Pickup
Kevin, Mom and I drove to Chicago, picking Grace up on our way to the Embassy Suites.
Chi-Town
Chicago is beautiful at night.
Settled
Mom's all settled in for our first night.
Good Morning
We awoke to a bit of haze from forest fires in Canada, but otherwise a beautiful day to celebrate Grace!
Chicago Dog
Andrew had an early flight from Miami, enjoying a Chicago dog for breakfast upon his arrival.
Our Graduate
A family moment at the reception for Grace's MS in Precision Health reception. See the entire event.
A New Day
Another beautiful day in Chicago.
On Our Way
We used a combination of Uber and walking to get around the city (Mom enjoyed the wheel chair).
The Queue
Grace planned an architectural tour of the city via the Chicago River - seems MANY others had as well, but....
End Around
.... Mom's wheel chair got as an escort around the line!
Early Tour
This building looked noteworthy enough to photograph.
Treeline
Nice contrast between man and nature.
Beneath
We began to wonder how this route was "easier" for Mom.
Arrival
Here we are, now just a BUNCH of steps to get to the boat.
Active River
VERY active morning on the river today.
Our Charriott
Let the loading begin!
Bow View
I think we'll sit on the top.
They Agree
Tina, Andrew & Grace seem to agree.
Breeze
There was a moderate breeze to keep us cool.
She's Ready
Sally's ready to take some photos.
Grace Too
GREAT idea Grace!
Hey You
Kev, over here!
Smile Now
Kev, you can smile now.
Onward
Let the tour begin!
Corn Cob
One of the first buildings (from the 60's) to bring residences to the river.
Underneath
There are many bridges over the Chicago River.
Cross Roads
Intersection of the north and south branches of the river w/ the inflow (that's right the direction of the river was REVERSED in 1900 to flow into the Mississippi).
Sears Tower
Our first glimpse of the Sears (now Willis) Tower.
Pencil-Like
Novel way for this architect to make room for the train below.
New Diggs
"Migration" to life on the Chicago River was slow, here's some of the newer migrants.
Montgomery Ward
Warehouses for the old Montgomery Ward & Co. Catalog House, a PIONEER in mail order (the first to issue a money back guarantee).
Original?
Think this was the original "tiny" house?
Park View
For a city of 2.7 million, Chicago has plenty of parks and green space (by design AFTER the great fire).
Keeper
Plenty of little bridge keeper/tender buildings along the river.
Up Up & Up
Many bridges are unused but remain as landmarks to Chicago's history.
South View
Looking down the south branch as we head north.
Trump Tower
Good view of the Trump Tower.
Crossroads Back
The backward view as we entered the north branch of the river.
Head North
Let's explore the north branch!
UV Rays
Yes, we were getting our vitamin D and UV rays today.
Willis
A better view of the Willis (Sears) tower.
Crunch
Looks like the bridges are going to crush the city.
Wider Crush
City is big enough they'll miss much of it.
Gateway
The gateway to Chicago's China Town.
The Station
Cool station for passengers coming and going.
China View
The China Town view of the skyline.
The End
The end of our tour of the north branch of the Chicago river.
Double Base
The bases of the city crunching bridges.
Deck View
A BEAUTIFUL day to explore the grandeur of Chicago's skyline and architecture.
Our Narrator
He was very knowledgeable about Chicago and it's architecture, but can't recall his name.
Big One
The full tower.
First One
Is this the same one we started our tour with?
No Room
Are they holding each other up or using all their property?
The Trib
The Chicago Tribune Tower.
Water Feature
Nice water fall feature.
Trump Tower
Nice photo of the Trump Tower.
Lonesone
All by itself on our way to Lake Michigan.
Lake View
Chicago skyline from the Lake.
Holey One
Note the building in the background with the "empty" floor - one of many technique used by architects to relieve wind pressure (others are water tanks at the top and stacking of increasing height columns).
First Lady
No Melania did not make an appearance.
Hungry Boys
Tour complete, I think these guys are ready for Chicago-style pizza.
Who's Next?
These people must have had their pizza and are ready for a cruise.
Lou's Place
We headed to Lou Malnati to sample the pizza.
Hungry Crowd
It was hoppin' (glad Tina made reservations).
Cheesers
Grace and Andrew are ready for the real cheese.
Patience
Sally's ready to enjoy the deep dish.
Diversity
We ordered a diversity of toppings to give them a try.
Favorite?
Which one did you like best Mom?
Bean Bound
We walked from the restaurant to Grainger Plaza at Millennium Park to see .....
The Bean
.... "the Bean", but the sculptor calls it "Cloud Gate".
Beanie
A bean self portrait.
Beanline
The Chicago skyline reflected in the Bean.
Opposite View
The skyline from the other side.
Beaners
Andrew & Kevin take a Bean moment together.
Closer Beaners
Up close w/ Andrew & Kevin.
Hello
Testing to see if anyone answers.
Full View
The full city view reflected in the Bean.
Under Bean
Hangin' under the Bean.
Full Bean
OK, enough of the Bean!
Jazz Festival
Let's go hear some jazz.
Mississippi
We enjoyed the show for a few before heading out.
Anyone Hungry?
I don't think so after all that pizza.
Fountain Family
I asked a nice woman to take a few photos of the family in front of the fountain on the way out.
Tall Family
A bit of perspective with the full fountain.
Rider
Hey, who's going to help Mom?
Be Nice
What's up the tongue.
Caray's
A notable landmark on our way back to the Embassy Suites.
Return Trip
We're back to the room, enjoying the view, and....
Warm Up
... getting a warm-up.
Happy Hour
Out for happy hour on the river.
Dog Experience
Not a mix I would have selected, BUT ..... it was surprisingly good!
Happy View
Our view from happy hour.
Bridge Love
The kids posed for a photo on the bridge.
The Barstool
Our for a nightcap at the Barstool.
Start Over
these two are ready for another lovely day in Chicago.
Major Cheese
I think Mom's already had her coffee!
Ashley
Will's girlfriend Ashley drove in from Michigan to spend the weekend with us.
Nice One
They both appear to be happy she came.
Ubering
awaiting our chariots to take us to the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Lincoln Park
It was a nice day to visit, most people I've seen at ANY zoo (it's free).
Overview
Let's see what we can discover.
Greenhouse
Never made it over there for a peek.
Seal
Nice close up of his cruise around the enclosure.
Lion
Glad there's some plexiglass between us.
Mid-Air
Nice action shot of this one taking a leap.
Black Rhino
She came out for a strut just as we arrived at the enclosure.
Landscaping
Nice color on our way to see the giraffes.
Standing Tall
This one came over for a pose.
Polarized
The polar bear came over to show his stuff as well.
Feeding Time
Who's next for a treat?
Nesting
The buzzard was in the process of building/rehabbing her nest.
City View
A little perspective of where the zoo is located within Chicago (more later).
Nap Time
This panther had a nice perch for a nap.
New Comer
Who doesn't appear to fit-in (on the left)?
Who Me?
Nice pose while taking a break from snacking.
Time Out
Sitting in the corner reflecting on what's next.
Hey Boys
Hey boys, look here for the photo.
Our Animals
Family photo at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Zooscape
Are we close or is the city just BIG?
Re-Take
Thanx for the pose to give the view some character.
Wider View
The full perspective of the city.
Mobility
On our way to enjoy some lunch.
small Cheval
Guess what we're having for lunch - burgers!
Burger Camp
We enjoyed a nice table in the sun.
What's Next?
Good question Mom.
Watch Your Step
Guess what Grace stepped in?
Meetup
We met Will's friend Tommy at the happy camper for drinks.
Frozen
It was more than chilly, Mom and I headed back to the hotel for warmer clothes before dinner.
Small World
We ran into the guy that hired me for my greenhouse gig at the restaurant (he was celebrating his birthday).
Navy Pier
After dinner we were off to the Navy Pier for fireworks.
Anticipation
Lined up awaiting the show.
The Works
They did not disappoint.
The View
Cool evening view of the city skyline.
Breakfast View
Everyone met for breakfast as we prepared to return to Cincinnati.
Grandma
She certainly looks loved.
Father/Daughter
Kevin gets a nice hug from Grace.
Thank You
We appreciated the opportunity to participate in your celebration Grace.
Kevie-B's
I drove back to Cincinnati, dropping Mom & Kevin at his place.
Roommates
Mom stayed for another 2 days before I took her back to CA.
Cubbies
While we traveled back to Cincy, the Chicago crowd visited Wrigley Field for a game and....
Chicago Steak
.... what appears to be a Chicago style steak sandwich!