I'm in our hotel room at the Courtyard Marriott, Hubbard and State in Chicago. Finished some excellect takeout Thai from a place called Yong's Thai Kitchen just across the street from the hotel. Spicy chicken pad thai: it really hit the spot. Luckily, there is also a 7-11 just down the street, so picked up some beer in preparation for tonight's national championship game.
Today, we took the kids to Shedd Aquarium, but did not consider the possibility that all the schools in the Chicagoland area ALSO were on spring break. We waited in line outside, with a blisteringly cold wind howling off Lake Michigan, for what I would guess to be 45 minutes to an hour. Once we got in, it was fine, albeit insanely crowded. Devon, our youngest son (four years old) ran out of gas and wanted to get back to the hotel. Just as we were leaving, someone inadvertently swung their arm back and poked him squarely in the eye with the corner of their fold-out Shedd Aquarium map/brochure. Poor Devon cried in pain and it was a scary fifteen minutes or so as we were trying to determine if his eye was okay. As it turns out, he is fine. Thanks to the Shedd Aquarium staff for being so kind. One staff member in particular was great, and actually gave Devon a beluga whale plush toy to take home.
It's difficult being on vacation in a big city with two young kids. As the cliche goes, "I need a vacation from my vacation." I think maybe they're still too young to appreciate the city and the museums we've visited. Avery, our seven year-old, has had fun at the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, but Devon has been bored and overwhelmed by the crowds and the general sensory overload that comes with being in the city. I think the most fun they've had has been in the hotel pool, and I don't blame them. Maybe we'll make this trip with them again in about five years.
Of course, the Michigan State/North Carolina national championship basketball game is starting in about eighteen minutes. Before the season started, I would not have guessed that the Spartans would be playing in this game. It has been an amazing season, and the icing on the cake (ugh, sorry for that cliche--it's just too easy!) would be if the Spartans won tonight. I don't want to be too disappointed if State loses tonight, but who am I kidding, it would be a bummer! I'm sure Tom Izzo and his staff will have the guys ready to go, and I hope a raucous and decidedly pro-MSU crowd will carry State through.
I've heard the early December game between State and NC brought up a few times in the last few days, and there is no question that this MSU team in no way resembles THAT MSU team that lost to the Heels by 35 points. Suton and Roe are healthy now, Draymond Green is now in the mix and is playing exceptionally well, and it just seems that now all the players on the team understand their roles. The Spartans will be able to throw a lot of big bodies at Tyler Hansbrough. As long as the Heels don't shoot out the lights from three-point range, I think State will be fine. In any case, I hope that my next post will be me celebrating a national title for the Spartans.
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