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I mean it! And that goes for you too, Nidorino. You better not be looking through this album for naked women. I know where you live!

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We're hanging out at Buckingham Fountain waiting for my family to arrive, because as a landmark, it's pretty hard to miss. The story is that I found out the Art Institute of Chicago was holding a Roy Lichtenstein retrospective. Nidorino, my sister Didi and I are kinda dorky about the pop art angle, and the kids like the comic book style of his works. It was a trip that demanded to be taken.

While we waited, I wanted to take a nice picture of the kids. These are my play cousins, Charlotte, Chikorita, Sentret and Vulpix. I guess you would call them my second family siblings.

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This is Nidoqueen. She really loves museums and art galleries, and she's been meaning to do some traveling, too. We've been doing things together lately. I consider her the only other girlfriend I have besides Bulba (and Didi if family counts). It really sucks something considerable, but I'm just too playfully agressive to get along with other girls (life lesson: don't play Punchies with random women. They don't like that). Nidoqueen appreciates my sense of fun, and it just feels nice, you know?

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This is Kirby (you know the one) and Kine the Fish. Kine's my little brother from another mother, and he brought Kirby along since he enjoys the finer things in life. Apparently, Coo and Rick feel art museums are a snoozefest. While they were messing around, I suddenly heard someone shout "HAY BIG SISTAH~!"

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That's Didi, my totally fun, totally cute (and totally available, heeyyy~) sister. She's the second oldest in the family after me. Like, if Nidorino were an unsheltered girl with a little more maturity, he'd be my sister. Not too long ago, I took a personal trip back to Montana to reconcile (or at least attempt to) with my family. I was kind of surprised only Didi showed up, but maybe I shouldn't've been. Didi and I will always be close to the day we die. Still, I had my hopes up that some of the others would show.

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"Didi, I'm so excited to see you again, I missed you like crazy."
"I missed you too, Nini. It's not the same without you anymore."
"Hey, what happened to Andy and Randy? Didn't any of the others want to come? Mom? Dad? Pop Pop?"

"I tried to get someone else to come with me, but they all said they couldn't make it, and for me to tell you that they're sorry. It wasn't easy figuring a way to get out here. I wanted to buy a plane ticket, but the airline clerk just looked at me in bemusement and couldn't understand a word I said. I bet she assumed I was some crazy person's overdressed pet."

"Ahhh, that's the one thing I don't miss. Even in the army, where everyone who enlists is in it to do the same flipping thing, I got that. Don't you hate it when humans patronize you or treat you like some unintellegent creature?"

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"Not if you play the game, Neen. Some girl due for Chicago had a cat in a carrier, so I decided to make him my roomie. Know what happened? I flew cargo for free ~and got to play with a ca-yat~. Come on, dude, how sick is that?"

I might've known, I thought she smelled of cats. At that point it occured to me why no one else wanted to travel with Didi. This is the same woman that doesn't see the inherent problems with dumpster diving...

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Clearly.

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We walked past this spot on our way to the Art Institute. It's very lovely, and looks like an ideal location for wedding photos. Or maybe to pop the question (you hear that, Nidorino?). Speaking of, that's my beau, Nidorino. He's an accident prone sheltered man-child from Japan, but he's actually matured a lot since we've first met. He's my world, though. I find his antics cute when they aren't lethal. I've never been the pinnacle of maturity myself, I get a lot of looks as if I have two heads, and the second head has horrible acne. I guess that's why we're a match.

I got him to take this picture with me. I'm going to blow it up and hang it on my ceiling, and as I'm staring at it from my bed, maybe I'll dream about my wedding day as I drift off to sleep.

...sigh...

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"Sentret, Pixie, come on up here. Let me get a nice picture of you two for Nidoqueen and you're favorite big sister!"

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As you start walking north on Michigan Ave, you'll see this before you actually get to the Institute. I thought it was perfect for a photo, which Chikorita quickly volunteered for. She wanted me to get her "good" side. Does Chikorita even have a "good" side (Ahaha, I'm just kidding, Chicky. You know I love yooouuuu~)?

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Ah, so close, I can almost taste it. The Art Institute had to know this exhibit would appeal to the superficialities of me and every nerd and hipster in town (what? Me? I'm neither. I'm more of a... well, Kine once called me a 'jackass with a pretty face'. Imma go with that). At the expense of making myself look like the worst kind of out of towner — the blue hairs and long ears not quite doing the job — I had to get a picture with Nidorino next to the lion. He's my lion. I even told him that.

"You're my lion, Nidorino."
"Well, I would've said 'rat', but..."

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"Why does Donald Duck look funny?"

Ahahahahaha, oh Charlotte. I hope you never grow up.

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Unlike Didi, I never went to art school. Or anywhere after high school. So I never knew Lichtenstein did sculptures. This is the first thing you see when you walk into this area, and I thought it was pretty nifty. I wanted to take a picture of Nidoqueen with it, pairing off two ladies, haha.

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Despite how backwards this sounds, I hear there's a Nidorina somewhere on this planet who would love a photo of this image, even if it's just for the sake of kitsch. I need to meet this Nidorina...

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"They better have venison dogs in this city." I was serious about that quip I made in the beginning.

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The patterns on this amaze me. And if you squint (here or the thumbnail), it looks like Wheelie with one huge eye and a really shiny pupil.

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This is brilliant. However, I'm saddened by the thought that some day in the future, kids won't know what this is.

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The illusion of depth with just a few lines. I could just as easily draw this myself, but I would never really think to. Come to think of it, I wonder how many other people would overcomplicate it?

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How cow, this is amazing. I actually think this one is miles ahead of the color version.

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Didi felt the same. I was a little perturbed by the face she started making. She looked like she was planning a heist. I've never seen Didi with eyes that wide and a smile that gluttonous since she found a torrent including every single Dr. Who episode from the First Doctor to the Tenth (that night, you could hear the sound of computer exploding. And a geek bawling).

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Not as cool, but interesting nonetheless.

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We've reached the fun section of the retrospective. Or if you're jaded, the overpublicized section.

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Does that make me a bad person? Does mocking the over the top women in the paintings make us horrible? I'm sure somewhere, there's a zealot punching a hole in their monitor. I think we're just having fun.

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"Oh Jeff, I wuv you wuh wuh a bloo bloo bloo" stop it. I would be disgusted if I saw a grown woman acting this way. I know I'm sensitive and am easily moved to tears, but if I ever get this sentimental, I give everyone full permission to shoot me on the spot... and I hope a deer gets the first shot for poetic justice.

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Even Nidoqueen decided to get in on it... or so I thought until I realized she was actually on the phone.

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I thought Didi and I were shameless, but Pixie made us look like amateurs. She's starts off saying "my turn", which is apparently nine-year-old for "step off, rookies", then collapses on her knees like she's having a meltdown. With perfect timing, she slowly leads into...

"I don't care! I'd rather sink *huck* — than call Brad for help."

It...was mind blowing. I mean, she literally cried a single tear for the full effect. It was met with some applause, a lot of confounded stares, and one "young lady, please don't do that" from an usher. Vulpix wants to be an entertainer when she grows up, and she's got the talent in spades.

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Hahaha, I had to get a picture of their reaction to our foolishness. I know Kine's thinking "Girls. Why did I have to catch all girls?", and Sentret's probably done with us as a population. They distanced themselves from us for a while.

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The amount of machismo in the war comics, however, was equally as silly. Sentret just ate it up, though. While miming a machine gun, I honest to God heard him mumbling "yeah, yeah! Bratatatatat! I'm the number one hot-shot in this outfit" and then I think he used "wingding" incorrectly at some point. He started talking that way for a good five to ten minutes.

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And it didn't end when we reached the explosions and brushstrokes room, either. "Yeah! BANG! KA-POW! VAROOM!" I don't recall my brothers being this violent when they were his age. Then again, I was probably more violent than any of them and they knew it.

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"Ooh, I like that."

Gosh, I love Nidoqueen. She's so cute. She doesn't say much, and when she does, it's painfully simple and understated, but brimming with sincerity and optimism. They should put her on display, she's living poetry.

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I asked Kirby "Is this what it looks like when Mr. Bright explodes?"
"Yes. Yes it is."

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These were really lovely. A photo doesn't do it justice, but I at least wanted to have a copy of it to remind me of such interesting work. Even Didi wasn't aware of this. Chikorita was really drawn to it, too.

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Shucks. I apologize for the crappy photo quality. Even then, this one you really have to see in person. The illusion of depth is amazing.

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I assumed Pixie was having a guffaw over Sentret's initial reaction, the subject matter, or the abstraction of said subject matter. But then I heard her mumble "hairy butt" between laughs. That girl's gonna turn out just like me in the worst way, I can feel it. And it makes me so proud.

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Sentret: "Hey, it's that guy on the American bank note!"
Pixie: "George Washington."
Sench: "Oh yeah, the peanut man!"

I realize Sentret isn't a native to this country, but I find it depressing if children only recognize presidents by their appearances on a dollar bill. And don't get me started on "President Franklin".

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"Yes, Charlotte, I see the fish."
It must be wonderful living in Lottie's easily amused little world.

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Okay, so it might not be a guitar, but whatever it was, Kirby and Kine were drawn to it.

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"When I get my own house, it's gonna look like this."
I told Vulpix that's how my apartment looks now. ;)

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The variation on the far right is obviously the best.

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I'm so in love with Lichtenstein right now. This is exactly how I'd draw The Death of General Wolfe myself. I'd love to see how many people screamed in horror back in the day when (or if) this was displayed in galleries.

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This photo's all lopsided. Eurgh.

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Hahahaha, why does Donald Duck look funny... again, sorry for the crap quality.

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This'll go down in history.

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I had a baseball manager that looked just like this. That's all well and good until you realize my baseball manager was a Pokemon.

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"It's better than anything I could do."

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Didi and Nidorino were talking to each other about how they enjoyed these thumbnail mockups, and the compositions or constructions or whatever, they lost me after a certain point.

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I dunno why Didi looks so shifty. We were allowed to take pictures of everything in this room.

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Reminds me of taco night.

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I remember seeing this one in my high school art book. Geez, that feels like yesterday and in reality that was years ago. Holy crap I hate getting older.

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Nidorino: "Ah, the hand study. Been there before. I hate drawing hands."
Didi: "Yeah. Hands are a real bitch sometimes."

Is it bad that while they were talking, the only thing I really cared about was the bacon hand?

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But only the first.

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A sort of funny exchange when we got to this image.
Nidorino: "Hey look, it's Little Lulu."
Didi and Pixie: "Nancy."
Then Nidorino had this look on his face like "whoa, okay! Damn." I did my best to keep from laughing.

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This makes me feel better about my lack of perspective skills.

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Once again, Lichtenstein takes artistic conventions and throws them out the window. Didi mentioned trying to pull this stunt in her life drawing class, and them slapping her with an F for the day. Then she complained to the dean, who she tells me she sees at least once a week. Makes me wonder what kind of crazy student she is.

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lol, I love a guy with a sense of humor.

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"As you can see, my dear sister, this is when Roy was going through his kite obsession. Tormented by nightmares of yellow ribbons, you can feel his rage exploding in the form of a bright crimson sky."

"Tut tut, that is where you are wrong, my lovely Nini. This represents Lichtenstein's trouble with women. For you see, a man's art is ALWAYS about women."

"Ah, I do believe you are right, my fair Didi."
"Indubitably, my gracious Nini."

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"CHARLOTTE! Keep your hands to yourself!"

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As if yelling at Charlotte wasn't enough, to my horror, we were just about to enter the Nudes room. "Oh poop" I thought to myself, being absolutely thankful I walked in ahead while Nidorino was still in the Perfect/Imperfect room. I rushed back in the previous room, gave Nidoqueen my camera, and signaled Nidorino to come to me with my finger. Then I put my hands over his eyes and marched on. Nidoqueen took this photo you're seeing here, I hardly got a chance to view anything in here.

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"Hey, what's going on? What can't I see?"
Nidoqueen must've gotten this shot candidly, but I remember him saying that right at this spot. You may think the way I'm shielding Nidorino is awful, but you'll never understand just HOW sheltered this guy really is. He's been doing very well lately, as he's stopped harassing every female Nido he meets. I'd hate to see what happens if Nidorino ever saw so much as a nipple. He'll either regress into an irreversable drooling mass, or go into a deep funk that's gonna be awkward to deal with.

The first time he's ever gonna see any boobs'll be on our honeymoon, and then he can look at all the artistic nudes he wants to. Until then...

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"Why won't you let me see? Come on, Nidorina."
"No."
It's sad that Sentret gets to see more action at six than Nidorino ever has in his whole life, but Sentret is at an age where it doesn't even phase him. If anything, he'll grow up normally thanks to this one experience. I feel really bad that Nidorino's parents and school failed him when it came to biology. He probably still thinks kids are grown from a cabbage patch.

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I just wish I could've actually seen it while I was there.

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This is really cool, I kinda wish my printer would print like this (on second thought, maybe I don't). Nidoqueen captured these photos too, I just wanted to get Nidorino out of the exhibit as fast as possible.

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Treetops in a fog.

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We took a stroll through the miniature rooms... room at the Institute. Vulpix really liked these. Even Chikorita did, despite thinking she was too grown up to. Ah, one day you'll understand, Chiko.

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"If you think our presence sullies these fine works of art, feel free to shuffle through someone's Flickr account where you can view photos of random strangers instead."

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"For God's sake, Charlotte, DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING!"
I swear, bringing Charlotte to a museum is like bringing a sugar primed three year old to Crate and Barrel.

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There was a sign that said to keep off the grass, but I took Didi's advice from earlier and played the animal card. No one gave a second thought about them standing in the grass. I gotta say, being a monster is pretty terrific. We can claim the perks of both human and animal.

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I dunno, guess I just had to take a picture of it.

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Another one that Nidoqueen just "liked". No thumbs up button required.

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Then Charlotte started buzzing around it like a bee. Sometimes, I wish I could fly and be carefree like her.

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Wow. What the heck was I thinking? Why'd I take a picture of this? Must've been in a shutterbug mood. The name of the piece is "Untitled", and it's made of granite. But, it's just... snore. Anyway, this was the last of the Art Institute thingies for the day, it was time to go check out the visual arts sitting around the city. I dunno where I'd be without my phone, I'll tell you that. Next stop, the Flamingo.

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"Uhnnnngg, I'm hungry~."

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"Well that sucks."

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Next up was the Four Seasons mosaic on Dearborn. I told the kids to relax this time, and they took that as liberty to act silly. For Lottie, I guess that meant don't pay me any attention. As usual, she got distracted.

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They never actually said that. In fact, Kirby actually got tired of people stopping him and asking him to say that. He still gave it to them anyway (however, he shot a dirty look at anyone who asked him to say "poyo", to which he just gave a very curt "no").

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I've come to the conclusion that either Nidoqueen has an involuntary reaction to a camera, or she intentionally hams up her ethnicity like I know some people do just to mess with us Yanks.

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lol, Nidorino has no idea what to do with us.

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I had to see it to believe it. This thing really does look like Nidorino. I even got him to stand right there so I could take a comparison shot. See? I dunno why he looks so derpy, though. Agh. Nidorino, you butthole.

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I wonder if it does anything more.

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Or Thing with Fork, much to Kirby's chagrin. He's got to be thinking "the things I could eat with a fork that size".

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Chicagoans call this monstrosity "Snoopy in a blender". +1 Chicagoans.

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Yeah, I dunno what this is, it's on the far south end of LaSalle, in front of the Chicago Board of trade. Sort of pretty, if not a just a little out of place.

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Just a photo I took of the statue on the left.

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The one on the right.

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This is what I wanted to see more than anything, the Batcolumn. I'm a huge baseball fan — mostly as a player than as a spectator — and there's nothing like a 101-foot steel baseball bat that gives me a surge of raw power. I'm positively giddy thinking about all the things I could bash with such an object. Baseballs, spiders, Jehovah's Witnesses, Bellie, it's all good. There's no way you can get a photo next to it, and compared to a human, I'm already rather short. I had to get my picture taken across the street.

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In the midst of going from one location to another, Kirby, without warning mind you, shouted "I'M HUNNGRRYY" in a really irritated tone. Well what do you know? Kirby's annoying just like the rest of us. He's human after all. Wait, no, that's not right...

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Hahahaha, bump that.

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"Hey Kine, I triple dog dare you to swim around in that fountain."
Yes sir, I don't waste time and I aim for the stones.

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"Oh my God, he actually did it!"
Look at that smug face, as if to say "I sure shut her up". I can see why BKi gets frustrated with him. What we did was totally immature, but I love that Kine's still got a sense of humor, even though I know I drive him crazy sometimes. Awww, I loves you Kine! Now let's not report this to any authorities!

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I'm definately not from around here, but this is in the middle of Millenium Park. I took advantage of the lack of a crowd, and got a great shot of Nidorino. I'm keeping this one all to myself~.

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"NOOOOOOO! NOO GOD NOOO-HOO-hoooooo!"
"They've landed! Great Scott they've LANDED! The extraterrestrials are HERE!"

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"Take-me-to-your-nearest-restaurant."

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A set of sculptures known as Interconnected. Pretty cool stuff, and the kids seemed drawn to it.

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Up close and personal with the white sphere.

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Sentret loved the yellow one the most, so he wanted me to take his picture. He was actually really tempted to climb inside, and I can't say I blame him.

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I'm feeling fairly positive, can't you tell?

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"Mmmm boy, I could really go for a pretzel right now..."

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It's a blocky eyesore is what it is, but children seem to be magnetized to it.

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See what I mean?

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"RAWR! KIRBY MAD! KIRBY EAT CITY!"
"Alright, we get it! Dang!", I said, though I was really starting to get hungry too. I have to admit that it was clever the way he positioned himself in perspective.

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I looked up this place called U.B. Dogs, which is supposed to have really good hot dogs (and maybe my long sought after venison dog?), because I had an intense craving for a hot sausage between some buns (don't mind me, I'm just being stupid). I really should've checked the hours beforehand, as it was a long walk from where we were. We're all tired and hungry, looking forward to the salvation that only sizzlin' smokies can provide. But when we finally get there, we're greeted with a lovely white sign that says "closed". I lost my head for a second:

"Fish frying fugg nuggets we're focked out of flippin' frankfurters!"

I actually said that. I told you I don't really swear. I still scared Vulpix and Sentret a little, though. At this hour, there were only two choices left. Millenium Dogs underground in the Metra Millenium Station or... America's Dog. So we ended up eating in a tunnel underneath the earth. C'est la vie. Well, at least it wasn't America's Dog, cause I sure as shizzle wasn't eatin' there.

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Though there was no presentation to speak of (and no plates, either), the food still looked pretty tasty. My quest for the hot dog made of deer sausage ended in failure, but for what it was worth, I did want to try a Chicago-style hot dog in Chicago. I suppose it was alright, nothing to write home about... Millenium Dogs, I mean. I wish I got to U.B. Dogs sooner, and had a real Chicago-style hot dog. But doesn't this picture make it look yummy?

Also, I heard of this urban legend saying that if you put ketchup on your Chicago-style hot dog while you're in Chicago, some guy pops out of nowhere and kicks you in the throat. I'm not one to mess with the perfection that is the CSHD, but I so wanted to see that. I have to invite Bellie next time, and I know exactly what I'm getting her.

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At least Kirby came out on top. He helped himself to a couple of extra hot dogs while a family of three were in the restroom nearby.

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"This ain't over, Chicago. I shall solider onward in my quest for a venison dog, come hell or high water."

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Thank you, thank you! You've all been a wonderful audience. Give yourselves a round of applause, huh?

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Drumroll, please...

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It is I, the amazing, beautiful, cute, dazzling, enthusiastic, fantastic, gorgeous, honorable, intelligent, jubilant, kick-butt, lovely, magnificent, neat-n'-clean, outstanding, peppy, quite adorable, resourceful, sweet, tasteful, unique, very nice, wonderful, x-traordinary, youthful and zestful city lovin' girl, Nidorina! Whoooo! Yeah. I also go by Nini, which is what everyone in my immediate family calls me. If we're cool, you can call me that too. I've also been called Nido-san, which was a joke nickname Bellsprout gave me, and only he and Death Reaper JOE keep that up. While you could call me that... ehh.... I'd rather you didn't.

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This is my sister, Nidoran. Wow, I haven't called her that in ages. Her family nickname is Didi. I urge you to call her the same, otherwise she won't respond ("Nidoran" is kind of a white noise word in my family). She's just a few years younger than me, but you'd think she was younger still given her maturity level. Didi is the best friend I could ever have, even if she is my sister, and she takes after me. We can get really stupid if we're around each other for too long. Or not long enough. Don't be surprised. Even if she doesn't particularly care to shop for clothes (and she doesn't), she's still fun to have around, and is such a good sport for coming here dressed halfway decently!

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I admit I have a love-hate relationship with children. I adore the good ones, but it takes all the patience I can muster to keep from strangling brats. Vulpix, however, is someone I'm glad to call a close friend of mine, even if she's a lot younger than me. In fact, she may as well be my little sister. Vulpix is the cutest, most sincere young girl I've ever met, and all she wants to do is make people smile. She admires me in a BIG way, and thinks my lifestyle is the greatest anyone has ever had, so I've become her role model, and it's freaking cute. Her actual personality is similar to mine, which is why I predict she'll be a LOT like me when she hits my age, except hopefully in Hollywood or Broadway or the Dream Land equivalent and not cutting hair in a podunk town. She's nine going on ten pretty soon, and has grown up a lot since I first met her. I call her Pixie while she calls me Nini, and it's amazing how well we can joke around with each other despite our age difference.

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Remember what I said about strangling brats? I won't lie, when Chikorita and I were still getting aquainted, I had some not so wholesome thoughts. Especially that whole Goddess Chikorita fiasco, good grief. Chikorita is not too unlike a lot of other tweens, unfortunately. And I say unfortunately because Chikorita, like a lot of other young kids and especially young girls, seems to suffer from some form of anxiety. Once I realized this, she became a whole lot easier to understand. We've gotten much closer since, and now we're pretty much sisters as well. She knows she can come to me for anything, and she has a lot on her mind. To show her how much I care, I take her out for fun and try to give her pleasant memories to look back on. She was too shy to ask if she could come with me today, but I could see it in her eyes, so I invited her along, hopefully to show her a few tricks of the trade, ahaha.

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This is Seven. Granted, no one calls her that anymore. Seven was the name she was given by her creators to symbolize holy divinity or something like that. I understand why seven is a "holy number", but I certainly do not understand what those loons were thinking. I think it's kind of sad that she was only created to level the planet. I think she realized this future was bleak and empty too, but it would be a much emptier world without her. Kine renamed her Charlotte, and it has stuck since (like Didi, she won't really respond to Seven anymore). Like Vulpix, Charlotte looks up to me as a role model, and one in her species (or at least half her species). She's about as close to me as Vulpix is as far as non-related little sisters go, and she likes to follow me around wherever I go...when she isn't distracted. She's a little... strange in appearance, but she's adorable and means well. She can't speak, but I can understand everything she wants to say.

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Have you ever met someone and just clicked? Neither have I, until I met Bulba. Bulba was the first girl about my age I met that I truly got along with since being relocated to Dream Land. Prior to that, the girls were either children, battling opponents I'd never see again, or... Bellie. Bulba and I share a lot of common interests, and people think we look a lot like each other (you know, if I were greenish and squater). But I think what really helps is that Bulba takes people as they are, and isn't judgmental. She's super friendly. In fact, she's the type who'll say hi to perfect strangers. She has a level of joviality that I only wish I had. Bellsprout complains, sarcastically remarking that Bulba and I don't see each other enough, but it's not often that you meet someone who's on the same wavelength as you, even when you disagree with each other.

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I'm jealous of Nidoqueen. I really am. Everyone loves her and she doesn't even have to lift a finger to get that love. I don't hold any resentment, heck I told her I wish people were drawn to me like they are to her. Truth be told, she actually viewed me as ideal, so it turned out that we just had a mutual desire to be like the other. However, we also know how to celebrate our differences, and are proud of what makes us unique. Nidoqueen truly is a sweetheart, she's very modest and helpful, and I think a lot of her cultural politeness shines through (way more than Chikorita). And even when I'm a little brash, she doesn't think any less of me. Today, Nidoqueen'll give our group some (much needed) class, especially when the rest of us start acting up. When she isn't getting her picture taken, she's our designated camerawoman.

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Annnnd then there's Bellsprout. Of all my close friends, Bellsprout's the only one who matches me exactly. Bellsprout and I can go all day, which is really bad if we start pulling pranks on each other (escalating in intensity until one of us dies). He's also my fitness buddy. When he calls me Nido-san, which he knows gets on my nerves now, I just call him Bell-Bell because I know that irks him. We used to date, and by date I mean I had a serious one sided crush on him, but moved on when I realized it was unrequited. Once I started dating Nidorino and Bellie dumped him, the shoe was on the other foot. I guess the fact that we both wanted each other at different times is kind of like dating, right?

"Isn't this supposed to be Girls' Day Out" you say? Despite the fact that we are all very capable of taking care of ourselves (except Bulba and Didi, the chickens), we wanted the security of having a man around. Personally, I don't need a man to take care of me, but I'm not so much of a feminist that I can't appreciate that a reliable man has our backs. Also, we're checking out the theater district, and if there's anyone who appreciates good theater other than Pixie, it's Bellsprout.

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We started the day hanging out at Buckingham Fountain again. As a landmark we're all familiar with now, I knew it would be best to wait for Didi here. Since we've long missed Fashion Night Out, I decided that we'll have our own little day to see what's new in fashion trends, and enjoy our time on the Chicago streets. I realize Chicago is anything but fashion forward, especially compared to New York, but I secretly still want that hot dog. I'm determined. Prior to arriving, I begged and pleaded with Didi not to show up in rags or a paper bag and then have the nerve to declare me a philistine for not getting it. I admit I was pretty nervous about her impending arrival.

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"BIG SISTAH!", screams my overly enthusiastic little sister as she scares the crap outta me with a tackle hug. If absence makes the heart grow fonder, she would have you believe we were separated for centuries.

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"Hey, lookatcha! You got your nice glasses on and everything. I was a little worried, Deed."

"Oh ye of so very little faith."

"When it comes to you prepping yourself for an outing, it's hard to get one's hopes up. So, did you have any trouble getting here?"

"Nini, my friend, the answer to all of life's problems can be summed up in one word. Frieghthopping."

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Frieghthopping. The only way to travel according to punks, activists, anarchists, freeloaders, tramps and hobos, and out of each of those, my sister tends to be a different one each day (just long enough for her to get bored and jump on something else because she's "young"). They're great company if you don't mind the blatant disregard of proper hygiene. My sister's poor choices are even more perplexing once you realize she's a neat freak.

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"Before we start guys, I'm gonna need Nidoqueen to help me out with a photo shoot. This may last the entire time we're here, so if we hit a few places first, it might give us more time for other things later."

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Remember that sculpture we couldn't get a picture of last time? Well, it's restored to it's former glory. Since Bulba wasn't with us before, I wanted to get her picture next to a piece of Chicago art.

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Even Nidoqueen couldn't make this picture better. Oh well, we got the Flamingo, at least.

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Some of the girls wanted to know why I wanted to take so many pictures of me posing today. It assured them it wasn't some vanity project. "I'm going to use the pictures for my salon's website. You know, to give the impression that I'm not running a rinky-dink operation. Get your hair styled here, and show the world that you're a smart, beautiful and confident woman!"

Nidoqueen suggested I try fashion blogging. If the world wants to see a stumpy Nidorina model clothes she bought from Goodwill, I'll get right on it.

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Crossing a bridge as we head westward. We'd be heading in the same direction as the Batcolumn from last time. If you squint, you can see the Chicago Sun Times building waaaayyy out there.

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We found this old discarded RedEye, Chicago's local rag, which happens to be free. Then I says "Hey Nidoqueen, this looks like... something I bet you've said to yourself, once or twice."

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"I lovve the operraaaa~♪" sang an enthusiastic Vulpix.

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"I'm going to show this to Sentret when we get home. It'll make his day."

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I had Nidoqueen take about 20 pictures of me on a train for my salon, it's kind of hard to pull off when people get in your way. Bellsprout seemed bemused by the amount of time spent on me and all the fake nonchalant poses I made. I knew he was thinking "this is so ridiculous".

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Saw this getting off the train. I dunno, it seems like another by-the-numbers Disney movie to me.

Didi: "Anybody who compares this to Who Framed Roger Rabbit has clearly never seen Who Framed Roger Rabbit."

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I'm not taking any more pictures with Didi.

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We all loved the view of this building, which I believe is a hotel, but I could be wrong. Nidoqueen captured some beautiful shots, I liked this one best.

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Because it was there. After the legs on Michigan (sorry if I don't know the actual name), I decided we spent enough time going east and west, and it was time go north and south, and onward to the magnificent mile and theater district.

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A nice little area around State and Jackson right next to a McDonalds... except for all the vagabonds that hang about nearby. One was already headed our way which made Bulba nervous and Charlotte curious.

"Come on Charlotte, let's go."

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"*GASP*"

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"Nidorina, Nidorina, can we stop here, please please please?"

"Hey, that's why we're here!"

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"Hey, well, I'm just gonna go over here to Blick then. Maybe get some pencils er..."

"Oh oh, me too. I'm with her."

"'Kay guys, see you in a bit."

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"There's American Apparel over there", remarked Chikorita.

"Wanna go?", I asked her, knowing full well she'd never say no to going to any store. She's certainly not picky about her brands, which is strange considering everything else.

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... Is the REAL treat. The Palmer House lookin' pretty in pink. I find it strangely inviting.

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These things behind us blast music, usually 80s hits, and sometimes poetry. We were having a conversation up until we got near one, which was immediately dropped for...

Me: "The blonde waitresses take their trays and spin around and they cross the floor."

Didi: "They've got the moves..."

Me: "OH-WAY-OH!"

Didi: "You drop your drink then they bring you more."

This continues until the next musical interlude, where we pick up the conversation as if we had never stopped talking about it.

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And your walls.

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Give people something to remember you for.

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Terrible name. Cute picture.

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"H&M! Nidorina, can we, can we, can we?"

"Sure we can! We can go to any store you like, Chikorita!"

"Uuuuuhhhhh! I'm just gonna stand out here."

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"Why are you taking a picture of this?"

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Regardless of what your or my opinion of H&M is, you gotta admit this window display is a work of genius. I adore the art direction.

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Well, we thought it was amusing.

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"Hey look, it's that thing again."

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"Whoa, check that out!", I said. Pixie was pretty amazed by the orange fountain. I don't think she's ever seen water that was just about her fur color. In fact, neither have I (Orange Ocean is not actually orange. Just sayin').

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"Whoaa... there's, like, not a thing worth watching on CBS."

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One can hope.

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Of CBS. Not that doohickey around Lottie's neck.

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Just gotta get your brand name in there somewhere, don'tcha?

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"I like how this one isn't bought out by some unrelated corporation."

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I told Pixie to pose like she's singing, and this is what she gave me. Then she says that singers don't have time to look pretty when they're putting their soul into it.

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Would you ever believe that's an Argo Tea? Right next to the Oriental Theater, too. It's sort of this quaint, old-fashioned structure standing out in heart of the loop.

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"Hey bay-bie, you wanna go inside and play with all the princess stuff, don't you bay-bie?"

"Don't patronize me, Chikorita."

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...

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On North State street, there's a shopping center, a mall if you will, called Block 37. We all wanted to check it out (well, most of us), but I'unno. It's kinda vacant, as if it were only half completed and then they gave up.

Anyway, that's me looking through the windows of Anthropologie, before walking inside. While I feel there's some cute stuff at Urban Outfitters, it all seems kinda... young, y'know?

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Bustin' out my rewards card. "Who wants choooock-laaaaaaate?♪"

I'm so generous that it's almost mind blowing.

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One bag of hard earned truffles. No, really. "Oh my God, you guys, you wouldn't believe how hard that was."

"We saw that guy manhandling you right out the store", Bellsprout quiped.

"I had to give my best Charlotte impression and point to and mime out everything I wanted. I guess they saw me as overdressed vermin and threw me out."

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"I went back and showed them my card, and after lots of time spent in verification, they finally found out that yes, there IS one Nidorina Schneider in the Godiva database. They were even surprised that I paid with money, like they expected me to pay with sticks and berries. So come get yourself a piece of awesome. Charlotte, the honey ones over here are yours."

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"Hey guys, I'm gonna step in here real quick." And by step in here, I meant 'give myself a touch up with the samples on hand and not pay a cent'. Oh come off it, you know you do it, too.

Disclaimer: I, Nidorina, do not endorse, nor recommend use of samples that have come in contact with the skin of others. Women have been known to contract skin rashes, show signs of inflammation, swelling, blemishing and God knows what else. Also, I am a Pokemon, and a Poison type at that. Ain't much your weird human germs can do to me. But, uh... for YOUR safety, look out for that powder blush I used over there.

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"Oh, I love legitimate theater." Yes, boys and girls, you read that signage right.

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I haven't seen her smile this big all day.

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A picture taken solely for the street view. I bet it looks great in the Spring.

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Ever wonder what goes through the mind of the guy who designs buildings like this?

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Here's a spot where I thought Nidoqueen who look really great for a picture. I attempted to take one, and this is what I got out of it.

"Okay, Nidoqueen, you have to stop doing that. I want something that looks more natural. In fact, ignore me. Start walking past the camera as if you live in this city, and you're on your way to work."

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So much better.

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Wish we could've gotten more of the building behind Chiko into the picture.

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The fortress looking structure. I'd love to go to the shows they have there some day. Lots of unique vendors, and such.

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And in the distance, the House of Blues. We should've walked over there.

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A building who's name sums up Charlotte in the most bizarre, non-sensical way ever.

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"All my life I've been waiting for a butthole phone."

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Just hangin' around.

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Another "check out the architecture" photo.

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"Nidorina, can I go in, please?"

"In about nine years, yes." Now, for the uninformed, Forever 21 isn't an adult shop, but it might make guys uncomfortable or really, really bored. Definately not for men.

The first time I went, I couldn't help but notice how despondent every father, brother, husband and boyfriend looked as if they were doing hard time while the warden kept them on a short leash. Possibly being the most masculine woman there, I couldn't help but sympathize with the poor chumps, and to this day I make a conscious effort not to bring Nidorino shopping with me.

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"I hope they're selling butthole phones just for me."

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"Yuck. Zara. I've never had a more uncomfortable shopping experience in my life. Why does it seem like the employees working here think they are oh-so much more important than me? And the that's not just the women, it's the men too! I ask a guy if they had something in stock, he looks me up and down in this dead-eyed bemused way, and gives me a lispy 'do you always look like that'? Never again."

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Sew little time.

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Where is the street Superior? Somewhere between the street officer and the street commissioner.

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Sometimes, I like to walk around inside Crate & Barrel, and I feel a sense of peace and warmth. Am I weird?

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Palm trees? Now? Really? Also, Nidoqueen should've crossed the street to take this one. This pic is all I got.

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Didi: "Oh look, Topshop. That's where I got this sweater."

No really, she did. Color me impressed.

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"Nice job, Didi! I never figured you as a Topshop girl. You know, I get MY clothes from Topshop too."

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"Nidorina, you bought those clothes right off the back of a homeless man."

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"It's called being charitable."

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I told Lottie to stand here with Chikorita's hat. I don't know what building this is, but it's across the street from the old water tower.

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Yeah, I think I could be a firewoman.

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Across the street from the Fire House right next to the American Dental Association is a monument of a mother and father clearly letting little "junior" win. I'd slap the ball out of his hands, make the shot, and tell him that life's hard (and I say this in jest knowing I won't be having any kids for a while).

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Finally, some action around here.

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"I'm going to show that to Ness when we get home."

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"We're just missin' out on everything, aren't we?" I'm pretty sure I heard a sigh of relief from Bellsprout.

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Dunno what it's called, but this church looked so cool, kind of gothic, and definately out of place.

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And then slightly to the left...

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There's something about old churches that always cause Charlotte to act strangely. We are on hallowed ground~.

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Using buzz words like 'eclectic' to lure in trendy wannabes who can't think for themselves.

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"I think you'd look nice in that suit, Bellsprout."

"I look like a dope in any suit. You know I lack a physique."

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It's Thriller Night, ya'll.

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Chikorita may be a little abusive towards Vulpix, but it's amazing how they always get along so well in the end. Pix is a very forgiving soul.

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Went through a tunnel underneath a major street (Lake Shore Drive?) and unexpectedly saw this on the other end.

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Sodas to heft...

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For the party tonight.

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Hey, I don't act anything like that.

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Then we're sweet.

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Serenity now.

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Where in this case the event refers to beach games and the like.

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In retrospect, I should've had Nidoqueen take a picture from the lake.

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Even our octopi friends like to accessorize.

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I hear it's got a really fancy restaurant called The Signature Room at the top, with some amazing butternut squash soup.

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And up and up!

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Butternut what now? It's been too long since I had any kind of cheesecake, and the Cheesecake Factory was calling out to me with an angelic choir. Granted, the meals are mediocre, but that's not why anyone goes there. Wait, what do you mean it is? What's wrong with you all?

"Hey guys, I think we've all been really good. We should all go to the Cheesecake Factory, huh? It'll be my treat."

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"Uhhh... no. You look like you have your own cheescake factory in your thighs. You probably shouldn't've had those truffles, either. ...Jesus Christ I never realized how big they were. Did you know about this, chunky legs?"

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!!!

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"I really wish there was another dude with us."

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"This is it, girls. We've finally here at the Water Tower Place. A magical center were dreams come true! Or, yanno, where there's a lot of nice stuff."

Everyone else but Bellsprout: "Whoooooaaaaa~"

Bellsprout: :|

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Wide eyes, hyperventilating, slight amusement and drooling mouths abound. There's so much of everything everywhere, and so much to do. Where to begin? I feel like we can just spend hours and hours and hours and hou-

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Whoopsie!

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"It's not a sign, Charlotte." (Don't get literal on me.)

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Maybe it's a part of Chicago culture like Harpo Studios.

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That's it, really.

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Don't quote me on it, though. I don't have much to go off of.

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I don't think there'll ever be a time when I'm not homesick. My family is the best. :(

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"I've never seen a street performer play what seemed like Celtic music from a woodwind in a top hat with a bunny doll slumped inside another over turned hat before."

Chiko: "It's okay to breathe, Nidorina."

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Bulba wanted a nice photo just to have on hand.

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"Snog 'im once for me!"

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Of all the major network buildings we've seen today, this one looks the best.

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This is probably my favorite "just because" snapshot.

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In case some of you were wondering what that curious diamond shaped skyscraper was called. The name change is recent, in fact, occuring in March of 2012. It used to be the Smurfit-Stone Building, and is nicknamed, er, the [female organ] building. Heh heh heh... Smurf.

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This sits in front of the Crain-Com Building, and it's neat to move back and forth looking at it. Charlotte can't get enough of it.

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"Dang it, Nidoqueen! I'm gonna break your fingers!"

"Hahahaha! I'm sorry, it's an old habit."

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Caught me off guard. There's being unique, and then there's...

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Didi: "Why do models feel the need to take pictures with their mouths gaped open? I have this one catalogue where it's particularly bad. It's like the only people they could shoot for free were mouth breathers."

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Didi: "Hmm. Kind of like Charlotte."

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ABC's live news broadcast. It gave us silly ideas.

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"Good day, Chicago, I'm Nidorina Schneider."

"And I'm Bellsprout Bell"

"Today on ABC news in the evening, traces of the brain eating amoeba have been found in chocolates distributed worldwide due to national manufacturers' use of contaminated water."

"But first our top story, Halloween's just around the corner, and candy sales and consumption have spiked into surprisingly high record numbers."

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About now, everyone's getting pretty hungry, and so am I. I'm a little ashamed to admit that I had a slight crisis of conscience. Yes, over a hot dog, sheesh. See, I felt like capping this day off with any sort of hot dog, with the way we're all presenting ourselves today (moronic moments aside), just wouldn't be appropriate. Plus, I'm hardly with a unisex group this time, I don't think the mob mentality will appreciate my choice of wild game sausages as a nice alternative (now, if this was Girls' Carnival Day...). As much as I didn't want to let go of the dream, I did so just to keep us all in character for the day. So where's a cool, slightly trendy, non mainstream and importantly inexpensive spot that modern women and kids alike can get a meal (ugh, I feel sick)?

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Pret A Manger, that's where. It's all natural, low calorie, and it hails from the United Kingdom. Come on, what is there not to love? We all agreed unanimously that this was the best option. Well, except Bellsprout who felt that nothing short of a hamburger would make up for all the walking around from store to store. Sorry Charlie, but it's seven to one!

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And that brings our Girls' Day Out to a close. Until next time, Ciao from all of us at Pret a Manger!

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And Bellsprout, too.

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The most important person here, however, is you! Afterall, if an individual never sees this, does it still exist?

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"Smile for the camera kids and say 'Science Rules!'"

"SCIENCE RULES!"

So, as you can see, this makes my third trip to Chicago. I know a venison hot dog is in this city, I can smell it, and I won't rest until I get it. But I couldn't come back just for food, that'd be a colossal waste of Kirby's reward and treasure savings (that kid has unfathomable amounts of cash and gold stored away, and he still chooses the meager life! Money doesn't change everyone, *Sentret*). If it wasn't for Kirby, I could never have made these trips, so I really have to make it up to him. Last time, I owed him a solid to do the girl's outing. I told him I'd go looting Dedede's castle with him, but he just told me that the next time, he wanted me to bring him along again. I knew doing just that wouldn't be enough, so I had to think of something that we'd all have a lot of fun doing, something to remember. And well, in a few words, here we are!

Now that I think about, Kirby would have been more than ok with coming back just for food.

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"Hey Didi, you excited about the MythBusters exhibit? You hopin' Adam~ and Jamie~ are here so you can get real close to them?"

"Ooo, shut up."

There's nothing exciting about buying tickets, so lemme get you up to speed. Ness helped me out in choosing a fun activity in Chicago. Between the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Navy Pier and Museum of Science and Industry, I found that we could get more bang for our buck and our brains at MSI, as not only was it holding a MythBusters event, but had a fabrication laboratory as well where we can make stuff for no extra ticket charge. I knew MythBusters would be a selling point, but I didn't think everyone would want in on it! Coo and Rick, joining us for the first time, just love the idea of urban legends. Coke and Mouser join us too, as an opportunity to teach and have fun doing it. The rest of us just think it'll be really cool. Ah, but then there's Didi...

Growing up, Didi was into a lot of geeky pursuits, and I was usually the first one she'd share her newfound interests with. We watched a lot of MythBusters, she being into the science of things and me being into it because I liked a lot of action... and Kari, because she reminds me of someone (who, me? Oh no, I'm not like her at all)... Together, we attempted to recreate a lot of what we saw on TV, and got into more than our share of trouble, but it was worth it for the memories. Didi also had a mega crush on both Adam and Jamie, though, which I'd mock her over, especially seeing as they're well outside her species. Truth be told, we Pokemon aren't necessarily a speciest bunch. We'll fall in love with anything that breathes.

Long story short, I knew we HAD to do this just because of my childhood with my sister. It makes for a good nostalgia trip. Nidorino also urged we do this "for the sake of science", but I know he just wants an excuse to stare at photos of Kari. Imma let'im have his fun.

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Nidorino: Hahaha, you look just like that cutout of Kari.

Me: Shut up, I do not.

Nidorino: You're even making the exact same face as her right now! It's those devious eyes.

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"This is it, guys! Welcome to Em Ess Eye!" We got there really early. That crowd you saw in the ticket picture? Small potatoes, not even close to the capacity this museum will get as you'll see later. We decided to take advantage of our early arrival for photo ops, and wasted no time in getting to the MB exhibit right away. We have a big day ahead of us, after all.

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This is the very first thing anyone sees once they enter the MythBusters exhibit. This was merely a short hallway before we really got inside.

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Little boys loved it, though.

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The myth is that if a Christmas tree is overloaded with lights, the heat from the bulbs will cause the tree to catch on fire. Needless to say, that myth was busted, but I personally think they didn't operate under the right circumstances. They were missing one key factor...

"Every time I decorate a Christmas tree, it always catches on fire."

Nidorino. So disasterous, even Absols are loath to be his presence.

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"The first episode! I remember this one." "Didn't we see it in reruns like years after the fact?" "Yeah, but this rocket... this rocket prop is MythBuster history." "Huh. The show was really different in its early years, like all the talking heads and stuff. And it took a long time to get to the actual rocket car." "Yeah, but remember how cool it was when it finally took off?"

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"Ehhh, it was alright, but my favorite part of that episode was when they got that pig stomach to explode. That stomach was all like 'bloob-bloob-SPLOOEY' and the camera was drenched with cola."

"That's because you're insane."

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Can a person survive being buried alive for an extended period of time? If you don't already know, what do you think?

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"Hey, your lover wants you to get inside that coffin with him."

"Don't be a butt."

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I asked Kirby "Is this what Kaboola looks like after she goes down in a flaming wreckage?"

"Yes. Yes it is."

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I didn't really catch what Coke and Mouser were saying as they viewed the jet pack, but they were essentially going over what went wrong and how they could've improved upon it. If you guys ever get a working version going, I'd love to be the test victim!

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Just before entering, staff wanted to get pictures of people so they could charge you for it after the fact. A waste, but I decided to make the most of it. I went up to the dude and asked to get our picture taken, but he just stared at me. I realized all he could hear was "Nido Nido" so Kirby stepped in and translated for me. Then he just kind of stared at all of us. With us all creeped out and uncomfortable, we went inside and skipped the pictures entirely.

Anyway, the first thing you see on the inside? A book of blueprints! Coke, Kine and Mouser seemed the most interested, it must be fun to have mechanic skills.

Also littered about were even more props, tons and tons of props. Didi probably nerdgasmed, or at least I saw her eyes light up.

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This was also in the blueprints, because being scholarly doesn't sell tickets. Kids get that for free in a public school anyway.

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Mouser and Sentret were all over. Didi, allowing that little fangirl in her to spring back to life, just noted a bunch of "I remember whens", and "don't you remember...?". I had to keep telling her I didn't even see most of the episodes. Then again, she torrents everything and does marathon runs.

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That sad little light ray makes this picture way funnier than it should be.

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Ok, so I do remember this one. Mom hid every bottle of red wine and sparkling grape juice we had in the house the moment she saw us watching this episode. Great times.

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Over here, I used this as an opportunity to tell the little ones that there's a lot of gross stuff we handle every day. Sentret just wanted that dollar. Here's one for you, though. How many people take their laptop into the bathroom with them? Now, how many times have you used someone else's laptop?

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Next to the hidden nasties, though, was this thing. This work of art, here. What looks like an ordinary compresser to you is what inspired a terrible mess as we attempted to fire all kinds of meat we had stored from our smokehouse, followed by proper butt beatings from our granddad.

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I'd be the one to start the "remember whens" this time...

"Deed, remember the chicken cannon episode?"

"Oh yeaah! Remember when we made our own chicken gun and went through all of dad's meats? We did our part to make sure the wolves and bears didn't go to bed hungry."

"Hey, do you remember the Chicken Dance?"

"Oh, you mean the one that goes like..."

She dances. Then I start to dance. By the time we get done, everyone had already long gone on without us, except Nidoqueen. She is amused by everything I do, because she can't comprehend how anyone could possibly act this way.

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Recognize anything, by any chance?

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Does this help?

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"Oh yes, that's from... oh and that there was in... that over there was used in..."

Needless to say, this part held us up. The three of us Nido girls were already behind as it was. Nidoqueen and I decided to move on while Didi continued to play I Spy by herself.

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The sign nearby displayed these as "Work Clothes From the Show", which may not be entirely true, but kinda cool anyway. When Didi caught up, all she could say was "Wow, it'd be totally cool if they were able to collect the sweat from Jamie and Adam." We didn't know what her intent was, considering Didi's always saying odd things, but Nidoqueen and I just wore a blank look, and moved on.

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Sentret: I think those should be YOUR legs sticking out. HAHAHAHA!

Mouser: HAHAHAHA!

Vulpix: AHHHH! KINE!!

Kine: Sentret...

Sentret: Vulpix!

Vulpix: ¦D

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For those of you wondering when we'd finally get around to the good stuff, it all starts now. The idea here was to build a structure that could withstand strong winds, regardless of the material used.

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To allow more kids and kids at heart to play, there were two of these. They look sort of unsophisticated, but that's the beauty of being able to create from scrap.

Kirby: Looks like the sort of thing Melvin could put together over a weekend.

Kine: Melvin couldn't put a sandwich together over a weekend.

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Mouser can't resist the natural pull of building something with toddler safe blocks. Moreso if he can show off.

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Mouser was quick to get his ready for testing. "I know exactly what to do, guys. Watch me nail this experiment!" Anybody who knows "exactly what to do" I'd approach with caution.

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The Big Bad Wind Machine knocks little Mouser's structure to the ground. This is all that was left.

Mouser: I don't understand. I was sure that I spaced it out to allow for the wind to flow through as opposed to against it.

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"Allow me, Mouser. you see, you had the right idea in trying to build a structure that wouldn't actively oppose the wind, but you should have built a structure that would allow the wind to pass around the building instead."

And with one test later, Kine proved his point, and that structure was still intact. I want Kine to build my next house when he's old enough.

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DSHES

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Always throwing me hand signals the way you do? But it really is a cute picture of her. She's just so super quiet most of the time, though, you forget she's there.

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I'm sure you know where this is going.

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Oh, you gotta have your variables.

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If you push a button, she tells you what's up with each experiment. And if left idle, she's doing silly stuff.

Nidorino: Hahaha! That's exactly how you act.

Me: Shut up, I do not.

Nidorino: It's that impulse to play around all the time while wearing a giddy smile! In fact, just yesterday morning I saw you knock Kine's toast on the ground just like that!

Kine: Yes... strange how she's always picking on me...

Didi: It's how she shows her affection. Everyone in our family has been through it.

Me: What? Come on, it's funny! Besides, I always make it up afterwards like 100 fold. Didn't I make you a way better stuffed waffle breakfast, Kine? AND replaced your toast with two slices of cinnamon raisin toast?

Kine: Yeah, it was really good. But your kind of affection drives me batty sometimes.

Didi: Nini's like a Sour Patch Kid, but without the sociopathic tendencies. And when she's sweet, she's really sweet. We really loved her growing up, once we got used to her rough play, she was the greatest, most fun sister any of us could ever hope for.

I blushed after that. I love my family a lot, and I had a lot of fun with them. It makes me happy to know they had fun with me, as well.

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Less tender familial business was going on. The young'ns were amused by all the different contraptions used to drop the toast on the ground, hoping they'd achieve that sweet, sweet butter side up.

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Coke just shook his head saying "Spot would be up to his eyeballs in mischief if he had a got a hold of this thing."

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A toaster cannon that not only toasts toast, but launches it in the name of science! Less abusable than the slap happy machine, that's for sure. Mouser gives this one a shot...

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"Butter side up."

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Yes, this highlight reel was an actual thing. Gets your kids pumped up to buy the merch and DVDs waiting for you outside this exhibit. I personally took this photo, though, but only to tell you that if you haven't seen this episode, you should. If you ever wanted to see a car get vaporized, this is it right here.

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Why, I don't KNOW if I CAN, I've never TRIED it BEFORE!

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Once enough families and kids had moved on, Nidorino decided to try his hand at sleight of hand! "Ok, stand back everyone."

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Of course it was a colossal failure. Nidorino makes Charlie Brown look like he has divine intervention on his side. On the bright side, some dishes remained. It's okay, Nidorino!

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I'm sure you've heard this one before, too. I don't even think this one was conclusive in any way. Surprisingly, Rick took matters into his own hands.

"Hey Kine, wanna bust a myth? Betcha I can make it through with minimal soakage." "Uh..." "Come on, man, let's do this thing!"

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Kine: Well, I can't very well say no to a study now can I?

Rick: Awesome! Alright, you take the slowpoke lane and I'm gonna zip down the fast lane! WOOOO! Yeah!

As Rick ran off without even saying "Go", Kine gave us this smile, and then went on ahead. You could just tell Rick and Kine have been close friends for years.

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Sentret asked "Who got wetter?" Rick and Kine looked at each other, and really couldn't tell. Kine then conceded "I guess we both got pretty wet in there." Rick finished with "But it was fun, that's the important thing. We may not have busted a myth but we had fun trying!"

I personally had them pose so I could take this picture. I thought it was too cute, I enjoy seeing Kine have fun.

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So, the next myth on the exhibit was this here.

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Pixie was already playing with this thing when we got here. If I may go on a tangent, I don't think there are any bad photos of Vulpix. I squee just about every time I look at one. I feel like this must be how a parent feels about seeing their cute, young kids in adorable photos. I wish Vulpix was my kid, I'm serious.

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Here's the conveyor belt thingamabob in action. Pictures don't really do it justice since it involves a lot of speedy movement.

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Some explosive props placed behind glass. The only hazard I see is that line for the exhibit up ahead.

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This was the next exhibit, which I'm just not getting at all. Even Didi shrugged, and she would know. Essentially, you grab some costume props from a box, get in the phone booth, dress up all Superman like, and then jump back out while a timer times you. This is scientifical how?

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Calling all superheroes! Now you too can look like a complete tool with these garish, flamboyant accessories! The man in the illustration looks like such a dork, come on. Sentret and Vulpix jumped right on in, but I laughed out loud when Mouser said he didn't want any of this. Nidorino started to grab some parts, too, but I grabbed him by the arm, and will a dull look in my eyes, just shook my head "no". Nevertheless, I wasn't going to poop on the kids' parade.

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Vulpix and Sentret had reasonable times, about how long you'd expect children with low dexterity to put on accessories in a cramped area. Sentret had Vulpix beat, though, due to having fewer fitting parts that he just left off. I told them both "not bad, not bad, but I'm gonna show you guys some real action." They lit up, they probably couldn't wait to see their cool sis in a silly costume, and normally I'd oblige as I love to entertain kids, but I had a better idea in mind. "You ready?" I said with eyes wide, a big smile, and an anticipatory stance. I pushed the start button, jumped in, jumped right back out and hit stop.

That's when I gave my spiel. "There are heroes all around you, and you probably wouldn't know it to look at them. People who put their lives on the line for the safety of others, such as firemen, policemen, and those who go into active duty for their country. The reason I fought in a war overseas is so that you can continue to enjoy the freedoms you have, so you kids can laugh and play and feel safer at night. These people are the honest, true heroes. Thank you."

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Needless to say they weren't buying that stunt at all.

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The next exhibit. At least this one makes sense.

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In case you're interested. The general point of this exhibit was to jump out of the way when light flashed from a box.

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Rick was willing to be our guinea pig, if you pardon the expression. He's really fast, so he took it upon himself to prove his speed. Wait for it...

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FLASH! Not fast enough...

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Rick knew he was beat, so he dramatically gave up the ghost in a silly way that only Rick would. "Come on Rick, other people want a turn" Pixie said with seriousness. I thought it was funny, anyway.

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"My turn! My turn!" The only one of us faster than Rick is Sentret. He seems sure of himself, though. How will this turn out?

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Sentret blinked before reacting. He may be faster, but he's still only six.

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"What? Come on, no fair! I blinked. It caught me off guard! Let me go again!" Nidoqueen had to tell Sentret that there was a line, and he had to let others have a turn. Oh well, let's get a move on.

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Here's the one exhibit everyone thought they were an ace at, regardless of age. Essentially, you throw your typical playing card at a target, hoping it'll not only hit, but with skill, lodge itself into the target like a dart. I'd like to say it was amusing to watch others put forth their best Gambit impression, but I'm a busy woman. I tried it myself, sucked, and quit. Shuriken tossing is not a skill I possess. Bellsprout would be the man for that job.

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You may appreciate this picture. Sorry the quality isn't great.

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I'm noting a reoccuring theme of overconfidence. Kirby smugly said "Alright, alright, Cutter Master here. There's nothing to it. You just gotta give it one of these!" And with a toss, the card limply flops over to the side. "Actually, it's more like this!" and that card went all willy-nilly. I put my hand over my mouth and giggled. Watching Kirby struggle was sort of cute in a way.

"Heheh, bum card. All in the wrist, all in the wrist. WHA-CHA! Emm... Ha-HAA! ... Ya-HAA! Must be... probably made from low grade card stock you see..." Is it because he lacks thumbs? And how does he throw those cutters, anyway?

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Can't have an exhibit that markets to children without something like this. I admit, when I was younger I wasn't above toilet humor myself, but I wasn't very feminine in my youth, either. I'll admit "nasty cabbage smell" is a funny description for Dimethyl Sulphide. All the euphemisms crack me up, too. Morning thunder, how sad is that?

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This made me laugh, if only because I knew what I knew.

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Me: Should I? No, and I haven't for years, but can I? I think Didi knows the answer to that.

Didi: You were a horrible sister.

For the record, Didi said that lovingly. And I was rather rambunctious, yes, yes. Before mom gave birth to any boys, I was essentially the "son" in the family.

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Here's another piece of equipment that generated a lot of buzz. Next to the card toss, people couldn't wait to get their hands on this arcade machine where they played a game they couldn't see. You had to have someone else navigate for you while they viewed this screen. Adults seemed to like this game because they could appreciate driving instructions and sublety. If I may be honest, that seems a little lame. That's like playing a video game about office management. Why do adults find entertainment in the mundane? This is why I don't relish the idea of getting older.

Soapbox aside, it can still become a hectic experience when people are shouting "hard left! HARD LEFT!", and that's sorta fun. At this point in time, this machine was empty as everyone else lined up to face the firing squad or audition for the next inevitable X-Men picture. This opportunity almost never happened, so we rushed to it.

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Nidoqueen quietly stayed out of everything thus far, so to help her kick back, I told her that she should try this out. Meekly, she went ahead, and Nidorino volunteered to be navigator. And again, here we have two adults playing this game, but at least they should get far. Besides, Nidorino's pretty terrible at a lot of things, but he knows how to drive, so I'm confident.

I spoke too soon. Turns out Nidoqueen has never driven before in her life. And of course, wouldn't you know, crowds and lines form for Blind Driving yet again, probably aiding to poor Nidoqueen's self consciousness. Then again, she brought it upon herself with all that screaming she was doing, but she was laughing, too, and the most important thing was that she gave herself a moment to just have fun.

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This screen was positioned on the back of the cabinet, in case other people who weren't the navigator wanted to view. This picture isn't the best in quality, but like the title says...

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Feats of strength! Probably the third most visited exhibit. After all, grown-ups love an opportunity to show off. For whom and why, I dunno. However, I like to push people to do things they think they can't...

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And that's why Nidorino was my target of attack. "Hey Nidorino, why don't you get up there and try it?" "Uh, I dunno. I'm lacking in upper body strength..." "Come on, it's just for fun. I wanna see how strong you are~" "mmmmmnnn-eehhhhh..." "Come on, come on! For me? Pretty please?" "mmmmmnnn-eehhhh...."

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Coo: Don't worry baby. If it's a manly task you seek, then Coo's at your service.

Me: Kindly remove your hand from my butt, thanks.

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Like an adolescent full of hormones and bravado, Coo quickly went to it without hesitation. Told you people loved this exhibit just to show off. Of course, Coo only held on for like a grand total of two seconds.

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"Aww man, that's hard! It really starts to hurt the hands."

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Me: You were only up there for two seconds. Alright, check it, guys. This is how we do it in BCT.

And with that I hoisted myself up. I'm trained to do stuff like this, but it's no way easy. So not easy in fact, that I only held on for seven seconds. The gang behind me "awwww"ed after I dropped down at the count of seven.

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Me: Ahhh! Dude, that is hard on the hands!

Coo: Way to "go army strong" there, Nidorina.

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So Coo and I are a pair of blowhard losers, fair enough, but I couldn't help but eyeball Coke as he just smiled at us with his hands behind his back. Like Nidoqueen, I wasn't going to let him get away with not participating in something.

Me: Hey Coke, you haven't done anything all day, let's see you give it a try.

Coke: What? Me?

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Me: Yeah! You're athletic too, which is great! You're the type who likes to excercise both body and mind, and I think you've got what it takes to lick this thing.

Coke: Well maybe, but I...

Coo: What she said, man. Do it! Do it!

A Bunch of Others: DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!

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Coke's not a wet blanket, so he went ahead with it. "Well, here I go!" We counted. Ten seconds passed. I felt a little beaten, but I had it coming. By the time twenty seconds passed, all my attention was turned back on him. I seriously believed he had a chance! We counted to 30. 40. 50... we could taste it... 55, 56, 57... yes yes!... 59... 60! And with that, he dropped down.

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The gang was full of excitement as we had one of our very own friends hit that full minute mark.

Coke: Wow, I didn't know I had it in me.

Me: Well, my amazing, lovely little sister, would you say the myth that bottle caps aren't built to endure has been busted?

Didi: Broke, busted and disgusted, my awesome, beautiful big sister.

You know, Nidorino never did get up there...

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Beyond the endurance experiment was a show, and the way out. We were just in time for the show, where they did a live demonstration of the Dodge a Bullet myth. With paintballs, mind. Liabilities and all, especially since they used an audience member. Stickers were awarded to those who volunteered, or could answer questions, and my sister who pretends-to-be-really-smart-but-isn't wanted that sticker. MythBusters memorabilia, I guess. Oh, she knew the answers to their trivia questions. Even I did. Anyone who's been through middle school science courses could answer them if memory served. She knew she'd be unintelligible, but was determined to get that sticker. She had just the right amount of chutzpah to put her butt on the line, and volunteered to be attacked by extremely fast paint (not to worry, they gave participants a full body shield).

Needless to say, they actually let her volunteer (and I'm mostly surprised by that considering our typical treatment as second class), and she got both a sticker and an ovation of applause, to which my silly little sibling couldn't help but give bows to.

Me: There it is, Didi. You're now a confirmed MythBuster. You gonna stick that on your office wall next to your art degree when you become a bigshot?

Didi: Actually, I was planning on using THIS as my diploma, but your idea is better.

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Or scale models. One or the other. However, I think we're all a little enthralled by this staple of the museum. I've never been to Seattle despite living closer to it than Chicago, but I'd love to visit someday!

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This...doesn't look to scale.

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You're never too old for the baby chicks exhibit.

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"Awwww, so cute."

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All of sudden, Charlotte shook violently. It's safe to say that we were entering the "controversial" part of the museum. Or at least the part Charlotte hates more than anything.

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Charlotte said (inaudibly), and I quote, "So what? I can make an actual quadruple helix in my sleep. Can we go?"

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than the "Let's Play God" exhibit at the Dream Land Center for Science and Technology.

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...

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Oh lookie!

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...

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"Hey, can you see the mouse?"

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And then Charlotte had enough, and just left without us. I commend her for not burning the place down, she's definitely learning self control, but it's unfortunate she had to be put through this.

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Moving on to happier places, we went to the Science Storms, which was right across from the MythBusters exhibit. Of course, it seemed more like a place where they just stuck things they didn't have enough of to dedicate a room to. Nevertheless, you can't miss the giant tornado when you walk into the open area, but Kirby just scoffed.

"Big deal."

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Me: Kirby stand right here, I wanna take your picture. Gimmie a smile! Ready? See, look! It's Kirby's Avalanche! Hahaha! You see what I did there?

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"Don't even think about it, guys."

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I have no idea what the point was.

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But it was fun to see Charlotte all tranced out.

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"Basketball? Aww yeah, this museum just got interesting!" Coo said, cracking his feathers and ready to... push some buttons and learn stuff. Hahaha, Coo learning. It was all about trajectories and what not, but it held his attention, more so than school does, so these guys must be doing something right. "Alright, watch me make this basket".

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"OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH BRICK"

"Man, SHUTJYER FACE HAMSTER."

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As fun as it is to watch Coo and Rick harass each other, I couldn't help but notice Charlotte running off as if she saw Santa and was ready to take him for everything he was worth. I felt good about coming to this area next, as it was very "Charlotte Friendly" compared to where we were. Of course, I didn't think Charlotte would meet an old friend over here...

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Oh Charlotte, you so naughty.

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Magnets where able to make this... gunk form into a prickly ball, and other very needly things. Makes Needle Kirby look soft.

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Rick: Check it out, Kirby! Doesn't this look like Dark Matter?

Kirby: *shudder* Don't say that!

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Here was a light table where you grabbed little pucks, placed them over an element on the perodic table to absorb it, and combine it to make stuff. A cool learning experience, but mostly underused by kids and dopey adults (like me) who don't have a clue about what makes what. Only smarty-arties like Coke and Kine would know what to do here, and Coke used this as a teaching experience for Mouser. Unlike my dork-butt sister. I dunno if she was genuinely proud of herself for making Carbon Dioxide, or if she was just being ironic for snickers, but she had such a smug grin on her face once she pulled it off. I wanted to smack her.

This picture shows what Charlotte put together.

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Charlotte was putting pucks together and creating elements like she was going for a Solitare world record for speed. Even Coke couldn't ignore her fast hands, and soon enough, she drew a crowd. Well, by crowd, I mean just us. Here's something else she put together. How does she do it? Being half the embodiment of energy must make you fantasically intellegent about the concrete things in the universe.

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Nidoqueen started to applaud, and we soon followed suit. You could say that over here, Charlotte's in her element. I've got jokes for years, folks.

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Time to head over to the Toymaker area. The children cheered with joy when they knew they could finally make some cool stuff of their own. Who doesn't like toys? You're never too old...

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Here's how they get you. They get kids to bug you into helping them create a glorified top for an additional fee. And the first part worked, Sentret wanted to get his hands on something so space age looking. Nidoqueen told him that the Fab Lab was free, more or less, and Sentret is at least money smart enough to recognize a deal vs a ripoff.

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They only run this a few times a day. We got here just in time, as they passed out golden tickets. First come, first serve, and considering we're a big group, every last one of us got a ticket while no one else outside our group did. That made it easier for us to relax, but you should've seen the look on the faces of the lab workers when they realized they'd be teaching a room full of abnormal creatures how to make a keychain. In fact, they were pretty darn blown away when we showed competency in utilizing a computer! I dunno how that makes me feel. :\

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When explaining how a laser cutter worked, they demoed out this little piece of work. You ain't seen nothing yet, though.

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If this were an art museum, this would be a headliner right here, a limited time exhibit people would flock from foreign countries to gaze in awe at. But because it's a science museum, we'll just call it a technical marvel. ;) Nidorino was able to make a keychain of Charlotte and me! Beautiful, I give it a zillion stars and all of my thumbs. It also put my unoriginal work to shame (no, I'm not uploading the goofy looking swirl I made).

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Meanwhile, here's what Nidoqueen cooked up. She really likes this design. Now where have I seen it before?

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I know it's stupid as all get out when you see something with a friends name, and you point out "hey look, it's you", but I couldn't help but do this to Coke when I saw the Coca-Cola plaque.

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No, they don't make robots here. The robots are the ones automating the jobs. We can see the Gravitrons being made, as well as other feats in robotics. Not Kine or even Jeff level robotics, of course.

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Yeesh, why work at all? That poor mangled hand, ouch. Also, I swear the guy in the center looks like Robin.

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That's the front page headline. Then you read the rest and grumble in disappointment. Still, it was fun to see simple robots in action. "Jeff would love it here", Kine stated.

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What a sad looking display. That man is all "uh-huh, let's get this over with." Even the broken down robot looks dejected by the repairman's indifference.

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You know me, I'm sorta hyper and like to goof around. But, strangely... I feel like my ability to process... is slowing... down. As if I'm being... stripped... of all but my... ba-sic func-shun-al-i-tee.

Me: I am Nee-neer-bot. My-func-tion-is-to-serve. My-func-tion-is-to-serve.

Coo: Ah-HA-Awesome! Nidorina's a robot!

Me: My-function-is-to-serve. INPUT COMMAND.

Coo: Alright! Neeneerbot, I command you to kill Rick!

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Me: Affirmative. E-lim-i-nate the hamster.

Rick: Wait, what!?

Me: E-lim-i-nate the hamster.

Rick: Whoa-HO! Stay away from me!

A Bunch of Others: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Being a killer robot was very fun. Chasing around Rick shouting "eliminate the hamster" may have been one of the highlights of the day. I'm never giving up my youth, not when it's this much fun to be a big sister.

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Not sure what the point of this area was, but it was surprisingly very vacant. Probably because of scenarios similar to the title up there. I mostly wanted a picture of Pac-Man. Mouser and Sentret wanted to play, but weren't too bummed about us needing to move on. We DO have video games at home, after all.

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FO EATIN. I dunno why this picture wasn't near the actual exhibit, though.

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Maybe? But it's certainly a set piece for this museum. I wonder how long they've had this thing. I heard it's more like a tradition at this point than an exhibit.

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Now in the fairly short car exhibit.

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"Cars! Cars! Cars! Cars! Cars!" was being yelled up and down the halls as they ran back and forth, probably not even looking at the exhibit. If you ever wanted to know why Cars 2 and even Disney's Planes is a thing...

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"I wasn't aware that we achieved our greatest energy harnessing highs in 1993" said Nidorino, in response to the sign above's 'Harnessing the Power of the Sun'.

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My favorite game. :3 Ahhh he loves it.♥ Anyway, we came to the agriculture arena, which was mostly about (surprise surprise) cows. I mean, when you think of farms, what's the first thing you think about? Barns, cows, corn or chickens? When Kine saw the world "Milk Tank", well he certainly didn't feel good.

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Pixie: That's what's inside Miltank's body!

Kine: Oh what fun.

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Rick: Hahaha! Pucker up Kine!

Kine: Euh! Coo, smack him for me!

Coo: It would be an absolute pleasure.

Pixie: Is this why you won't date Miltank? TwT

Sentret: Yeah, cause she loooooves you~.

Kine: ALL OF YOU STOP.

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Pixie: Ew! Is this why you won't date Miltank?

Kine: While I'm glad she's more civilized than just... letting it out anywhere, the stereotype as clearly shown here doesn't help my opinion.

Kind of sad what comes to mind when people think about cows. Then again, Miltank's a cow Pokemon, and that's more than a marginal difference.

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Haha, look at how eager they are. Based on what I'm seeing in this photo, I had something else I wanted to say, but I won't, because it'd be too mean. But you know what isn't? Typing up more quotes from us messing with Kine.

Nidorino: Wanna get your hands dirty, Kine?

Kine: No! NO!! Enough already!

Nidorino: Relax, I was just talking about the exhibit. I can't help it if your mind is in the gutter. ¦P

Didi: I like milk.

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Slow down there, partner. It's not going anywhere.

Didi: It just really helps food go down a lot more smoothly.

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Yeah, that does sound funny. These clowns couldn't stop giggling, though.

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They weren't amazingly lifelike, but worth the smiles they produces.

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What's with the people in the reflection.

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Involves putting captive animals on display and clowns. How do you not have a depressing time?

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No explanation for why funhouse mirrors warp the reflection. Just mirrors for mirrors sake. I think Kine's tendency to be analytical has rubbed off on me.

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Not the best quality photo, but the best I have.

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Nidorino (after reading): No, of course not. We don't have things like fun in this wagon.

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There's a hall full of these. I think this whole corridor so far has just been amusement for amusement's sake. Nothing wrong with that, I suppose. Unfortunately, we don't have pictures of what you oughta be looking for.

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This one has an old hollywood theme.

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I saw an Ursaring in one the other day, and might I add, it looked darn good on her, too.

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It's time to dive into the watery depths, as we seek maritime thrills! Sentret, the Scout Pokemon is ready for duty!

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After all, the US is going to have a different slant on WWII than other countries.

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Sentret: Mwwaaahhahaha! All the secret top scret military intel, government scandals and coverups lie just ahead!

Pixie: They wouldn't keep that here, dumb-dumb.

Sentret: It's called using you imagination. Or have you grown up so much now that you forgot what that is?

Nidoqueen: Children...

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It's kind of funny in a retrospective, able to laugh at oneself sort of way.

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Sentret: Did you look like that when you enlisted, Nidorina? Was it exciting?

Me: I was in the army, not the navy, and no. As for it being exciting, well, when it is, it's for the wrong reasons. :(

Didi: Did I tell you I love you today?

Me: Thirty times in one hour, yes.

Nidorino: Uh... did I tell you I love you today?

Me: Just a tad late, Nidorino.

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Terrible picture, really sorry. Anyway, this was the end of the line. Sentret gasped, and couldn't wait to take an inside tour. Alas, the inside tour wasn't part of our package. "It was this or MythBusters. Actually, it was just MythBusters" I had to tell him. Oh, that look of disappointment...

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All the cool space stuff was probably reserved for the planetarium. Still, they could've taught us the science of zero gravity or something...

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Rabbits gotta get to Earth somehow.

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What a doofus.

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Charlotte being weird as we were walking down a hallway full of nebulae photos.

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Some random intel I received said that this exhibit used to be cooler in the 90s, when dreams of the future were more imaginative, and not catered to jamming more functionality into handheld mini computers. I will say, the exhibit was kind of short, and the upper level didn't go anywhere, as if something was missing. Kind of depressing, but here we are. Instead, this looks to be more about inventors, which is pretty cool in its own right. At least Kine would find this to very intresting.

By the way, the answer is Super Soaker. I remember water gun fights with my siblings. To be 14 or so again... D: Or just home right now. Who says I wouldn't still give my kin a good soaking? >:3

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Clearly the best exhibit here. How did he get high enough to have his hand in the picture? That's the real mystery.

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Didi: How bleak is our future that we have to farm indoors?

Me: Yeah, I can think of a couple of disaster scenarios where this becomes a necessity.

Kirby: You mean YOUR future. We're livin' the dream over on Pop Star.

Me: Sorry, Deed. :\

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'What if all cars stopped using gas', reads the display. Warp Stars use star power, but frankly fail the brake and safety test.

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Kine: Nice, it sure looks like it'd be efficient, but I'm certain it would take the Earth people some getting used to.

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"Now see, if you had stuck WITH becoming some kind of scientist, inventor or engineer, that could've been YOU right there. Why don't you make something of yourself for once?"

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Nidoqueen smiled and laughed to herself when she saw this.

Me: Lookit that. Hey Nidoqueen, would you wear that? I bet you could pull it off.

Nidoqueen (while shaking head): Absolutely not.

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Didi: Okay. That's pretty cool.

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Didi: You'd get a hug from me every day, Nini.

Me: ̖ ̖n ̫ n ̗ ̗

What can I say? I gotta have my hugs.

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Or is that the moon? It was pretty astronomical either way.

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The ominous beating heart. I never get used to this thing at any museum.

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Rick and Kine keep their wits about them as they travel through this zone of, frankly, hideous, glowing, pulsating* loinfruit.

*Fetuses may not have actually been alive or pulsating.

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A Sega version exclusive. Also, this was the only body part we have a picture of. Whatever's grossest wins, looks like.

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What's with the pictures today? This is what the birth certificate reads (something like): Illinois State Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics Birth Certificate. This certifies that a certificate of birth has been filed with the State Registrar of Vital Statistics under the name of: Twinkie.

Born on: Oct. 08, 2009, Hostess Factory. County of: Cook, Illinois. Name of Father: Interstate Bakeries Corp. Maiden Name of Mother: Hostess Cakes, inc. Date filed: Oct. 08, 2009

Mouser: Still going strong, I see.

Kirby: I'd eat it.

Coo: So would I, I'm starving! And what's better for you than a Twinkie?

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"Actually, Coo, Twinkies are anything but, and that's ignoring that it's obviously junk food. As you can see here, you'll find a list full of not-so wonderful artificial ingredients to make this snack that leaves a weird taste in your mouth. For example, cellulose gum is a polymer made from wood pulp and cotton cellulose. It's undigestible, considering its use as a binding and mixing agent, so it passes right through. It can also be found in ceramics and shampoos.

Then there's our friend polysorbate 60. Did you know that it causes cancer in animals? And high amounts of it can cause cancer in humans, as well. Let's not ignore how else people apply that mess to their bodies! It's also found in acne cream, and gels for cold sores, a direct application to an infected area of the mouth, I might add. It's also used for, well, 'feminine hygiene', and to stimulate hair growth."

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...

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These exhibits started to remind us that we hadn't eaten in a while. As more people spoke up about nourishment, I agreed to begin searching for restaurants... that served venison sausage! "Still? You have to let that dream go, Nidorina" Kirby said, a look of hopelessness in his eye. "No. I know that my deer is in this city, my dear, and I won't rest until we strike gold encased and smoked in its own intestines. Also, this water bar is really making me thirsty."

Looks refreshing, doesn't it? But as the display next to it notes, be on the lookout for benzene, mercury, lead, giardia, cryptosporidium, and fecal coliforms. You know, the stuff that's bad for you.

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Not helping, MSI. This exhibit behind glass was meant to show us what we put in our body, but all it did was make us hungrier. I could certainly go for another breakfast, but I had venison on the brain. "How's that search coming along, Nidorina?" Kirby asked, now fully reminded of how hungry he always is. "Waaiiitt... waaaiiittt..." I said, then I did a short scream. Everyone looked my way, and in my absolute glee I told them that I found a place called Hot Doug's that happens to be serving venison this week! The bad news was that it has wonky hours, and closes early, so I told the group to start hustling.

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Here Coke went into more detail about the food molecules that keep up going strong. He even mentioned a few extra that weren't listed on the chart. He also kept his explanations short and fun, as to keep everyone's attention from waning.

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A wall display that provides a fun way to learn about the elements, some of which included tangible items. Not the radioactive stuff, to Sentret and Mouser's dismay.

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The elements leave him cold inside.

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Coke knows alot about the elements, as chemistry is his profession. He didn't give us a run down, here, as the display did that for us, but he did tell us a lot of other fun trivia, such as how some of these elements bond together to create other ones, and why.

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You never really think about it.

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When we came up to acids and bases, Kine decided to take over for Coke, and explained briefly about some common acids and bases, such as vinegar, milk of magnesia, lye, blood, and even urine. "Charlotte, this doesn't apply to you, as your urine is highly acidic for some reason." Charlotte gave a small, shy nod knowing it was true, but still looked embarassed. The grass IS pretty dead around her tree.

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Kirby and Kine were enthralled, and BKi would've enjoyed this, too. The funny thing is, this is basically how Vulpix and Sentret's school presentations go. Vulpix does it with intention, though.

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Reactions are everywhere, from metal rusting to baking a cake to even taking a picture, according to that description. Taking a picture, imagine that? I dunno about you but it's sort of weird to think of every last thing I do in pure scientifical terms.

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Didi: And speaking of reactions, did you know that fireflies glow because the chemical energy in their luciferin molecules gets converted into light energy? Yup yup, it's true!

Me: Ah stop playing, doofus. You just repeated what that sign over there says!

Again, I call her these things in jest. If I call people names, you gotta assume I'm smiling while saying it. Maybe giving a playful shove, too.

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Gotta keep moving along, now. Here's an exhibit where we learn about planes.

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This is a German Stuka, a plane used for dive bombing the allies in WWII. Mouser points out the bullet holes.

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Due to time, we couldn't try out any of the simulators. Also, they were closed for the day. Man, Sentret just isn't having any luck with this wartime stuff.

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Just enough time for one more exhibit. Why not explore the world of yesterday?

Me: Maybe this is what life was like during Pop Pop's time?

Didi: I don't think so. This exhibit is lacking in dinosaur bones.

We both then snickered immaturely with each other, "banana eyes" and all.

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Me: Why Nidoqueen and Vulpix, wouldn't you both look charming in that ensemble?

Pixie: Why yes, my dear.

Nidoqueen: Indeed.

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Looking at this, I couldn't help but imagine...

Me: Just think, Nidoqueen. You'll live long enough to experience this all over again when this century gets put on display at a museum.

Nidoqueen: *sigh* Yeah... I just hope all of my friends aren't on some taxidermist's display.

Rick: I hope I get put on a taxidermist display! I want my plaque to read "Rick: Awesome Hamster. Sensational Comedian."

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Is what I told Nidorino, who merely shrugged. Kirby smiled at the thought of looking sharp, so I encouraged him to look for a suit that suits him too.

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Probably.

Didi: Oh! Oh! Nini look, they're playing old movies in here, just like we'd always watch! Wanna see what they're playing for old time sake? :D

I couldn't say no to that bright smile she gave me. You know, Didi has a really cute smile. You wouldn't think so, but it's the rabbit teeth. Makes me wish I didn't lose mine when I evolved.

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Most everyone else groaned as I sat with my sister and watched a bit of this film, which I can't even identify. They don't provide a schedule or anything! Nidoqueen sat in, too, but she seems to be interested in really old movies as well. We did get sorta restless, though, and with my hot dog heaven closing up soon, we had to get moving again.

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>:(

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"Great Euclid's ghost! Hot Doug's is closing in an hour and an half, and we have to travel to the north side of Chicago to get there. We need to leave, now."

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This is what we saw as we headed out the way we came in.

Kine: D:

Me: Next time, Kine. Next time.

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I've never told a bus driver to "step on it" before in my life, but I was very tempted to that day. I was an anxious mess, but I've been waiting for this moment ever since I set foot in this city.

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I'll stop typing that way, now. Let me tell you the scenario. It took a few buses, trains, and some walking to get here. And I'll have you know that when we finally got here, there was a line that's stretched beyond the building. And that line WAS NOT MOVING. As we overheard, people came from out of state to try one of these magnificent world wonders, as they serve all kinds of exotic meat, like boar and rattlesnake (makes me hungry to think about...). No joking. I love venison more than anything, and much moreso on a bun. It's... a family thing. Anyway, we dreaded coming out this way for nothing, hoping beyond all hopes that they wouldn't check the time, because we knew that the place would "close" while we were still in line.

But hope arrives! We poor shlubs in line were given a hot tip (by a group who broke the speed limit to get here from across states, no foolin') that by "closed", they meant that would not allow anyone else to get in line. All others were considered safe! A breath of relief among all breaths, I was one happy camper at that moment.

Anyway, here's me right outside the door, so much joy I can hardly contain it!

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I think Didi and I at this point were wide eyed and salivating. Terrible way to lose composure in front of everyone, but I didn't care.

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Pics because it did happen. I don't want to forget this. That says (and I'm happy to retype) cherry-infused venison sausage wi... with pumpkin cream sauuucceeee aaaajndjakdnbabiugaidkjndakjbksa

Hot Doug's also specializes in duck fat fries, which are fries cooked in duck fat as opposed to whatever they normally use. The end result's a little richer, somewhat greaser, but not a huge difference otherwise. Still, I went all out, and it was all on me. I wanted everyone to experience what a marvel venison sausage, especially when infused with something, is.

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"Oh my God, oh my God. We're almost next, guys. We're almost next! I'm so excited!"

We ordered our dogs to go. The place was crowded enough (more people in line than there is space to hold everyone), and I already don't like being stared at while I eat. Fortunately, Kirby doesn't get self-conscious and is more than happy to speak in my behalf. What an ambassador! He's the type of alien who'd come right up to you and shake your hand as if you were equals, species difference is not a concern to him.

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We found a little spot to eat, and it was definitely love at first bite for me and my sister. Maybe not as good as dad's, but I certainly felt nostalgic. I was also sure to order mine with fresh onions, oh yeah! Almost everyone else was too scared to try it. What a bunch of sissies! I mean, really! If you've eaten a beef hot dog, it's not that much different! Kirby and Rick'll eat anything, so I'm not surprised, and Vulpix is naturally carnivorous. The others just poked at it if Kirby didn't eat it right out their hands first. Even Nidoqueen offered hers to me. "You guys don't want yours? Well then, I'll eat 'em!" "Me too!", Didi joined.

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I think all that deer we jammed down our throats awoken the beasts within. Who said rabbit chimera were herbivores?

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The best picture in the whole lot, haha. That's because I lifted it from a site named toptravellists.net, which seems to be a bot-spam website. I can only hope this picture is actually theirs so credit is given where credit is due. I'd've taken one myself, but I forgot to get a picture of us leaving the planet! Oops. So with hugs shared with my sister, we depart Chicago one more time. I feel happy knowing I could bring my friends together for a day of fun (and learning), and that I also found just what I was looking for. Chicago's a beautiful city, so long as you stay out of the bad parts from what I've heard. I'd love to go again, but maybe it's time I tried a new city instead! Well, look out world, because I've got a taste for travel, and all the delicious hot dogs I can eat (but not those gross filler meat ones. Yuck)!

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Yay!