More of Chicago

I don't always post about my trips back to Chicago, and since my last trip was pretty much the same as the others, I will not say too much, and just leave you with a few select pictures.  I did get to see my awesome friend from high school, who lives in CA now, and was also visiting her daughter in Chicago.  Other than that, I was spending a lot of time with my daughter and my mom, which is what brings me back to Chicago so often.

I love looking out the window when I fly.  I will never be one of those people who choose the aisle seat.  How boring!  There's so much beauty to see, and every time it's just as amazing to me.  I always think of things while I'm looking down at the cities and small towns below.  I think of all the people living their lives in what is such a big world down there, and how miniscule they all seem from up in the sky. 

We went out one night and saw Vince Vaughn at the Hubbard Inn.  He was so close we actually made eye contact.  I could have had an awesome photo of him but my daughter wouldn't let me get out my camera.  She said, "Waaaiiittt, you can get one later".  Then in a split second his whole clan was gone!  I did manage to sneak this picture when no one was looking.

My practice plank, before I do the real thing (and I will, too!).

Trump Tower

I got up early the next day to watch the Chicago Marathon.  My daughter didn't run this year, but I still wanted to see it.  I am always amazed and inspired to see the perseverance of these athletes.

While I was watching the runners, I looked to my left and saw this advertisement.  They are all over Chicago.  It always brings a HUGE smile to my face because my son produces this video game, and I am SO proud of him!

Mom and I went out for a drive and I stopped in the road to take this picture.  Oh, I was careful to make sure no one was coming behind us!  Mom and I were engulfed in falling leaves and it brought us a moment of sheer delight.

Who can resist taking yet another picture of Lake Michigan?  I can't! 

My daughter and I had a nice evening walk along the lake.  The weather the whole time I was there was gorgeous.  I couldn't have asked for anything better.  

Since I didn't get this picture in my previous Halloween post, I wanted to post it now, because I think my daughter did an excellent job of putting together this Black Swan costume.  She looked great!

Back In Chicago Again!

I've been staying with my daughter in Chicago for the past week and driving to the suburbs every day (except Saturday) to go visit my mom. The drive takes anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half each way, but it's worth it to see my mom. And boy, is she happy to see me!  Almost as happy as I am to see her. It's been great being with my daughter, too. We've been doing the typical things we do when I am here...shop, work out, run along the lakeshore, and work out in the fitness room.  My daughter is really into fitness and I am too, but I usually slack off when I'm 'on vacation'.   My daughter still likes to take her mom out, so we went out for a cocktail one night. We almost didn't get anywhere though because all the cabs were being hogged by the Lollapalooza crowd. In a couple of days I'll be driving to the Quad Cities to visit more family and friends. I will be staying at my sister's house for 3 nights.  She and her husband are selling their house and it may be the last time I get to see it. 

This job is not for the weak stomach.  No, it's not Spiderman!  I don't know how these guys can be up so high, just dangling from a cable.  He was on the 13th floor here.

Here's my wonderful mom.

I could stand to see this view everyday on my jogs...well, except for the cold winter days.

Like our shirts?

My daughter works in the Unitrin building.  If you saw the Transformer III movie, you will recognize the building next to it.  One of the highlights of last year was when they blocked off the streets and filmed the movie. 

Of all the photos I've taken in Chicago, I don't think I've ever taken one from this vantage point. 

With my youngest daughter. 

Here I am with my mom and two of my sisters...

I see this view everyday when I drive back to the city from visiting my mom.  I took this picture because I liked how the sun was reflecting off the buildings.

The streets and sidewalks were filled with people for the Lollapalooza music festival.