Sweet Home Chicago

Waiting in the airport to board our flight. We carried on two suitcases for the three of us and two backpacks.

Josie's favorite thing was to stand on the tray table and hold on to the seat in front of her. She did great on the flight. 

She also loved looking out the window. 

The house I lived in from age 2 to 23 when I moved to Calif. My parents sold it ten years ago and moved to Santa Barbara. It was so fun to walk through the neighborhood and visit lots of friends. We went to my home church, North Park Covenant and saw many friends there as well. Such a unique close-knit neighborhood to grow up in right in the middle of a big city.

I love to visit the Art Institute every time I go to Chicago. 

Eric loves this painting.

Cool fountain at Millenium Park. I love the high rises. What a gorgeous day.

The Bean

Josephine is a great traveler. She was such a trooper getting by on short cat naps when she could like in the Art Institute.

So cool going to the 96th floor of the John Hancock to see the view and listen to the audio tour. 

45 min. wait for Giordano's Pizza was worth it. Josie took a nap while we waiting outside on a beautiful evening. Josie really wanted to try a bite but she had to settle for cheerios.  

Smart girl held on tight for the "L" ride home from downtown.

Sandy, Emma, Brian, & Catherine hosted us for 5 nights. Sandy and I grew up together and stayed the closest of friends all these years. She lives two blocks from where we grew up. Her kids go to our elementary school and Sandy is the school librarian. 

Kensey and Steven had a Chicago wedding reception in the park. It was a chilly afternoon/evening but at least the lightening and thunder stopped in time for the party. 

Catherine and Josephine trying to stay warm.

We had lunch with cousin Chris and her daughter Courtney. The rest of her family was out and about. So fun to visit with them.

Emma and Josephine

Sandy went with us to the Field Museum of natural history. It's the 10 anniversary of discovery of Sue - the most complete set of bones found of any dinosaur. Very cool exhibits.

Gordy and Kristi invited the whole gang over for dinner. 

Karah and her dad. 

After dinner a few of us walked to Kensey and Steven's apartment a couple blocks away. 

Our dear friend Janis met us for breakfast at Tre Kronor. I had Swedish pancakes of course.

Saying goodbye to Chicago

Long flight home.

We made good use of an empty middle seat.