LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Until now, my memories of LEGOs consisted of watching my son create wonderfully detailed towns and the monsters that devoured those towns and of stepping on an errant block in the middle of the night as I walked down the hallway to the bathroom. I now have another LEGO memory to add to those from years ago…Legoland Discovery Center in the Streets of Woodfield Shopping Center in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Before you say that you’ve already seen the one in Minneapolis or Disneyworld let me just say, “No, you haven’t”. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Schaumburg is the first and only one of its kind in the U.S.

And if you think that LEGOLAND is just for kids, again I’d have to say, “No, it isn’t”. This place is an “oh-my-goodness!” kind of attraction that will have all the adults that visit uttering adult-type exclamations around every turn.

If you ever played LEGOs with your kids and tried to build a basic house or car, you’ll appreciate and be bowled over with the engineering expertise that is the wellspring of the LEGO figures on display. The huge Chicago exhibit, with all the major downtown landmarks, is unbelievable. And just as astounding are the jungle displays and the life-size celebrity figures.

You also can enjoy a ride through a medieval LEGO dungeon and a 4-D movie that envelops the viewer in surroundings far removed from a theater. The effect is riveting.

If you’re really longing for the good old days, there is a store to purchase any color or shape of LEGO block that is manufactured. You can buy a couple to spread over the hallway floor tonight. With or without kids in tow, Legoland is a must-see for all adults.

www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

Take a Moment this Week

This Wednesday, November 11 is Veteran’s Day. I encourage all to take a moment out of your week and make small gesture towards those who have valiantly served our country. Take the Vet in your life to lunch, set aside the day to do something meaningful together. If you’re traveling, look around, a kind word or cup of coffee can mean the world to someone. If you don’t have a Veteran in your life, honor them by attending memorial events or supporting their causes. Here are just a few simple events in the area to show your support:

Brookfield Zoo - Join us for special recognition ceremony to honor those who have proudly served our nation. The event will feature the placing of a memorial wreath at the zoo’s Roosevelt Fountain, a chorus of the National Anthem, and a visit by the zoo’s bald eagle. www.CZS.org (708) 688-8000.

Trickster Gallery Native American Museum – Attend the opening of the Trickster Gallery’s new exhibit featuring the art of Native American Veterans. The exhibit opens on Nov. 11 and goes through February 27. Admission is $5 Adults, $3 Students/Seniors.

Uno’s Chicago Grill, Schaumburg – Rolls out the red, white, and blue carpet on Veteran’s Day. All Veterans receive a free entrée or individual pizza.

Streamwood Veteran’s Day Ceremony – See one of the only memorials in the country to honor Veterans from every branch of the armed services, including a memorial to the sacrifices of War Dogs. Attend the ceremony on November 11 at 11:00am at the Veteran’s Memorial (301 E. Irving Park Road). www.streamwood.org

~ Amanda, 32, Carpentersville