool all to ourselves! Toured the Gardens, Museum, and Chocolatetown. 🍫 “The Sweetest Place on Earth” #hotelhershey #chocolateworld #hersheyschocolate

Road trip! Day 1 - 550 miles. Our first time in Pittsburgh. Stayed in the Southside Works area with some fun restaurants and activities like Pins Mechanical Co with bowling and pinball. Enjoyed seeing the views of the city, its three rivers with many bridges, and the houses set in the hills.

Road trip! Day 1 - 550 miles. Our first time in Pittsburgh. Stayed in the Southside Works area with some fun restaurants and activities like Pins Mechanical Co with bowling and pinball. Enjoyed seeing the views of the city, its three rivers with many bridges, and the houses set in the hills.

We loved watching the incredibly talented Oh Yeahs perform at the Opera House today! I’ve been watching Leslie perform for over 35 years- in living rooms, cars, bonfires, and fancy venues in Chicago. Watching her do her thing on the Opera House stage makes my heart happy. So proud of you for living your dreams! 🌟🎶💕

We loved watching the incredibly talented Oh Yeahs perform at the Opera House today! I’ve been watching Leslie perform for over 35 years- in living rooms, cars, bonfires, and fancy venues in Chicago. Watching her do her thing on the Opera House stage makes my heart happy. So proud of you for living your dreams! 🌟🎶💕

Had a great weekend celebrating another trip around the sun! Family, friends, food, drinks, breakfast in bed, and even a game of Euchre! I’m a lucky girl! 🥰

Had a great weekend celebrating another trip around the sun! Family, friends, food, drinks, breakfast in bed, and even a game of Euchre! I’m a lucky girl! 🥰

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Busy day in Chicago! Field Museum, Lincoln Park, a holiday party at a friend’s house, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The play was AWESOME! Packed with magical effects. A must do for any fan of Harry Potter! #broadwayinchicago #fieldmuseum #harrypottercursedchild

Busy day in Chicago! Field Museum, Lincoln Park, a holiday party at a friend’s house, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The play was AWESOME! Packed with magical effects. A must do for any fan of Harry Potter! #broadwayinchicago #fieldmuseum #harrypottercursedchild

Christmas Tea with Mom at Balmoral Restaurant

Christmas Tea with Mom at Balmoral Restaurant

Last minute shopping and a Snowflakes & Sweets Stroll in Galena. Dancing Scallops from Little Tokyo are always our favorite! #galenaillinois

Last minute shopping and a Snowflakes & Sweets Stroll in Galena. Dancing Scallops from Little Tokyo are always our favorite! #galenaillinois

We had a fun Thanksgiving in Galena! Wicked did not convert my Dad into a lover of musical theater but he gets points for trying! 💚 #galena

We had a fun Thanksgiving in Galena! Wicked did not convert my Dad into a lover of musical theater but he gets points for trying! 💚 #galena

ILL - INI!

ILL - INI!

Beautiful day walking with friends at Boo at the Zoo!#brookfieldzoo

Beautiful day walking with friends at Boo at the Zoo!#brookfieldzoo

Our tummies are full and our hearts are happy as another Sandwich Fair comes to an end. We loved catching up with so many friends and family members! Thankful for all the people who work to make the Fair the BEST ever! #sandwichfair2024

Our tummies are full and our hearts are happy as another Sandwich Fair comes to an end. We loved catching up with so many friends and family members! Thankful for all the people who work to make the Fair the BEST ever! #sandwichfair2024

7th Annual Family Fun Day before going back to school. First Escape Room experience, tasty dinner, driving range, and our favorite ice cream! #mindtrapescaperoom #tedsmontanagrill #originalrainbowcone

7th Annual Family Fun Day before going back to school. First Escape Room experience, tasty dinner, driving range, and our favorite ice cream! #mindtrapescaperoom #tedsmontanagrill #originalrainbowcone

Watching the Olympics this week has me reminiscing about our trip to Paris in 2022. Click here for a recap of our multigenerational trip. https://www.wishlistsworldtravels.com/post/paris-france

Watching the Olympics this week has me reminiscing about our trip to Paris in 2022. Click here for a recap of our multigenerational trip. https://www.wishlistsworldtravels.com/post/paris-france

We explored Split, Croatia’s second largest city, and enjoyed the market, stores, parks, and beautiful architecture. We saw a little bit of Diocletian’s Palace. #splitcroatia #cruisenorwegian #norwegianpearl #familytravel

We explored Split, Croatia’s second largest city, and enjoyed the market, stores, parks, and beautiful architecture. We saw a little bit of Diocletian’s Palace. #splitcroatia #cruisenorwegian #norwegianpearl #familytravel

Beach day in Mykonos! We had a great day floating and swimming in the very clear Aegean Sea at Elia Beach. #norwegianpearl #cruisenorwegian #mykonos #familytravel

Beach day in Mykonos! We had a great day floating and swimming in the very clear Aegean Sea at Elia Beach. #norwegianpearl #cruisenorwegian #mykonos #familytravel

We visited the archaeological site of Akrotiri, the picturesque Oia, Imerovigli, and enjoyed dinner in Fira overlooking the caldera and volcano. We hope to come back and stay on the island to avoid the crowds. Our guide was informative and kept everything moving at the perfect pace to make the most of our day. The BEST part of the day was watching the sunset and the lights turn on on the island. #familytravel #norwegianpearl #cruisenorwegian #Santorini

We visited the archaeological site of Akrotiri, the picturesque Oia, Imerovigli, and enjoyed dinner in Fira overlooking the caldera and volcano. We hope to come back and stay on the island to avoid the crowds. Our guide was informative and kept everything moving at the perfect pace to make the most of our day. The BEST part of the day was watching the sunset and the lights turn on on the island. #familytravel #norwegianpearl #cruisenorwegian #Santorini

We didn’t see any of the Durrells, but we had a fantastic day in Corfu, Greece. We saw Mon Repos Palace, Mouse Island, fortresses, and had lunch with an incredible view in Paleokastritsa. Our favorite spot was shopping in Old Town with its architectural influences from France and Venice. Our guide, Zita, was knowledgeable and friendly. We would definitely recommend this tour! #norwegianpearl #cruisenorwegian #familytravel #corfu

We didn’t see any of the Durrells, but we had a fantastic day in Corfu, Greece. We saw Mon Repos Palace, Mouse Island, fortresses, and had lunch with an incredible view in Paleokastritsa. Our favorite spot was shopping in Old Town with its architectural influences from France and Venice. Our guide, Zita, was knowledgeable and friendly. We would definitely recommend this tour! #norwegianpearl #cruisenorwegian #familytravel #corfu

We added a new country to our list and had a blast kayaking along the Adriatic coastline in Kotor Bay in Montenegro! Montenegro is around the size of Connecticut and has a lot of natural beauty to offer visitors. #familytravel #cruisenorwegian #norwegianpearl #montenegro

We added a new country to our list and had a blast kayaking along the Adriatic coastline in Kotor Bay in Montenegro! Montenegro is around the size of Connecticut and has a lot of natural beauty to offer visitors. #familytravel #cruisenorwegian #norwegianpearl #montenegro

We swam in Betina Cave and saw the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia from the sea and inside the city walls. Our guide, Boris, was fantastic! One of our best excursions ever. Guess we need to watch Game of Thrones now! #dubrovnik #cruisenorwegian #norwegianpearl #familytravel

We swam in Betina Cave and saw the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia from the sea and inside the city walls. Our guide, Boris, was fantastic! One of our best excursions ever. Guess we need to watch Game of Thrones now! #dubrovnik #cruisenorwegian #norwegianpearl #familytravel

Swimming in the crystal clear waters off of Lopud in the Elaphiti Islands was absolutely perfect! Lopud is one of the only sand beaches in the area. It makes our list of top 5 most incredible places we’ve ever visited and would love to go again! #lopud #dubrovnik #cruisenorwegian #familytravel #norwegianpearl

Swimming in the crystal clear waters off of Lopud in the Elaphiti Islands was absolutely perfect! Lopud is one of the only sand beaches in the area. It makes our list of top 5 most incredible places we’ve ever visited and would love to go again! #lopud #dubrovnik #cruisenorwegian #familytravel #norwegianpearl

Zadar, Croatia - Village of Dubrava, Dalmatia area, Krka River. #familytravel #wineandcheese #cruisenorwegian #norwegianpearl

Zadar, Croatia - Village of Dubrava, Dalmatia area, Krka River. #familytravel #wineandcheese #cruisenorwegian #norwegianpearl

The Croatian Riviera! The seaside town of Opatija is beautiful. We loved the Lungomare promenade and Angilona Park. Fun shops and restaurants. #familytravel #ncl #nclpearl #opatija #lungomare

The Croatian Riviera! The seaside town of Opatija is beautiful. We loved the Lungomare promenade and Angilona Park. Fun shops and restaurants. #familytravel #ncl #nclpearl #opatija #lungomare

Trsat area in Rijeka, Croatia #nclpearl #ncl #familytravel

Trsat area in Rijeka, Croatia #nclpearl #ncl #familytravel

Even when it’s 100 degrees, Venice is beyond incredible! One of my favorite places in the world! Delicious meal at Osteria San Isepo! #venice #travel #familytravel

Even when it’s 100 degrees, Venice is beyond incredible! One of my favorite places in the world! Delicious meal at Osteria San Isepo! #venice #travel #familytravel

Murano, Italy #Italy #travel

Murano, Italy #Italy #travel

Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Thinking about travel art souvenirs. What is your favorite piece of art you’ve ever brought home from vacation?

Thinking about travel art souvenirs. What is your favorite piece of art you’ve ever brought home from vacation?

Easy to see why Trunk Bay is rated one of the best beaches in the world! #nationalpark

Easy to see why Trunk Bay is rated one of the best beaches in the world! #nationalpark

Lots to do (or not do) at Great Stirrup Cay! #nclepic

Lots to do (or not do) at Great Stirrup Cay! #nclepic

Norwegian Epic Cruise

Norwegian Epic Cruise

Paradise!

Paradise!

Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, in Florida, were peaceful and calming. #nationalpark

Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, in Florida, were peaceful and calming. #nationalpark

We loved Puerto Rico and can’t wait to go back and see more of it!

We loved Puerto Rico and can’t wait to go back and see more of it!

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