Postcard-Geography Album: Illinois, "Prairie State"

An exquisite sunset over the Chicago skyline.

This week's postcards are from homeschooling mom, Tia Warmack of Chicago, Illinois.

A beautiful view of the historic Water Tower with the John Hancock building in the background.

"We are studying the states too and enjoy seeing what you guys have done with your studies!!  :o)  We started in the Midwest since that is where we are and then worked our way in the south which is where we are now." -Tia

Alex enjoyed putting together the Illinois page.

We noted where Chicago is.

He also colored in the state in our US map. We noted all the states surrounding Illinois.

 The boys are all enjoying seeing the US map fill up!

Student sketch of Illinois

"The home of one of America's most revered presidents is also home to American icons such as the Ferris wheel and John Deere tractors. But even a lifelong "Illini" might not know the full story behind the Tully Monster, The Northern Corss, or Old Quincy. "

We noted also that Abe Lincoln was raised in a log cabin in Illinois.

James made a model of a little log cabin.

 "As far as a meal or snack, I think probably the most famous thing would be deep dish pizza. It looks like this…

Source: Giordanos

...it is usually a deep pizza that is loaded with either cheese or other ingredients and then topped with the sauce on the top (very filling)! 

I had to make ours in a rectangular baking pan because it was the pan that I own with the highest sides.

 I’ve never tried making a home made one but I did find this recipe online."  -Tia

I made up hot dogs Chicago style to see if they liked it.

We also decided to make Chicago-style hot dogs, which are hot dogs with  tomato, dill pickle, relish, onion and hot peppers, usually sport pepper. We can't get those peppers here in Maryland, so we substituted pepperoni.

We have "visited" 40 states (80%) with our Postcard-Geography Album.
We still need postcards for these states: Alaska, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Utah, Vermont and Wyoming. 

If you live in any of these states and would like to help us with this project, please leave a comment on how I can get in touch with you. Thank you!