Monday, July 26, 2010

Chicago Wrap-up!

[Look who we saw on the way to the Hancock Tower!]

Whoa -- it's taking me a while to get back here and wrap up our Chicago adventures.
Having a new puppy in the house will do that to a person -- put you behind on absolutely everything!! More on that later!

We abandoned our plans to go to Navy Pier on the 4th to see the fireworks as it was so busy and crowded there, the police closed it off by 6 or 7 pm. Instead, we took a carriage ride around hoping to see some fireworks. We didn't see any fireworks, but saw lots of characters! I'd forgotten how fun big city living could be.
What a funny photo -- am I freaking out or what?


On our last day in Chicago -- Maddy and I headed to the Hancock Tower and Amy and Grace to the Sears (now Willis) Tower and other sights! Since it was a workday, neither place was very busy, so that was really nice.

[From the Tower!]

And then, guess what we saw -- the American Girl store! Maddy and I had not really planned on going in, but out of curiosity, figured that we needed to check it out. What a place!!
We had watched the AG Kitt Kittredge movie previously and loved it --
if you haven't seen it and you have a little girl, you must watch it. Such a good little movie! Anyway, that put us on a hunt for a Kitt doll! We found a sweet little one, so got that.
The larger dolls and one named Ivy (who looked like Maddy) tempted us, but we knew it would be too much to carry home anyway.
I can see how that store and their beautiful dolls are so mesmerizing!!


Later, we met Amy and Grace at Navy Pier. Amy has a bit of a thing about heights (how she went out on the ledge at the Sears Tower is beyond me?), so I rode the ferris wheel with the girls. Let me tell you -- that is the tamest ferris wheel ever! It goes so incredibly sloooow!!
Then we rode a wave-swinger that swung us around up and down in the air! We laughed so hard -- it was fun!
As soon as we got off, Grace, Maddy and I ran and got another ticket!
Truthfully, I was a little bit leery of it, but I knew Maddy wanted to ride it, so I acted brave and went too. So glad I did -- it was FUN!



Lucky me -- that evening I was able to get together with some college chums for dinner. It was so great to see them and it just seemed like yesterday (well, maybe a couple years ago) that we graduated. So sweet of them to come into the city to see me.

That wraps up our Chicago adventure.
We thought there would be a LOT more shopping, but we were so busy,
we barely had time to even venture over to Nordstrom --
and it was right across the street from the hotel!

19 comments:

Courtney said...

What a fun trip. The pictures are beautiful. It is so great that you got to meet up with old friends.

Tutus and Choo-Choos said...

Looks like you saw some great sights on your trip! We keep thinking about a trip to Chicago.

Musings from Kim K. said...

No trip is complete to Chicago without a visit to the American Girl doll store...hee hee. That is always "must" if we are downtown. You certainly packed a lot into your trip. You must post more sweet puppy pictures soon. I'll have to hide them from Emma though.

Nancy Nurse said...

Looks like you had a great trip. Next time you come in would love to see you. Your new puppy looks adorable!

S.Wise said...

Your trip looks like it was so so much fun! Drew and I love Chicago and it makes me ready to visit!!

Jodee said...

You got to do sooo many fun things in Chicago! It looks like the girls had a blast together! Cute pictures!

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

Sounds like a BLAST! so glad you enjoyed.

Lea
xo

a Tonggu Momma said...

Oh, how fun... we love Chicago. And the Tongginator is starting to read the American Girl books... you know, the easy chapter ones like "Meet Kristen" and such. She LOVES them!

Sue said...

Fun!!! Chicago is the best. So much to do and see. Would have been fun to meet up. : ) We had a great time there too.

Sue : )

Kristin said...

There is NO way I'd look out over that tower! Heights and I do not get along at all.

I love the photos. It really shows how much fun you and Maddy had!!

Bridget said...

Hi Janet! Your trip to Chicago looked great! I love that the girls get together and they are just too cute!! You guys sure saw a lot in a few days. So glad you got to see your son as well what an added bonus! Must say I cracked up at your Gin story- too funny! You looked great would have never guessed you were a bit tipsy:) great pictures of what sounded like a great trip. Next time you are here you need to let me know so we can meet in person!! Hope you are having a good week and your puppy is sleeping soundly:)

Bridget

Sharon said...

What cool things you all do!! Gorgeous view, amazing!!

Kim said...

It looks like you all had a blast! So many fun pictures!

Karli @ The Bonnie 5 said...

OOOH! What an awesome trip! Looks like so much fun! Your daughter is absolutely precious. And that shot from the tower...stunning - I love it!

Jodee sounds like SO much fun! She's such a sweetie. Thanks for your sweet comments on my blog. Happy Wednesday to ya! :-)

Karen said...

As soon as I saw that you were in Chicago I knew that a trip to the American Girl store had to be coming. I remember taking my daughter to the brunch there. It was a wonderful time for both of us.

fleur de lis cottage said...

I love Chicago and it looks like you guys had an amazing trip!!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

What a fabulous trip all the way around!! It looks like you all had such a great time. I know Chicago is such a fun city.... I hope that one day soon I will get out there to see the sights myself:)

Hope you have a wonderful week~

xo,

Lisa

Natalie said...

You had a super long trip and such fun memories!
I would have loved seeing the towers... they look like they could be spectacular!

You are one brave mama. I am going to try to stay out of the American Girl shop for as long as I can. Luckily for me, my girls aren't into dolls but I have heard how fun it is. Glad your angel pie was able to go with you!
Thanks for such fun pictures.

Alyson and Ford said...

Catching up on your posts. I don't take as much time each day to visit others blogs. My creativity on my blog is suffering too.
Oh well, love seeing pictures of Maddy and all the fun you are having! Looks like you had a great trip (except for a very strong drink!). My head would be spinning after one of those!

Alyzabeth's Mommy