End of Summer 2024 Adventures

These two don't see each other for a year, but when they get together... it is like no time has passed. 

This was Sadie's first time flying alone (direct flight from Alaska), so we wanted to make it extra special and not tell her where we would be going for the week. Her first adventure was a Schaumburg Boomers baseball game, complete with hotdogs and stadium food.

During her last visit we hit the Shedd Aquarium, this time we headed to one of our favorites, the Field Museum. 

We arrived at opening and there weren't many people so they could do things like this...uninterrupted.

Sue the T Rex was not to be missed. 

While we lived in Alaska for 20 years, I found that each time we carted our visitors around the state we found something new and added it to our next guests itinerary. We did exactly that by going behind the Field to find the Chicago Lakefront Trail.  We just happened to be so lucky that they were practicing for the Chicago Air Show and plugged our ears as the jets flew by. Just gorgeous views and now a must for new visitors. 

Cut thru to where we strolled by the Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park so we could get to our next surprise on time.

Chicago Riverboat Tour! I will be adding this to summer itineraries. Great views of the city and much to learn of the historic buildings and places in Chicago. The girls loved it.

Since we had two horse lovers among us, we ventured to our new favorite restaurant, the Saddle Room. Unfortunately, the service on this day was terrible, but the food was delicious and we will shake that visit off as it was above average when we went prior.

Keeping with horses, a surprise to a nearby top notch horse event was on the agenda.

Along with bowling on a rainy day, bookstore visits and a trip to Saddlers Row, a bit of clothes shopping was necessary. The inevitable end was near and Sadie headed home just in time for....

Summer sure flies by.

Time for Fall and all the goodness it brings! 

Summer Keeps Rolling Part 2

 

My sister came for a short visit and we wasted no time in getting to Chicago early for a breakfast at Eggy's.  Delicious and will remember this spot for future visitors. 

This was her first visit so The Bean was a necessity. It was closed the last time we were here for polishing and we found a new photo opportunity inside!

Amelia and I missed the opportunity to go to The Art Institute of Chicago a couple years ago during a family visit. Covid was on the upsurge and you had to present your valid vaccinations to get into any public venue. Amelia had not gotten her 2nd, so we let them venture to the museum without us. We were excited to go this time and were not disappointed!

I think this was Amelia's favorite Chicago museum so far.

Had to hit the gift shop for a tote bag.

All in all we walked 10 miles and ended at Navy Pier. 

That's the way to get your steps in!

Amelia's friend Sadie was heading in from Alaska...more on that next post.

Summer 2024 Part 1

Softball and Jr. High Graduation began our very busy summer.

Just like that we had a high schooler.

We headed to Buffalo for my nephew's wedding and rented a house in the countryside.  

Although a busy few days, Amelia found some pockets of time to get some reading in. 

Finally the whole family was together.

We even managed a day at Darien Lake for some much needed cousin time. 

Then onto the wedding, where all the cousins had a blast catching up. 

Love it when all these guys get together.

After the wedding we headed south to Ohio for even more cousin time. 

We took a trip down to The Ohio State University where Amelia has been wanting to go since she was 5...seriously. We will go back and have a guided tour in a couple years. 

Notice the "M" crossed out...they do this during their rival game with Michigan.

Current Ohio State student, Aunt Natalie led the tour, however, there was a few OSU graduates with us including Amelia's dad...but things change after that many years ;)

Once back home...Foxy was waiting.

Summer doesn't end there...we have visitors arriving! All that in Summer Part 2!