Chicago

We decided to stay 2 nights in Chicago so that we could take a break from driving, and do some sight seeing. When we got there, we were able to have a home cooked meal! An old friend invited us over for dinner. Even though we are a pretty big bunch, Nicole still wanted to be hospitable. We couldn't have refused after so many meals out. It was delicious, and it was really great to visit and catch up after all these years. Plus the kids got to play with other kids, and toys, and run around outside. It was wonderful. My only regret is that I didn't take any pictures.

We stayed right in the middle of downtown Chicago. We could see the Willis Tower from our window. It was nice. The next day we started out very touristy by buying tickets for the double-decker bus/trolley ride and making our way to all the sights.

It was pretty cold that day. It was funny because B.A. really wanted to bring her jacket but I gently encouraged (forced) her to leave it. I didn't want to end up holding everyone's jacket by the end of the day. Turns out, we all wish we would have had them. Ha ha! That's what you get for listening to me. It was windy, and even more so on the top of the bus.

The tour bus turned out to be totally worth it. We got to see all kinds of things we wouldn't have otherwise, and we learned a bunch about Chicago too.
I couldn't believe how big the lake looked. It looked like an ocean.
Navy Pier.
We had to have Chicago dogs! They were great, except the peppers were a bit hot for the kids. And the sweet potato fries were yummy.
Do we look freezing? We were.
More tour bus pictures.
Hershey's store. I didn't think much of it, but the kids loved it. They all got a free chocolate bar. We also went to an American Girl store. Rich people probably love that store. Non-rich people, not so much.
Here we are at the top of the Willis (Sears) Tower. I couldn't figure out how to get a picture of the view and the kids. So we'll settle for their silhouettes and the cool view.
There is a glass bottom cage-like area that hangs over the 103rd floor of the building. It was a little unsettling to say the least. In fact, it took me a few minutes to get up the courage to go out there. I just couldn't see how the stupid thing even held together! And then I had to wait while all the kids got their fill. In my head, I kept picturing the wall falling off. It wasn't pleasant.
There is just something unnerving about your kid hanging over a super tall building.
And more tour bus pictures. This one was actually a trolley.
The Bean. I think it might have another name, but that is what everyone calls it. It was really cool!
And it made for some great pictures!
Just one more picture of the fam and the pretty city.

We had Chicago-style deep dish pizza that night. We waited for more than an hour. It wasn't a big deal except we had to go get Wesley from the "day care" by 9. All the waiting basically took up all of our eating time. We scarfed our pizza and hurried to get him.

I loved Chicago! I almost liked it as much as New York. I am very glad we decided to stay.