a few hours in Chicago!

This past week I went to a family reunion in Michigan for Elliott’s family… which was a little intimidating without him but ultimately so much fun.  I have married into the most wonderful family!  They love me and our kids so well, and they all have so much fun together.  I’m already looking forward to the next reunion… 3 years from now!

The reunion was in Michigan, which is about a 10-hour drive from Virginia.  I’ve driven with baby Lena from Virginia to Michigan before and did not want to repeat that miserable ordeal, so I opted to fly.  My sister-in-law Jess and to-be brother-in-law Charlie (marrying Eden in September!) decided to fly along.  Thank you, Jess and Charlie, for making the trip so much more manageable… and fun!

After landing in Chicago, we had time to kill and all wanted to see downtown Chicago.  I’ve flown through the O’Hare airport so many times but had never seen the city itself.  So off we went in our rental car with the two babies, found street parking not far from Millennium Park, and took off to explore.

^ These two are so wonderful with their little niece and nephew.

^ Finally finally saw the Bean!

^ There were fountains in Millennium Park.  She was soaked and soooo happy.

^ We walked down to the Chicago Yacht Club and Lake Michigan.

^ Charlie is a rocking it as an uncle-to-be.

^ My new favorite photo of Lena.  Jess snapped it while waiting for the crosswalk signal in the middle of crazy-busy Michigan Ave.  Goes to show you never know what your eye and your camera can capture in the busiest moments.

^ Watching the L train rattle by.

^ Beautiful window display.

I’ve got a crush on you, beautiful Chicago.  Can’t wait to come back with Elliott to do some more exploring someday soon!