Chicago

The day after graduation, we headed to the Windy City for Memorial Day.  

The Shills thought it sounded like fun so they jumped in a few weeks before.  

Meg had visited Chicago a couple of years ago with Tom's sister, Janet.

She made us a little news broadcast of all the highlights

 and that convinced us to add this destination to our list of "places to someday see."

Our go-to in a new city is a bike tour on the first day.  We have had good luck with these.  

 Bobby's Bike Hike didn't let us down. 

Looking a lot like future bike-riding missionaries. 

 Just need the white shirt and black name badge.

We rode along Lake Michigan and through some beautiful neighborhoods

in the "Gold Coast" and "Old Town" districts.

 We ended up in Lincoln Park and got to walk around the Lincoln Park Zoo. 

I love anything to do with Lincoln.  

Just look at the great detail of his rumpled coat and vest.

This beautiful zoo is free to the public and has a great view of the city.
All of us, except Cole, were pretty excited about this.
Cole still was fighting off a head cold.
Tom just kills me in this pic.  

After attending church in an old elementary school auditorium, we had Sunday brunch at the Signature Room atop the John Hancock building.  Pretty good food and an even better view.

We all gave this a big thumbs up.  

On our 3rd day we took the "L" to Wrigley Field. 

The Cubs weren't in town, so we got to do a tour instead.

Passing the time with a game of Ninja

This is a very understated ball park.

I love how authentic and original everything has been kept.

 

The ivy on the perimeter wall is all original to the time the wall was constructed.

Prior to the wall, Cubs employees would just stand out in the field, holding up a rope.

In those days, the Cubs hit a lot more home runs (;

We have to find food about every 2 hours so these two can feed.

After Wrigley field, we took an "Architect River Tour."

The kids were thrilled. 

Even Kevin, our harmonica- playing guide, didn't pep them up.

If I had to do it over, I would have scheduled the night cruise to see the city lights.

It was a bit muggy, loud and long with Kevin on the mic.  He hardly took a breath between sentences

The Chicago river has 38 bridges.  

The city was lined with beautiful floral arrangements.  

Here stands Sears Tower (that is now supposed to be 

called the Willis Tower, but nobody does).  

After disembarking, we headed to Millenium Park and the rain came with us.

Buckingham Fountain 

This was a beautiful city that I am so glad we got to enjoy together before Cole leaves for
summer school and then on to Brazil (if the visa comes through).