We have discovered why Chicago is called the "Windy City". It has been such a cold, windy, misty day here in Chicago but that never keeps the KHS chamber choir from having a great day.
Today started with an elevator ride 103 stories up to the Skydeck in the Willis Tower downtown Chicago. On a clear day, you can see miles and miles of the city and those who dare can step out on the glass ledge to get a view straight down to the street below. Unfortunately, today the fog was thick so the windows looked like frosted glass and we couldn't see anything. This didn't keep the kids from standing, jumping, or laying on the glass floors for a picture. They even took the chance to sing 103 stories in the air.
Lunch was on our own downtown Chicago. Most everyone chose a restaurant and food we don't have in Springfield including the famous Chicago hot dogs. After, we met in Millennium Park under the famous BEAN sculpture where they entertained the crowd with their music. It just resonated so beautifully under the bean's canopy! A camera man from one of the local news stations was there filming for the weather and also came and filmed them as they sang. We were thanked by many for the music they provided and it was so fun to see so many strangers videoing their performance with their phones. When they were done, a woman approached them and thanked them for singing their song in Bulgarian as she was visiting from Bulgaria. Another woman was so impressed and sings in a community choir in New York and just came to the bean for a quick visit on a break from a meeting. So many different people touched all by the kid's music. (see the video recordings on the choir's Facebook page)
Next stop, The Shedd Aquarium located right on Lake Michigan. Hours were spent watching the fish, sharks, otters, and even a dolphin show. It was a great afternoon of relaxing and enjoying in a nice warm building!
After the aquarium, we headed to Navy Pier. Being so cold and windy, very few of us ventured out to the end of the pier. We had dinner at the pier, had some shopping time, and many took the 196 foot high ride on the ferris wheel. This replaced the ferris wheel that is now in Branson. It has been replaced with this one that is 48 feet higher, travels at a higher speed and lasts longer. Beautiful views of the Chicago skyline at night and Lake Michigan were seen from the top.
We have arrived back at the hotel for the night. Some kids got in a short swim or a game of Apples to Apples before heading off to bed but now should be settling down for another big day tomorrow.
Tomorrow is competition day. We will be leaving a little early (10am) to get to the school where we will watch a couple of other choirs perform before we warm up at noon and take the stage at 12:30. Send some extra thoughts and vibes up to them at this time. They sound wonderful and will do an amazing job. I'm excited to see them perform.
There was a lot going on today but everything ran smooth and everyone had a great time with all the new adventures. This is a great group of kids and you should all be proud of how they are representing Kickapoo and the Springfield community.
Until tomorrow....
Mrs. Cornelius
Today started with an elevator ride 103 stories up to the Skydeck in the Willis Tower downtown Chicago. On a clear day, you can see miles and miles of the city and those who dare can step out on the glass ledge to get a view straight down to the street below. Unfortunately, today the fog was thick so the windows looked like frosted glass and we couldn't see anything. This didn't keep the kids from standing, jumping, or laying on the glass floors for a picture. They even took the chance to sing 103 stories in the air.
Lunch was on our own downtown Chicago. Most everyone chose a restaurant and food we don't have in Springfield including the famous Chicago hot dogs. After, we met in Millennium Park under the famous BEAN sculpture where they entertained the crowd with their music. It just resonated so beautifully under the bean's canopy! A camera man from one of the local news stations was there filming for the weather and also came and filmed them as they sang. We were thanked by many for the music they provided and it was so fun to see so many strangers videoing their performance with their phones. When they were done, a woman approached them and thanked them for singing their song in Bulgarian as she was visiting from Bulgaria. Another woman was so impressed and sings in a community choir in New York and just came to the bean for a quick visit on a break from a meeting. So many different people touched all by the kid's music. (see the video recordings on the choir's Facebook page)
Next stop, The Shedd Aquarium located right on Lake Michigan. Hours were spent watching the fish, sharks, otters, and even a dolphin show. It was a great afternoon of relaxing and enjoying in a nice warm building!
After the aquarium, we headed to Navy Pier. Being so cold and windy, very few of us ventured out to the end of the pier. We had dinner at the pier, had some shopping time, and many took the 196 foot high ride on the ferris wheel. This replaced the ferris wheel that is now in Branson. It has been replaced with this one that is 48 feet higher, travels at a higher speed and lasts longer. Beautiful views of the Chicago skyline at night and Lake Michigan were seen from the top.
We have arrived back at the hotel for the night. Some kids got in a short swim or a game of Apples to Apples before heading off to bed but now should be settling down for another big day tomorrow.
Tomorrow is competition day. We will be leaving a little early (10am) to get to the school where we will watch a couple of other choirs perform before we warm up at noon and take the stage at 12:30. Send some extra thoughts and vibes up to them at this time. They sound wonderful and will do an amazing job. I'm excited to see them perform.
There was a lot going on today but everything ran smooth and everyone had a great time with all the new adventures. This is a great group of kids and you should all be proud of how they are representing Kickapoo and the Springfield community.
Until tomorrow....
Mrs. Cornelius
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