Here are some of the highlights of our trip. I didn't get pictures of everything I wanted to, so I stole some from Jenny's blog. (Jenny, I hope you don't mind)
May 7. 2009
This is a picture of Dave and Jenny's beautiful home. We were able to stay with them our entire vacation, and we really appreciated their hospitality and willingness to let us invade. I couldn't get over how beautiful and green everything is in Illinois.
That evening we went to Portillo's to have some Chicago-sytle hot dogs and Italian Beef. I should say that if you know Scott and I, actually any Smith, the food is what really matters when you travel somewhere, and the food that first night was great!! We had Chicago-sytle hot dogs a few different times while we were there, but I think Portillo's was the best. And their Italian Beef was to die for!! So yummy.May 8. 2009
The next day we all woke up early and headed to the Museum of Science and Industry. Right now they have a traveling Harry Potter Exhibit at the museum that has props and costumes from the Harry Potter movies.
This is Harry Potter's flying car
Ashley and Scott peeking on people outside the museum through their periscopes
(Picture courtesy of Jenny)
After the museum we headed to Navy Pier and took an architecture tour down the Chicago river. It was great to have the chance to check out the city at a comfortable pace and relax on the boat.
We went under many different bridges, just like this one, and cars would drive right over us.
Scott and Chicago skyline
The Sears Tower from the river
I stole this picture from Jenny's blog. Isn't Paige adorable? We love her!!!
After the tour we made our way into downtown Chicago to have some deep-dish pizza at Uno's Pizzeria. This pizza wasn't what I expected, it was more like an Italian casserole. It was so delicious! To burn off all the calories we had just consumed we decided to walk up the Magnificent Mile, also known as the shopping district. We stopped and had a piece of cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory located at the bottom of the Hancock building. Needless to say, we had worn ourselves out from all of the activities that day so we slept very well that night. May 9. 2009
The next morning we took a train into Chicago for another day full of activities. Our first stop was at Sears Tower. We took an elevator all the way to the 99th floor! We could see for miles up there.
This is what all of the other "High rises" looked like from the top of Sears.
A view of Hancock tower and Lake Michigan. We were so high, the clouds were under us!
After Sears Tower we took our first taxi to Shedd Aquarium. We were so grateful that we invested in our City Passes because we were able to skip the 50 minute wait to get tickets and jump right to the front of the line. Just down the street was the Planetarium. Our favorite things about the Adler Planetarium was the space capsule and Star show.
Space Capsule (Must have been made for short people)
After the planetarium we met up with the Smiths and headed to U.S. Cellular Stadium for a White Sox Game!!!
U.S. Cellular Stadium and City in the background
U.S. Cellular Stadium and City in the background
Paige loves her cotton candy!!
The beginning of the 9th inning and White Sox are up by 1. Texas Rangers were up to bat....
White Sox WIN!!!
May 10. 2009 Mother's Day
May 10. 2009 Mother's Day
Again, we jumped on the train and headed into the city. We spent most of the day at the Field Museum. This was definately our favorite attraction. There were exhibits on evolution, ancient America, and Egypt.
Scott and Sue (the most complete T-rex found in the world)
Stegosaurus
After the Field Museum we went out to a nice dinner at Lawry's. It was the fanciest place I have ever been. After eating a salad, which they spin right at your table, a cart piled with roast beef comes around and you can select which cuts of beef you'd like. We closed our night by seeing Mary Poppins at the Cadillac Theatre. The show was so great! My favorite song was "Step In Time" where all of the chimney sweeps are tap dancing on the roof, and Burt dances the entire outline of the stage, upside-down and everything!
Cadillac Palace
May 11. 2009
Our last day of vacation was a relaxing one after three straight days in the city. We were able to spend time with Dave and Jenny, and pack our bags. We had lunch at Boston Blackies and had some huge burgers; and of course, they were great!
Cadillac Palace
May 11. 2009Our last day of vacation was a relaxing one after three straight days in the city. We were able to spend time with Dave and Jenny, and pack our bags. We had lunch at Boston Blackies and had some huge burgers; and of course, they were great!
We had so much fun in Chicago. It's always so fun to spend time with family and visit somewhere new and exciting. It's definately a trip we will never forget.
4 comments:
Sounds like a blast! Some of my friends from back there (Wisconsin) went to see Mary Poppins too! They said it was so magical! I haven't had time to spend in Chicago yet, but it sounds wonderful! Love ya!
The girls and I were a little sad as you left for the airport to go home. We weren't the only ones sad to see you go---we have had nothing but rain since you left. Come back soon, you are always welcome!
Your trip looks like it was so much fun!! I'm a little jealous :) but I'm glad you guys were able to get away. Fun Pictures!!
That sounds so wonderful! I'm tired just thinking about all the stuff you crammed into a few days! Seriously- that's impressive! The parts that make me most jealous are the food and getting to spend time with Dave's family!
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