A Long Trip

Baby Girl,

At the beginning of the month we loaded up the car and headed to Chicago.  Your daddy's cousin was getting married and we didn't want to miss it. Although we were very apprehensive about taking you at 6 months on such a long car ride you were excellent.  This was about a 12 hour ride for you and you hardly got upset.  Of course we had a large bag of tricks with us to help entertain you.  Once we finally got there we had dinner with Aunt Dar at Chicago's famous Portillo's.

After dinner we checked in to our hotel and you were fast asleep.  Riding in the car will wear a girl out!   The next morning we were up  and at 'em and decided we would visit the Shed Aquarium.  I am sure there were many exciting experiences to be had here, but we took the cheap experience since you were really too young to enjoy it all.  We only stayed on the first floor, but there were so many cool fish to see.  You were very intrigued with the fish and it was hard to take pictures of you because you kept looking at the fish.  They also had an exhibit of monkeys and I think these were your favorites.  Although Daddy says it is because when we got to the monkeys I was making monkey noises and this is what you really liked.

 This tank had seahorses in it.  I really liked this!

After the Shed Aquarium we went for some lunch, a Target run, and then to Aunt Dar and Uncle Tom's house to visit.  Of course, we went out to dinner later on (this family doesn't skip meals and really plans their whole day around what they are eating for each meal).  We were lucky to get to spend some time with them before the wedding festivities began.

The next day we decided we would visit the famous Navy Pier.  This is located on Lake Michigan.  It was really beautiful out there (and a little cold - Mommy didn't think to check the weather forecast before we left and we only had our summer clothes).  We walked the entire pier and enjoyed looking at the boats that you could ride on and the view of the city.

 While we were at Navy Pier we were able to tour the stained glass museum.  It featured a lot of Tiffany's pieces and was absolutely beautiful.  We took your picture in front of one of his guardian angel pieces.  Then, what Mommy had been waiting for, the Ferris Wheel!! It was huge and I was so excited you were able to ride on it.  It was really cool in that it never stopped for you to get on or off.  You had to be quick and jump on when it came back down.  It was a 7 minute ride for one complete circle around.  I think you liked it, I know I did!!

After Navy Pier we came home and took naps and got ready for the rehearsal dinner.  I didn't take any pics but it was beautiful with wonderful food.

The next day was the wedding.

The wedding was small, but wonderful.  So excited for Sam and TJ!!  After the wedding we had to wait several hours for the reception dinner, but this was good because you got to take a nap!  Then we were off to a remarkable reception.  We were greeted with appetizers and cocktails and then led into a dining room with a four course meal.  You were very interested in Daddy's cousin's new husband.  After the meal the DJ kicked up and we headed to the dance floor.  Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of us on the dance floor (luckily Nanny took some), but you LOVED it!!  We danced a couple of songs and then had to leave everyone because it was past your bed time.  It was a beautiful wedding and amazing reception.  I am glad we were able to come and be a part of it all!

Sunday was a day of rest!! We were all worn out and spent our day at Aunt Dar and Uncle Tom's just catching up with everyone that we don't get to see often.  You were very taken with Grandpa (Uncle Tom's dad).  And he loved you!!  Right before we left we took your picture with Grandpa.  He is a Pearl Harbor survivor and had many stories to tell.

 The next day, Uncle David, Aunt Kristina, Anna, Kyle, Rob, Mommy, Daddy, and Baby girl headed to do some sight seeing.  We started with a train ride to downtown Chicago.  This was my first time on a train.  When we got to the train track we got stopped by a train passing.  I didn't think about this scaring you at all.  Your whole body shook, then you looked at us and just stuck your tongue out and started laughing.  You were so funny, I wish I had it on video.

 Here we are on our train to downtown Chicago.

 Our first official tourist stop was Willis Tower.  After taking a picture outside we headed in.  Daddy and everyone else went on to the top and out onto the SkyLedge to enjoy a view of the city. However, Mommy had no interest in the height of this excursion and we weren't sure how your ears would handle being up that high with the pressure.  So Mommy and Baby Girl stayed downstairs in what we thought was the gift shop (which ended up not being) while everyone else enjoyed the view.

Next we walked to Millennium Park to enjoy the Chicago skyline on the bean.  Although it may not seem interesting it was!! It was beautiful to see the whole skyline.  It was a very busy place to congregate apparently.  In the first picture you can see the base of the buildings!

 After the bean it was time to do some shopping.  We walked the entire stretch of Michigan Ave.  We enjoyed lunch, shopping (very little - but we did go to the American Girl store.  I can't wait for you to become interested in this), and the historical views and scenery.  It was absolutely beautiful.  After walking down Michigan Ave. we had the grueling task of walking back which was about 2.5 miles on top of what we had already walked.  Needless to say we were all very sore and tired when we returned!! You did such a great job being out all day and strolling.  I think you really enjoyed yourself!

Finally, it was time to go home.  Although we had a great time, it was definitely time to come home.  You didn't sleep well while we were there, which made for a couple interesting nights when we got home and I know you missed your home, toys, and routine.  Daddy says next time we go we are not driving we will be flying...we will see.

It was great to spend our first "vacation" as a family and I look forward to taking you many more places!

Love,
Mommy.