What To Wear To PIR Lookbook

I get asked all the time "What do I wear!?" "Is it dressy or more casual?" It seems like a silly thing to worry about when you have a million other things going on. But then you realize...."Shit, I haven't seem him (or her) in 2 months I have to look good!" So I threw together a lookbook of just a couple different outfit ideas.

Youtube: Eva Taylor

Any of these looks can have a sweater, blazer or jacket and accessories added to them to spice them up! And can be modified to work a woman of ANY age!

MEN: You have it easy!
Summer
Khaki Pants, slacks, even a nice pair of shorts like golf shorts, if you can pull them off.
Polo or button down shirt
A nice pair of summer shoes. Like, boat shoes or loafers. Not your dirty beach flip flops.

Spring/Autumn
Khaki Pants, slacks or Dark Jeans
Button down shirt (sleeves rolled up or down), Polo, sweater
and a nice pair of shoes or leather boots

Winter
Khaki Pants, Dark Jeans, Corduroys
Button down short and or a sweater
and a nice pair of boots or shoes.

One thing you have to keep in mind is the weather. I grew up in the Midwest and lived in Great Lakes, IL for about 8 months. So, unfortunately, I know the weather very well. Spring is cool and rainy and green. The summers are hot and the beginning of autumn can be pretty warm too. The middle of autumn is cool, comfortable and pretty with the changing leaves, but it does get cold towards the end. Winter is cold, very, VERY cold. Like negative degrees cold. So as much as you may want to wear that cute little dress and heels, if its January, that's probably not going to happen.

If your PIR falls in the colder months you're going to want a warm coat, gloves and a hat! If you live somewhere warm, definitely look online for a winter jacket. Department stores like JcPenney, Macy's or Nordstrom usually have winter coats on their websites all year round. The one I wore was similar to a pea coat, but rather thin, so I threw a sweater on to add a layer which was useful because it was cold in there.

A few points I'd like to add.

• Dresses and skirts are perfect but don't go too short. After all it IS a ceremony and there is a lot of walking. Not to mention the bleachers. Fairly high bleachers. So unless you want a whole division of guys and gals getting a free show....I'd opt for a little bit longer.

• Jeans are OK! As long as they're NICE, dark wash jeans! American Eagle always has good prices or check out TJ MAXX. Or a nice pair of slacks or black skinny jeans would be perfect.

• Shoes! The shoes you choose are important! You know your feet and what you're comfortable with. There is a lot of walking. And keep in mind, Great Lakes has seasons! So there may be rain, snow or ice....even all 3. It happens, trust me! So bring a few options in your suitcase; some boots, flats/sandals and low heels or wedges. 

At the end of the day you know your style and what you like. The truth is that people wear anything and everything! I saw acid wash jeans and old t-shirts. I also saw fancy dresses and suits. I would shoot for somewhere in the middle of the two. Something cute and comfortable that you might wear on a first date. Or something you would wear to the office if you want to look particularly nice that day.

Don't go spending a ton of money buying an entire new outfit. Go through what you have first, you may have the perfect outfit and not even know it!

Its a long day and you have to get up super early, so above all make sure you're comfortable!

Navy PIR: Boot Camp Graduation ON A BUDGET

PIR Weekend On a Budget

If you check my blog post NAVY PIR FOR DUMMIES: BOOT CAMP GRADUATION. I tell you about PIR.. What to wear, where to stay, things to do. But what if you're on a budget? Who isn't, right?! So, how can you save money while still making the weekend special for your loved one who is graduating? There are plenty of ways!

First and foremost, calling off work can be hard. If you have a job that allows you to work early/late, pick up or switch shifts, try to arrange accordingly so you aren't losing a substantial amount of money. You can also go through your house and clear out some old things that you don't really use any more. Have a garage sale or sell it on Ebay or Craigslist. Whatever you can't sell just donate. It will feel great getting rid of stuff that was previously just taking up space. It may only be a couple bucks but it can still go towards your trip.

Of course some expenses are unavoidable like travel and the hotel. Make sure you look for good deals. PLAN AHEAD! PLAN AHEAD! PLAN AHEAD! Flights are always cheaper when booked in advance! If you type in where you're flying from, and where you're flying to into google it will give you a list of flights from different airlines, you can pick your dates. I've found the cheapest ones here. 

Example: "Cleveland, Oh to San Diego Ca flights" 

The hotels around Great Lakes fill up fast. I've tried booking a week in advance and that has been to late. All the cheap hotels go first and you're left with the $250-$300 a night ones. (Thats 1/3 of my rent!) They also hike up their prices on the weekends. The navy lodge is definitely reasonable if they have rooms available. I think my total bill from the Navy Lodge for PIR weekend was somewhere in the low $300's. Another thing to keep in mind is to spend the extra money to get a refundable or exchangeable hotel room if your hotel offers it! The navy is unpredictable. You never know what can happen. God forbid your soon-to-be-sailor doesn't pass Battle Stations or they get set back for being sick or hurt. Losing a few hundred dollars because plans changed is horrible. I know from experience. A month or two after PIR, I had plans to go see my husband. It turned out that he ended up losing liberty that weekend because someone royally screwed up. So, I couldn't go see him. Another time he didn't do well on a test and lost liberty. Needless to say, Id rather lose $25-$50 to ensure I can change my travel date, than lose $350+.

*Ask for Military discounts! Whether you're at the mall or out to breakfast. It can't hurt! The worst they can say is "no".

FOOD!
Going out to eat for 3-4 days, for every meal can break your bank account. Try to find a hotel with a kitchenette! I know for sure, The Navy Lodge and Candlewood Suites in Waukegan both have little kitchens in each room! Candlewood even has a grill outside with a picnic table. You have a fridge, a stove, toaster, sink and a microwave. They provide plates, cups, mugs, flatware and cooking necessities. Or you can pick up paper and plastic. This can save you a TON of money. When you arrive, you can go to Wal-mart (right next to Candlewood Suites) and buy food for the weekend. OR wait until you can see your sailor and have them go to the Commissary with you. Its tax free. The food isn't always a whole lot cheaper. However, produce can be better quality. Sometimes. Other times it's picked over.

By cooking in your room you can spend around $50 to eat and drink for the entire weekend if you shop smart. That beats spending $50 to eat out for just one night. Not to mention your sailor will probably love a home cooked meal from mom/dad, grandma/grandpa or the husband/wife. Granted, theres no oven. But you can still make a lot of wonderful dishes. Pasta, BLT's, tacos and rice, chicken and stuffing, stir fry, veggies,  burgers, fish, mashed potatoes, eggs bacon and pancakes. I mean, the options are endless. Here are some stovetop recipes from food.com. Below is an incredibly easy recipe for those looking for something very quick and cheap. I make this when I don't feel like cooking because it takes less than 10 mins. Add a small salad and a side of green beans or corn on the cob and you have yourself a meal.

Mushroom Burgers
If you like cream of mushroom soup.... this is EASY, cheap, quick and my husband loves it.
It takes less than 10 mins to prep and cook and it really is good.
-Brown some lean ground beef you can add chopped up onions and fresh mushrooms if you choose
-Add anywhere between half and the whole can of Campbell's Low Fat Cream of Mushroom soup depending on how much ground beef you're using
-Add a 1/4 to 1/2 a can of skim milk (or any other kind of milk) to mix in with the soup and beef
It should be like sloppy joe consistency. Chunky beef and the soup provides a sauce. If you find it to be too soupy, just let it simmer and it will cook down. Make sure you stir it so it doesn't burn.

Serve on wheat toast, hamburger buns, egg noodles or just eat it plain.

Another way to save money on food is to buy things to pack in a lunch. Some turkey and cheese from the deli, PB & J, pitas, some fruit, a few snacks and some bottled waters or sodas. Throw it all in a back pack, take the Metra downtown and have lunch at Millennium or Grant Park. (weather permitting) Or, you can take the Metra or drive to Ravinia (about 35-40 mins) and go to the Botanic Gardens (free parking with their military ID and free admission, all the time for everyone) and have your little picnic there. Again, weather permitting. Even if you choose to go out to eat, buying snacks at the store, is significantly cheaper than buying them downtown, or at the train station. You can buy a case of 12 sodas for $3.00-$4.00 or a 22oz bottle for $3.50....I'd go for 12 cans.

In the winer its a little harder, because you can't really eat a packed lunch outside. I mean, you can if you're an Eskimo...but, I don't recommend it. If you opt to go out to eat for lunch or a celebratory dinner. USE GROUPON! I'll say it again. USE GROUPON! or any other "coupon" website. You can find some incredible deals. Whole meals with an appetizer, sometimes including a drink for 2 or 4 people for $20-$40 (ish). Look locally or downtown. Especially if you're already in the city and planning to eat out anyway. Use your smartphone. Why spend more than you have to? Just make sure it isn't too far away.

ALCOHOL/DESSERT
For those of you who drink (even though your sailor can't), don't go out for drinks. And don't get a beer or glass of wine at the restaurant. Unless of course its included in your Groupon coupon. ;) Those $3.00-$10.00 beers/martinis/glasses of wine add up. And they add up quick. Opt for getting a bottle of wine or a case of beer at the grocery store. Maybe some hot chocolate and some yummy desert (some small cakes, brownies, donuts or ice cream) and have it at the hotel. .Just make sure you get something non-alcoholic for your sailor, the kids and whoever is driving your sailor back to base!  This would be a great time to sit down and talk. Something you haven't had a chance to do in a while. Or better yet, make cookies/brownies/your sailors favorite treat at home and bring them in tuperware containers. Those sort of things travel well.

THINGS TO DO
When I went to Great Lakes for PIR it was February and below zero wind chills. Needless to say we had to stay inside. But If the weather is nice, there are a ton of cheap or even free things to do. And, there are things to do even if its cold and snowy.

-Botanic Garden
This is one of my favorite places! As I mentioned, the Botanic Garden is free to everyone and its beautiful. If you take the Metra, its a little over a mile walk from the Ravinia Metra stop to the garden. Its not a bad walk if the weather is nice, some of the houses on the way are beautiful. Or, you can call a cab. Personally, if you're just going to the garden and not planning on going downtown, I would say just drive if you have a car. I doubt your sailor will want to walk in their dress whites or blues or peanut butters. Those shoes aren't terribly comfy. And when you drive, you don't have to worry about train times. 

 

-Going Downtown
Another thing that is cheap which I also previously mentioned is taking the Metra downtown. Its around $7.00 per ticket and I've seen sailors in uniform ride for free. The ride takes little over an hour and drops you off in the center of downtown at Oglive Transportation Center. I'd say most things are within a two mile radius. Definitely walkable if you like to walk. You can take a cab. Or there are other train lines but that can get confusing if you aren't familiar. If you choose to take a cab, flag one down. OR if you or someone you know is cell phone savvy, download the app UBER. This app shows you UBER drivers that are close to you. You pick your driver and they come get you. Its cheaper and relatively quick. You pay through the app too. You can drive downtown if you really want to, but Chicago traffic is horrible. It will take about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to get downtown and find a place to park. Parking can run $50 upwards on the weekends. And with how unpredictable traffic is, I would be concerned about getting my sailor back to base on time. I've sat in weekend traffic coming out of the city for over an hour and hardly moved a few yards. The Metra is cheaper, more convenient and literally drops you off outside of base.

-Millenium Park / Grant Park
Parks are free. If you're lucky there may even be a festival of some kind going on. If there is, admission is either free or cheap. They have art festivals, food festivals, jazz/blues/music festivals. thats always fun. Oh yeah, and go see the bean!

-Navy Pier
Free to get in. Inside its like a little mall. The pier is pretty and a nice place to walk around. Sometimes they have different events going on. Check the website. 

-Michigan Ave
Shopping. Shopping. Shopping.  The "magnificent mile". Even if you don't want to shop, there are a lot of really cool stores that are worth a look. Its always fun to walk around and look at things that you'll never actually buy. Guys, there's a huge Nike store! You'll want to check it out.

-Museums (Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Art Museum )
I believe almost all of them are free for anyone with a Military or Military Spouse ID. Otherwise admission can be a little expensive, but you absolutely can spend all day on some of the museums. SO, it evens out. Check reviews of museums and see if there are any that you would be interested in. The Planetarium, Aquarium and Field Museums are all right by each other. The Art Museum is little ways north on S Michigan Ave.

-The Waterfront
Right next to Grant park is Lake Michigan. All along the shore is paved and makes for a beautiful walk. You can walk all the way to the Museums if you want to. Its beautiful.

Gurnee Mills Mall
You can go to the mall. Window shopping is free and your sailor may want to pick up a few things with their boot camp pay check. Gurnee Mills is HUGE. I've gone there many times just to walk around and look at stuff. 

Movies
You can go see a movie, but the movies aren't really cheap, especially if you get snacks....If you do want to go to the movies there is a theater in Gurnee. You can channel your inner high school rebel days and sneak your own candy in your purse. ;) I've known "people" to sneak all sorts of things from gummy worms to taco bell....I have no shame. lol I'll leave that up to your own judgement. haha. You CAN however rent a movie from red box or NetFlix if you have it and watch it in your hotel room. If you aren't feeling so daring. If your sailor is a movie buff, there very well might be a movie that came out while they were in boot camp that they never had a chance to see. 

Bring Games/Cards
When the weather is yucky and none of you really want to go out. You may want to just stay in and play a game.

However controversial, Cards Against Humanity is HILARIOUS and can be a very fun time. Granted, playing it with your family can be embarrassing, awkward and downright wrong. But, that makes it even more hilarious. Keep in mind this is not a game for anyone under the age of 17 ish. (give or take a year or two depending on maturity levels) It has crude, rude and horrible yet hilarious humor. Not for the faint hearted, overly sensitive or easily offended. That being said, I've played it with people's parents and grandparents and I was in tears because I was laughing so hard. The game runs about $25 on amazon. And is worth every penny. It's also a great game to pull out if you have people over coming over your house....depending on the people.

For the less adventurous, the people who have small children or if you just don't want to play embarrassing games with your family. A deck of cards can provide almost as much fun. Some hotels even have board games at the front desk.

LADIES (random!!!)
Don't forget your birth control! Don't forget your birth control! Don't forget your birth control!
When traveling this is literally the one thing you CAN NOT forget besides your ID. Whether you use hormonal birth control or condoms (I recommend both!) you don't want to forget them! Particularly if you're on the pill. Even if you don't plan on "getting busy". If you forget your pills, it will ruin your entire weekend. 1. If you don't take your pill, you'll get your period and who wants to get their period when they aren't supposed to? Nobody, ever. and 2. For obvious reasons. We're talking about saving money and getting pregnant isn't cheap. Defiantly not in the budget. Also if you're on the pill keep in mind the time change. Depending on your pill, an hour or two may or may not make much of a difference. But, its better to be safe than sorry. Or better yet, better to be safe, than pregnant!

Navy PIR For Dummies: Boot Camp Graduation

PIR 
So your son/daughter, boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife is about to graduate from Navy RTC, boot camp and you're going to his or her graduation.... Now what? I had a million questions as I'm sure you do to. I searched and scoured through the Internet to find all the answers but I would have loved if they were all on one place. So, having gone through PIR myself for my boyfriend, now husband in February 2014 and currently living in Waukegan, IL. I'm just going to go down my list of questions that I had...Starting with the one question I'm sure almost every woman asks herself every time she has to go somewhere.

What the heck do I wear?! 
Check out my lookbook for different outfit ideas!

I actually had trouble finding some good information about this particular topic. The navy 4 mom's website had some info. But I wanted examples. I wanted to know what other women wore. (because, I'm weird like that haha)

CHECK THE WEATHER!!!!

What to wear completely depends on what time of year your soon-to-be sailor is graduating. Mine graduated in February. The day he graduated was about 5 degrees. Cold. Now I'm from Cleveland so that's not too different from my weather at home. But for someone from the south or out west, I'm sure its a bit of a shock. What I've gathered from research and experience is: Just Look Nice. Think "Going out to dinner" attire. You haven't seen your sailor-to-be in a long time. They'll be happy to see you no matter what. And ladies, your boyfriend or husband has been around smelly men and girls who literally aren't allowed to look cute or hot even if they wanted to. So, trust me, he'll be happy to see you. You don't need to wear a fancy nice dress and high heels. You can if you wish, and you might stand out a bit in the dead of winter but by all means....Just be classy. And don't feel like you need to go out and buy a new outfit if you can't afford it. If you can, go for it! ;) If not, work with what you have, or try a thrift store.

I wore black skinny jean/pants. A black and white polka-dot long sleeved shirt with a sweater and a cute necklace. Black heeled booties. A warm coat, scarf and gloves.

If I were a guy, I would have worn khaki pants, really dark jeans or corduroys with a button down shirt or a sweater and a leather shoe/boot. Coat, hat and gloves. Maybe a sports coat or blazer depending on the weather.  Guys have it easy.

I wish I had thought to do an OOTD. I don't have a picture with my whole outfit. But you get the gist.

This worked out perfectly. Now you do have to walk a ways to the building and then wait, outside. So make sure whatever shoes you wear, are comfortable enough to walk a decent way, in whatever weather may be happening. That wasn't fun, but it doesn't last forever. Once you get inside its warmer. I wouldn't say that it's warm. They open a big garage door for the ladies and gents that are graduating to come in...from the outside. So, I was glad I had a sweater.

If it were summer.... I would have worn a maxi dress with cute sandals. Or a tasteful sundress.

If it were fall.... skinny jeans/pants or leggings (I wouldn't wear jeans unless they were really really dark, it is a ceremony), a cute top or sweater with flats or boots. Maybe a little cover up or kimono if you wear a cute top. It can be cool in the mornings but warm during the day.

If it were spring.... Totally depends on the weather, it can be warm or cold. Check the weather. I'd opt for dressing like fall or winter. Layers.

How do I get there? (my times are estimated!)
We drove because we're from Cleveland, Ohio, only 6 hours away. But for those of you who have to fly, there are a few airports within an hour- hour 1/2 of base. There's O'hare. Its only about 25 miles from base but with Chicago traffic it can easily take an hour and a half to two hours. Midway is a little further away but you can probably fly a little cheaper. It would take about An hour and half to an hour and 45 mins. Or you could fly into Milwaukee, again, it may be cheaper than O'hare and about the same travel time. Its about an hour and half to two hour drive down to Great Lakes. If you can, definitely rent a car. It will be worth it if you are staying the entire weekend. Honestly, it would probably be worth it if you aren't. Cabs can be expensive and unpredictable. When your sailor has set times he or she has to be back on base you want to be able to drive them there yourself. Look on travel websites like Priceline or Expedia for flight+rental car combos, flight+hotel+rental combos and each one individually. Compare prices to find the best deal!

How do I get to graduation?
If you can, schedule a cab or take the shuttle if your hotel offers one. Some do, some don't. We tried to use 'Sarg's' cab company but they didn't come, so we hopped in a cab with some other people at our hotel. You can always share a cab with other people. There WILL be other people, just ask if they have room. You're all trying to go to the same place anyway. You can drive, but you may have to walk, pretty far. Make sure you all have your ID's. Drivers license, passport, state ID, whatever. Just have it. For those who need it, I do believe they have handicapped accessibility. Double check if this is something that you or a family member needs.

What happens at PIR?

If you sit in front of the sign for their division I believe the division will be standing to the left. This way you can actually see their faces. PIR is a rather long ceremony.  The quick version: There's a video, They march in with their division and line up facing the audience. The special divisions play music and sing songs, Important people give speeches, They award any of the people who graduate with honors or who did particularly well in some area of their training, More speeches, some people fainted, more music, a few other things, then they call LIBERTY.  (this doesn't do it justice, it really is pretty cool)

Liberty call is what you have been waiting for the entire time. After they call liberty you can finally go see whoever it is you were there to see. Not before. At this point you run down, find your sail-to-be and give them the biggest hug in the world. Significant others, you CAN kiss him or her. Just don't make out because they absolutely will get in trouble and may not be able to see you at all for the rest of the weekend if they are staying in Great Lakes. Save it for the privacy of your hotel room. ;)

If you can, in a letter or your last phone call, ask your sailor-to-be where he or she will be standing in their division. 1. So you know where to look and take pictures and 2. So you know where they will be when liberty is called. Tell them to stay there, or meet you somewhere like against the wall behind their division. Also, tell them what you will be wearing if you know. Even if its just your jacket or a bright colored purse, so they have something to look for if they don't have time to write you back, or call.

Where Should I Stay / What Should I Bring My Sailor?
We stayed at the Navy Lodge. Its cheap and nice and a one time thing. You're allowed to stay at the Navy Lodge for PIR only. Otherwise your sailor has to be a higher rate to stay there. Some other hotels that I've stayed at in the area that are reasonable and nice are Candlewood Suites in Waukegan and Holiday Inn in Waukegan (it may say Waukegan-Gurnee). These are both about a 12-15 min drive to base on a normal day.

Now, if your sailor is going to A-School in Great Lakes he or she will be able to spend the entire weekend with you. This is ONLY if they are staying in Great Lakes. If their A-School is anywhere else, they will have to go to the airport whenever they are told they have to leave. It could be right after PIR it could be Saturday or Sunday. Typically, I've gathered you only get to spend Friday with them, if they have to travel to their A-School. But hey! Its better than nothing and you get to spend a weekend in Chicago. Maybe plan to stay downtown the night they leave. Go see a show, check out the museums or have a date night.

If you're lucky and they are staying in Great Lakes, wonderful! Your sailor still CAN"T stay the night with you no matter where you stay. They can however come to the hotel with you during the day. They WILL want to. My boyfriend (now husband) wanted to take a long shower, put on civilian clothes and just relax in the room. They can wear normal clothes as long as they are behind closed doors in the hotel and no one else sees them. Otherwise they HAVE to be in full uniform. So, if they want to buy all new things, take them shopping OR be sure to bring them some of their favorite things to wear from home. Keep in mind they may have lost or gained weight, so some things might not fit. James lost around 15-20 lbs. (He looked kind of sickly to be honest.)

I brought my husband:
-boxer briefs in any color (first thing he asked for)
-low cut socks
-a pair of jeans
-gym shorts, sweat pants/athletic pants
-a few t-shirts and a long sleeve shirt/flannel
-a hoodie and a sweater
-Converse high tops
-Homemade snacks (cookies/brownies)

I also brought his full size body wash and shampoo from home and some medicine. If your sailor is anything like mine he or she probably got the boot camp plague. James was sick as a dog. If they aren't sick when you see them, I'm sure they will be at some point. So, some Alka-Setzer Cold and a bottle of Ibuprofen will be used eventually. Other helpful things are, Tide-To-Go pens and a towel to sit on if they are in their Whites and lint rollers for Blues and those wool coats.

He or she will have somewhere to keep the clothes that you bring them. They learned how to fold things very small in boot camp. James took almost everything, give or take a thing or two, back to his ship in one backpack. And I brought a lot so he had choices. In his room he had the Ecco rack. (I think thats what they call it) This is like the "extra" loft bed. They have a smaller closet and no desk. But after about a week someone moved out and he got to move to a real rack with more storage space.

Seems like a lot but, after they wait a certain amount of time and complete a certain amount of required things, they can wear civilian clothes again. This can take a month, or 3 months. It just depends. My husband had almost everything he needed to do, done to phase up. And then they moved him to a new ship (which happens all the time) and he had to start all over.

Also..

We also brought him his cell phone and he bought a new laptop at the NEX. If you go to the NEX go to the one off base. It's much bigger. Depending on the time of year, you may want to bring him or her a thin comforter or blanket for their rack, or go to Wal-Mart/Target and have them pick one out. They can have them, at least my husband could. He just had to put it away every day. The two I linked are two that my husband and his rack mate both had in the full/queen size. (I personally love the blanket from target. I stole it.) Just be mindful of fuzzes, they have to keep their rooms immaculate so a shedding blanket is a no-no. There's a Wal-Mart in Waukegan and in Gurnee; there is also a Target in Gurnee.

What is there to do?
I wish we would have known where to go and what was around when my husband graduated. First and foremost. You want to ask your sailor what THEY want to do. They just spent 2 months being told what to do. They may not want to do anything but relax. Maybe get some sodas, popcorn and  rent a red box movie. Bring a TV hook up for the laptop if the hotel doesn't have dvd players or just watch it on the laptop. After they relax, they will want to eat real food. Order take out and keep relaxing or, go out. There is nothing in Great Lakes. I would recommend going to Gurnee or Libertyville. Gurnee has a giant mall: Gurnee Mills with 2 food courts and a lot of restaurants around or just up the road from the mall. Off the top of my head, theres a Joe's Crab Shack, Outback, Red Lobster, Toshi Sushi (all you can eat for $20, may only be for dinner so check the website) Libertyville has a cute little "downtown" with some nice restaurants and a brewery: Mickey Finn's. They can't drink but its a nice atmosphere if that's what they were used too before boot camp. Just look up the areas on google maps or on your phone so you don't waste time trying to find places.

You can also go downtown if they feel up for it. If you do, take the Metra. There's a stop in Great Lakes. Make sure you have change to pay for parking (its one of those ticket machines) and cash for your train ticket. Its around $7 to ride (you can pay on the train) and on the weekends you get a weekend pass good Fri-Sun. Your sailor may even ride for free. There are tons of museums (my husband gets in for free with his Military ID and so do I with my spouse ID), the navy pier, millennium park, Michigan ave. (shopping :]) Just make sure you check the train times and give yourselves MORE than enough time to get your sailor back to base with enough time to get to his or her ship. The only train that takes you back is Union Pacific North (UP-N). They absolutely can not be late. It would be wise to  make sure you can get back in time even if you miss the train you plan on taking. We planned for him to be back in his ship 30 mins before he actually had to be there. So lets say he had to be back in his ship and checked in at 8pm we had him back and he was in his ship and checked in at 7:30. Take into account you may have to wait in line to get him back on base. He or she may also have up to a 30 min. walk back to their barracks. Budget your time accordingly!

Leaving stinks, but remember things like Skype and FaceTime. They make the long distance a little more bearable. And they beat the hell out of waiting for letters once a week.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. I'll answer to the best of my ability or guide you to a source that has the answer if I don't. :)

--->PIR on a budget? Here I share some ideas on how to save money and still have a special PIR weekend.