Chris and I wanted to go on a mini road trip with Evelyn to celebrate her first vacation away from home. We decided Chicago would be a perfect drive for her and would give us the opportunity to meet with several friends in the area and also watch the annual Lake Michigan Beach Meet for gymnastics. After researching hotels and areas, we thought it was going to be a little too pricey to stay within the city. However, a friend of mine from my Xavier grad program just moved to Chicago with her husband, and they invited us to stay with them. They live in a beautiful part of Chicago called Old Town, where Chris, Evelyn and I called home for four days. We headed out on Thursday morning after Evelyn's nap. She did great on the way there, taking little cat naps here and there and playing with her toys. We arrived at their home in the afternoon where we settled in and were given the tour of their new home.
Stopping for a break at Starbucks.
We made it!
Later that afternoon Jessica took Chris, Evelyn, and I on a walk to Lincoln Park and the Lake Michigan beach. From their house, this was about a 25 minute walk through beautiful neighborhoods with unique architecture and aesthetics.
Taking a bath in the kitchen sink!
Friday morning Chris and I took a walk to Wells St. to check out all of the restaurants and sights of Old Town while Jessica stayed with Evelyn. Around lunchtime a Jon Friess, a friend from college, and his niece, Fiona. met up with us at Jessica and Kenny's house. From there Chris, Evelyn, Jon, Fiona, and I took a walk to the beach and had lunch at a restaurant what looked like a large ship. After lunch our intention was to let Fiona play with Evelyn on the beach, but Evelyn had a little too much fun and fell asleep in her stroller. Fiona had fun playing in the sand and getting her feet wet in the lake. It was so great to see Jon and meet his niece!
Friday evening Chris and I were able to enjoy dinner out at a Giordano's, famous for their Chicago deep dish pizza. Our hour wait was well worth it because it was seriously one of the best pizzas we have had! We purposefully saved some for leftovers!
Saturday morning Chris, Jessica, Evelyn, and I headed to Montrose to watch my college gymnastics friends compete in the Lake Michigan Beach Meet. It was a warm day so while we waited to see my friends compete we took Evelyn down to the water to experience the sand and water for the first time!! She is always so content with everything that we put her through, and this was no different. She liked to watch the water glisten and wiggle her toes in the sand. We can't wait for years of beach vacations to come!
Alumni picture for NAIGC Gymnastics!
The sun wore her out!
After the competition, we headed back to the house to get cleaned up and take naps. Our last evening was spent with Jessica and Kenny at the Navy Pier. We rode the famous Ferris Wheel and experienced the Chicago Skyline from a completely different angle. We walked the Pier and enjoyed some famous Chicago style hot dogs at the end of the Pier at the Landshark Pavilion.
We made it to Navy Pier!
Smiley girl!
View of the city and the lake from up in the Ferris Wheel.
Enjoying a Chicago-style hot dog with peppers and a pickle!
Crazy hair after her night on the town :)
We had a perfect vacation visiting with our friends, and we can't thank Jessica and Kenny enough for being such wonderful hosts and inviting us into their home!
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