Chicago

Hello!
Sorry I am so behind on keeping this thing updated! We've been busy having fun outside, etc. I don't know where the time goes! Anyways, about 2 weeks ago (May 13th thru 17th) Tom and I were fortunate enough to go to Chicago for a little vacation. Tom had a work conference in Chicago and he said I would love it so I decided to tag along :) It just happened to be our 5 year anniversary so that was perfect to have a little get away. Owen got to spend a few days with Grandma and Grandpa Witzig and he had a blast! Grandma did a good job wearing him out! I think the next day, when we got back, he took like a 5 hour nap!
Tom went to a few hours of the conference on Friday and Saturday but then we spent the rest of the time touring around Chicago. When Tom was at the conference I managed to do a little shopping along Michigan Avenue. I sure felt like Mary Tyler Moore (or something like that) all independent and strutting along in the big city all on my own. He he! We basically did a lot of walking, touring, and eating. We were 1 block off Michigan Avenue aka "the Magnificent Mile" known for all of the great shops so it was the perfect location in the heart of downtown. For our anniversary, we treated ourselves to a nice dinner at Lawry's Prime Rib restaurant. It was a neat place where they have the "spinning salad bowl" and make the salad right at the table and carve the prime rib where you can watch. We also got a complimentary trifle dessert (layers of strawberries, whip cream, and cake) because it was our anniversary so that was a nice gesture and so yummy! Other than that, we did a lot of walking around. We checked out a lot of Michigan Avenue, Lake Michigan, the Art Institute, and Millennium Park. Lots of cool stuff to see and there is so much more we could have seen! It was a quick trip but lots of fun. We will probably have to go back some day! Thanks mom and dad for watching Owen. We appreciate it and Owen had lots of fun! Here are a few pics....I was kind of a slacker when it came to picture taking!

A view of Michigan Avenue close to Chicago River


Chicago River


Another view of the river


Entrance to Millennium Park


Tulips in park! Lots of tulips everywhere (even down the median of Michigan Ave)


J Pritzker Pavilion


Cloud Gate aka "the bean"


Tom and I looking at the bean!


View of Crown Fountain


Another view of fountain--it has digital images that change. It was made in a tribute to the people of Chicago



Random kids playing in fountain--too cute!


Another view of Millennium Park and pavilion


Navy Pier


Picking up Owen from Grandma and Grandpa's house