Update #2- Catching up in Chicago

This moment was fun for me!

Drew and Jessie got a hold of us back in March (maybe it was early April, I can't remember) letting us know that they were going to a conference in Chicago and wanted to see if we could meet up with them.  We are only three hours away from the Windy City, which would make the trip an easy one, but Peter was working the night shift at Purina which would mean that he would be leaving for Chicago with zero sleep.  So, at first we decided not to go. I was a little disappointed but that disappointment was short-lived when Peter made the last minute decision that he would sacrifice lack of sleep to see his brother and meet his niece, Naomi.  

So we packed our bags, found a sitter for Murphy, and drove eastward!  

Three hours and many tolls later (Thanks, Obama!) we finally reached the city.  I am more of a city person than Peter is, so I was very excited to see all the amazing architecture and millions of strangers hustling to wherever.  Peter wasn't as thrilled.  I wish I could say it was the lack of sleep that contributed to his lack of enthusiasm, but the truth is I married a country boy that doesn't share my love of the city.

We finally found a parking spot and met up with Drew, Jessie, and little Naomi.  After we dumped our stuff in the hotel room, we found us some Chicago, deep dish pizza at a place called Giordano's. 

 That place did not disappoint.  We left the place satisfied and ready to explore the city a bit.

Jessie took Naomi back to the hotel room for her nap and when we went back a while later, Peter was reminded of how tired he was.  So we all took a little nap.

When we woke up (we being me, Drew, Jessie, and Naomi.  Peter was still sleeping.) We went out to explore a bit more and went to Navy Pier.  Drew bought tickets for the ferris wheel, not knowing my fear of heights.  I had been on the smaller scale ferris wheels, but this was the first large scale ferris wheel and I was a bit nervous.  However, I didn't want Drew's money to go to waste, so I sucked it up and got on.  It wasn't my most favorite thing to do while we were in Chicago, but I am glad that I did it.

My "why do I listen to Drew" face

I was really excited to finally meet Naomi.  I had seen many cute pictures of her but wanted to see her in person so I could give her a big ol' Aunt Jill hug.  After the ferris wheel we headed back to the hotel where I tried to take a picture with her.  Everyone that I talked to have told me she is a little body with a ton of energy.  They weren't lying.  It was quite a task getting her to sit still and take a picture and it ended with the phone falling on her forehead and her reacting like I just punched her in the face.  I'm pretty sure she forgave me.

The next day, we had to make sure we got the rest of our exploring done before Drew and Jessie had to catch their flight.  So Drew, Peter, and I went to the Water Tower.  On the way, we stopped by the Chicago Tribune building.  It was actually pretty cool!  There were different parts of different buildings all over the world wedged between bricks of the buildings.  That and the overall decorative features of the building made it really fun to look at.  

We kept walking and made our way to the Water Tower and went up to the 94th floor.  The height made my stomach turn a little but after the ferris wheel incident, I felt like I could do it.

 After seeing that beautiful view, we made our way back to the hotel to say our goodbyes to Drew, Jessie, and Naomi and head back to Davenport while they flew back to Raleigh.  

I loved Chicago!  I love being in a busy city!  And, while Peter much prefers the country versus the city, he enjoyed seeing the sites and seeing family.