Chicago!!!

My Dad turned 60 back in August, and we wanted to do something really fun for my his 60th birthday. He grew up in Chicago, so we decided to head back to his old stomping grounds. I had never been to Chicago, and I was very impressed. My Mom and Sara planned one amazing trip. It was one of my all time favorite trips.

While I was flying there, the family that was already in Chicago went bike riding.  I love this picture of my sisters and parents.

 

That night, we ate my Dad's favorite cupcakes (german chocolate), talked about our favorite memories of my Dad, gave him little presents, and even wrote him a song (a little tradition).

To the tune of Take Me Out To the Ballgame:

Tommy T's turning 60, in the windy city

Buy him some cubs tixs and deep dish pie,

We're all here cause he's such a great guy,

So let's root, root, root for the Cubby's 

We're glad he worked so we can play,

For it's one, two, three, four, five, six kids to celebrate his big day! 

 

The next morning we drove to La Grange Park where my dad grew up. It was so fun to see his houses, his schools, where he had his first job, and even the football field where he played during high school.  At one of the football fields, my Dad told us he scored a touchdown on the opening night of the field.  It was really neat to see these places, and hear stories about my Dad growing up.  My Grandpa did a career change and went to dental school, and then did an orthodontic residency and finished one day before my Dad finished high school.  Although my kids are much younger, I can relate to the many years of schooling and it made me appreciate my Grandparents, and my Dad in a whole new way. 
The house my Dad lived in for part of his six years in Chicago. 

His high school. Fancy.

 

His middle school is now some sort of nuclear science building, but they still have some of the old signs up.  My Dad told us stories of playing basketball in that gymnasium.

 

That afternoon we went to a Cub's game. I remember my dad always telling me about the times he would go to the games as a kid. He even admitted (after we were done with high school) how he would skip school and take the train to see them haha. It was SO fun to go to the fields and watch them play.  They even won, we must have been good luck charms. :)
None of the spouses could come (work, school...) so it was just the originals plus Austie (last minute Melissa couldn't come, we missed you).

 

Angel baby.

After the game we headed to McDonald's for diet coke and ice cream cones.  This family consumes lots of both.

My sweet boy was such a trooper being tromped all around the city.  But he was in good hands.  His aunties, uncle, Grande and D spoiled him rotten. 

After the game we went to the Willis (Sears) Tower.After riding to the top of the 108 floors we walked onto a deck that was complete glass. It was completely horrifying standing on glass and looking down 1451 feet. 

My dad was kind enough to hold Austin and not join on the ledge. It didn't have anything to do with the fact that he is scared of heights...

From the Sears tower we walked to the famous Gino's East for delicious deep dish pizza.

Lollapalooza was also in Chicago that weekend, so all the trains were packed. Jess was holding Austin and I asked her if she wanted wanted me to take him and she said no, she loved all the attention people were giving her and Austin.  Probably because everyone thought she was a teenage mom!

Good night kisses for Aunt Rachel

Saturday morning, we headed out again (after Austin's good morning present to Aunt Jess).

We rode the double decker bus around Chicago. It was interesting to hear all about the buildings and the history of the city.

Chicago style hot dogs for lunch.

 Then to the Shedd Aquarium.

Then the planetarium.

3D movie.

The lakefront.

Eating Garrett's popcorn in Millenium Park.

The river architecture tour.  So fascinating. 

Back on the double decker bus, where Austin was lovin on Aunt Sara. 

The bean

That night we celebrated my Dad by going to probably the best restaurant I have ever been to, Zed 451.

Happy Birthday Dad.  We love you. Thanks for an amazing trip!