This time we stayed a bit further south (closer to Sears/Willis Tower). We were able to get another nice hotel (for a two star price of course), but much cheaper because of the location. We stayed at the Palmer House Hilton. It was an older hotel, but very beautiful. I did a terrible job of taking pictures of the hotel this time, so be sure to check out their website (by clicking on the hotel name) to see the luxurious lobby and rooms this hotel offered.
We got to Chicago on Friday night around 5:30. After checking in, we walked a block from our hotel to Pizano's for dinner. Jaxon is really into eating outside at restaurants, so we ate outside this night. The restaurant was located just a few steps from one of the stops for the El, so Jaxon spent his dinner mesmerized watching the "train" come and go.
Jaxon and I at our table at Pizano's. The temperature dropped down to the low 60's in the evenings, luckily we had our jackets to keep the chill off.
The outside of Pizano's. You might be able to find Jax and I if you look real close.
Oh yummy goodness. Chicken Parm sandwich and mozzarella sticks.
I had to throw this one on here, because everytime Jax looks at this picture, he says, "Mommy, what am I doing?" I always answer, "I have no idea buddy." Just being his goofy self I guess.
Luckily my sister and niece and gave us all of her hand-me-downs (from 10 years ago mind you). I haven't bought any fall or winter clothes for Dakota, so this yellow jacket of Page's was a lifesaver in the evenings.
After dinner at Pizano's we took a walk to Millenium Park. There was a free jazz concert that night, so there were people everywhere. We enjoyed a few minutes of the concert, then walked around the park admiring the art, including the bean (Cloud Gate) behind us in this picture!
Sis chilling at Starbucks the next morning.On Saturday morning, we took a taxi to Shedd Aquarium. We read on their website that they offer a military discount. Boy were we amazed when Jason showed his military ID and they gave him his ticket for free!
After a viewing of the movie, Happy Feet, in 4D, we ate lunch at Soundings Cafe in Shedd Aquarium. The food was so fresh and delicious. And the view from the cafe, overlooking Michigan Lake, was awesome. We let Jax eat his lunch in the windowsill while he watched the boats come and go.
Homemade potato chips - YUM!The package we bought for our Aquarium admission, included the 4D movie and a live show of the animals and their trainers.
Jax and Daddy waiting for the FantaSea show to start.
Me and my funny kids.
The sea lion. The FantaSea show included; a sea lion, some beluga whales, penguins, hawks and dolphins. We could not use flash, and after the sea lion performed, the shades came down over the window behind the tanks. So, the rest of our photos of the performance didn't turn out very well, but they do have some good videos on their website.The penguin exhibit had a children's play area where the kiddos could dress and play like a penguin.
Here's Jax in his penguin suit ready to play.
Sliding down the "ice".
There he goes again.Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower):
After the aquarium, we took a taxi across town to the Willis Tower. The line for the Skydeck was wrapping around the enormous building, but we decided to wait it out. We were told the wait was an hour and a half (until we would be in the elevator taking us up to the Skydeck), but we were completely done and out of the building within an hour and a half. Totally worth the wait, and the line keeps moving so that helps. Again, we asked about the military discount they mention on their website. Again, they gave Jason his ticket for free. A-Mazing!
We never remember to do "long-arm" photos of us. Yay for the parents in a photo together!Ok, have you heard about the Ledge? I linked a YouTube video of it if you dare. The Ledge is four separate windows that have been pushed out a few feet from the building. If you dare step out onto the Ledge, you are literally staring straight down 1,353 feet. You can read more about it by clicking on the word facts.
I did walk out onto the Ledge, but only for a brief time. As I patiently explained to my husband, I am not afraid that the window will fall, but instead it's the thought of seeing straight down for over a thousand feet and imagining the possibilities of being in that situation without plexi-glass under me, that freaks me out. I know. I need therapy.
Jax and Jason, however could've stayed on the Ledge all day.
Jax LOVED watching the people down below.
Jason took this picture standing inside one Ledge, looking into another. If you've never seen them, this helps you visualize how they jut out from the building.
Jax and Daddy standing in one of the Ledges. This is actually a live shot (not a background). Sis was asleep at this point, so I used that as a great excuse to stand on (more) solid ground during this picture.
Family picture! We have four others of the same pose, but different back drop.
2 comments:
Love a little Chi-town! Aunt
Ninny wants to go next time. Nice outfits--Got Cats!!!!
Oh you guys are always having tons of fun!!! So I wouldn't be able to do that window thing I would totally be on the ground crying. I am so glad you guys are having so much fun.
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