What to See and Do in Chicago - #1

I was having a difficult time deciding where to begin my posts on 'Family Fun Things To Do In Chicago" and finally decided to try listing them in alphabetical order. This will be a bit challenging, but hopefully fun and informative for everyone.

So, without further ado, here is my first entry.

Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum

The planetarium opened it's door in 1930 and was the first planetarium in the western hemisphere. Adler Planetarium has over 35,000 sq. feet of exhibits with three full-size planetarium theaters. It's located on Lake Shore Drive at the Museum Campus and I can tell you from experience that it is truly a 'Family Fun Things to Do' in the Windy City. For more information, visit their website here.

A TAFRU Suggestion

One suggestion I was given after TAFRU - Portland, is that I spend some time sharing information about the city in which TAFRU will be taking place. The thought is that families who plan to travel from outside the area, may want to extend their visit either before or after TAFRU and the information provided could assist them in planning their family vacation. I think this is an excellent idea and I will be doing my best to provide information on Chicago and some of things that families may want to see or do while in the city. My biggest problem with this idea, however, is where to begin. There is just so much to see and do in Chicago. Regardless, starting next week I will be doing a weekly post on Family Fun Things to do in Chicago and will hopefully find plenty of things that your families would enjoy seeing and doing in the Windy City.

Spreading the Word

While I believe word of TAFRU is spreading, I'm always looking for new ways to get the word out to other Toukoul adoptive families. One suggestion that was given to me is to have other Toukoul families post the link to the blog on their personal blog. If each blogger would post the link, it would be an awesome way to get the word out to families who may not have heard of TAFRU. If you have a blog, would you please post the link on your blog to help spread the word?

Thanks.

TAFRU 2010 Portland

Our first ever TAFRU was, in my opinion, a success. TAFRU is in place as a way to bring families together, who have adopted from Toukoul and to offer our children the opportunity to make connections and build friendships with other children from Toukoul. Families came together and children connected. That is why I consider TAFRU 2010 - Portland a success.

There are some pictures posted on the Toukoul Adoptive Families Facebook page for anyone who is interested in viewing them.

For those who attended the reunion, I would like your feedback. Everyone was given a short survey to complete. You can either complete the survey and mail it back to me or send me a quick email with your thoughts and suggestions. I really do value your input and it will help as I work on plans for TAFRU 2011 - Chicago.

And speaking of TAFRU 2011 - Chicago, I will be setting up some polls asking for everyone's input. The first poll will be selecting a date for TAFRU Chicago. I did get some feedback from a few people who were unable to attend TAFRU Portland because of conflicts around Ethiopian Heritage and Culture camps. It appears that many of these camps takes place around the end of July and/or beginning of August. While I know there is no way to find a date that works for everyone, I would like to find a date that works with the majority.

Also, I'm looking for some volunteers to help me in planning TAFRU 2011 - Chicago. Please leave a comment or shoot me an email if you are interested.

Lastly, I have changed the blog from private to public. This was a suggestion I received from a few people as well. Some were not able to access the blog and I also hope that making it public will allow more families to follow the blog closely for information and to provide input.

Feel free to leave me comments as TAFRU Chicago is planned.

One Week From Today - TAFRU Portland

After much planning and anticipation, TAFRU Portland is almost here.

We have 12 families registered to attend and while most are from Oregon, there are 4 families traveling from out-of-state. That's very exciting!!! Of course the most exciting part for me is seeing all our beautiful children together.

For those who are going to be at TAFRU Portland, we'll see you in one week.

For those who were not able to attend, we hope to see you next year at TAFRU Chicago.

TAFRU Portland

While I'm very, very excited about our first ever TAFRU, we haven't had the response that we anticipated based on the polls and various responses received over the last year. I'm sure this has to do with the economy, the fact that the Oregon and Washington Toukoul families are already connected at various times throughout the year, and distance for those living further east and south of Oregon. Our family is traveling from Illinois and I must admit that there is some disappointment that our family won't be meeting more Toukoul families this year in Portland, but I'm excited beyond words that we are going to meet those attending this year.

Even with the lower than expected registrations, I have already begun some planning for TAFRU again next year. However, it will not be held in Portland, but instead we will be moving to the Chicago area. My hope is that moving closer to the Central and Eastern part of the U.S. will allow Toukoul families from those areas an opportunity to attend.

If there are still families that would like to attend TAFRU Portland this year, it's not too late to register. We just need to have all registrations by July 24th.

And for those families who could not travel for TAFRU Portland, I hope we meet next year at TAFRU Chicago.

Some Reminders

You have until July 23rd to make your hotel reservations for TAFRU. If you make a reservation and need to cancel it, you also have until July 23rd to cancel without penalty. To make a reservation, click on the Doubletree photo listed in the right hand column of the blog page.

If anyone is having trouble accessing the registration form, please let me know. You can leave a comment here or email me at debweeks@mchsi.com. I'm happy to forward the registration form to you via email.

A final agenda will be emailed to all participants after July 12th.

Questions regarding TAFRU can be left in comments or you can also email them to me at the above email address.

I'm very excited about TAFRU and hope we have a great turn-out.