Hello?? Is anyone still out there? Does anyone still check this thing? I know it has been a long long time (I'm thinking 10 months??) since I have written a new post. Things at this house have been crazy, but not crazy enough to not post. Let's just say I have been busy and spending my time on pinterest rather than blogs. Not to say that I don't check blogs on a regular basis, just don't update my own. Well I figure this was totally BLOG WORTHY and this would be a perfect time to update. Is it sad that it has been so long since I've posted, that they have changed the whole layout and I sat staring wondering how I do this??
Chicago, IL. The city where dreams come true, at least in our family. When Jedd's family decided they were going to take a trip to Chicago and go see the Cubs and Bears in person, I knew Jedd had to go and fulfill his LIFELONG dream of going to Chicago. However, I didn't realize how much I wanted to go until I pushed myself into the mix of Jedd's brother, dad and mom to head out. You see, Chicago is probably one of my most favorite cities in the whole US. I was able to go 10 years ago for work and had the best time and so I was so excited to have the opportunity to go again. We planned the trip a few months before and when September came and it was time to go, reality sank in that we would be leaving our little girl at home with my parents. She did amazing, by the way, and had more fun than she could ever imagine with cousins and being spoiled by grandma and grandpa. In fact the whole 5 days we were gone, she didn't even mention our names. WHAT?? Talk about depressing, she didn't even care we were gone; however, we were glad she was taken care of and having a fun time herself.
Day 1: Travel Day
We arrived in Chicago around 3:30 pm and headed to our hotel. We were in awe of the city (me seeing it for the 2nd time and Jedd seeing it for the 1st time). Our hotel was just 2 blocks off the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave) and it was amazing to us to find out that everything was in walking distance, literally everything, besides Wrigley field. We did a lot of walking this trip, but it made up for all the Chicago food we ate.
I knew when we found out I was able to go, that the River Boat Tour was on my #1 list of things to do. So we decided to do that the first day, due to horrible weather threatening our trip. So after checking in and doing maybe one or two things, we headed out to Navy Pier for the River Boat Tour. To say I was amazed would be an understatement, even with it being my 2nd time seeing it. It was awesome. Architecture seems to be one of my most favorite hobbies to look at and this provided a great opportunity to do so.
Navy Pier
Loading the Boat. (That is Jedd's dad in the background. He got in trouble for climbing the fence, but figured the photo-op to be behind us was totallly worth it. That was just the first of many funny stories.)
Jedd before we headed out. The city is absolutely beautiful.
A picture of us in front of the city line on the boat. I just love this picture.
Jedd will probably correct me, but this I think is the oldest building in the city, still standing, after the big Chicago Fire, the Water Tower. Grabbed this picture on the way back from Navy Pier.
Day 2: Chicago Cubs Game Day #1
To say the Jedd was excited for this day would be a total understatment. I don't really think he slept all night. Jedd has dreamed of going to Wrigley Field since he was a boy and part of my fun was being there, watching him fulfill his dream. It was totally worth it, even though it rained pretty much the whole game. It was quite the experience, batting practice, the game, going into extra innings, and ending with the Cubs actually winning with a walk off hit.
Jumping on the subway to head to the game. There were quite a few fans, and the energy was fun!
The one and only Wrigley Field. This was our first view from the subway station.
The first picture of standing on the actual property of the Stadium. He was a kid in a candy store.
Our first glimpse of the actual field. The smile says everything. He was only disappointed that the gate was still down. However, with it being 3 hours before the game even started, it didn't surprise me the gate was still down.
The Harey Carey statue.
Before heading inside, we walked around the stadium to see what there was. Jedd loves the roof-top bleacher seats outside the stadium.
We sat in the bleachers on the first day and it was a totally different experience. Our first view of the field from inside the stadium. I have to say, it was pretty awesome.
Getting a picture of the field, while batting practice was going on.
A picture with the "Ivy" and the roof-top seats on the outskirts of the stadium.
The score board.
Eating an actual "Chicago Dog".
Day 2: Chicago Cubs Game Day #2
Day 2 we had actual seats, no bleachers. This day was absolutely freezing to say the least. The Chicago wind was biting cold, but it was still a lot of fun.
Probably my favorite picture of the whole trip. The smile says it all, we were ACTUALLY there.
Jedd with his brothers and dad. I think this was a lifelong dream for all these guys. Ty was the only one that had already been to Wrigley, the rest, they were first-timers.
A picture of ......a statue. Jedd will kill me for not remembering who this is. But I sure thought it was pretty awesome they painted it "cubs blue".
Inside the stadium, different view.
A closer view. The lighting was not great, but you get the jist.
After the game, even though it was freezing, we decided to do a little sight seeing. We caught the subway down to the park, only to realize it was walking distance of our Hotel.
The Chicago Sign, down the theater street.
The Metal Bean. Funny inside joke, but "Look, it's the METAL BEAN!"
Look at that city view, amazing.
Day 3: Bears Game Day
On day 3 of our trip, we ventured down to Soldier Field to watch the Bears play. It was a total different atmosphere then the Cubs for sure. The fans were insane, and mostly all drunk. I honestly think we were maybe 6 of 1000 that didn't drink in a stadium full of 80,000 people. But it was still fun. And I guess I was mostly shocked that it the Bears game was just like a glorified high school football game. The announcers, the field, it was just all amped up. I was picturing something totally different.
Before the game, we walked around the stadium. We found this view and with the Lake behind, it was beautiful.
Of course, photo-op.
A view of the city behind us.
Soldier Field.
I had to snag this picture. Debbie and I hung back just a bit, mainly because Kim was in such a hurry to get in the stadium, with it being 2 hours before kick-off we were not in a hurry. But this picture I love. All 4 guys heading to the game, excited as ever. Priceless.
The famous columns. Jedd thought there were columns that went top to bottom, but this is the only ones we could find at the time. Had to snag a picture of the "columns", even though I have to be honest, I don't know the importance of the columns, they were still pretty cool. I was amazed at how much the stadium looked like historic buildings, not just a modern football stadium.
Inside the stadium. WOW.
Jedd's family that came. Love this picture.
Since going to Chicago 10 years ago, I have wanted to see Buckingham Fountain. So on our way back from Soldier Field, we walked the whole way to our Hotel, we stopped by Buckingham Fountain. It was extremely close to Soldier Field.
I love water fountains.
And last but not least, a picture of the Chicago River and some of the skyline.
All in all, it was a crazy and busy trip, but we had a blast. It was a dream come true for the Cherry family, and I was so excited that I was able to be a part of it. I love Chicago, and I think now, Jedd and I will have a special place in our hearts for Chicago. In fact, Jedd from the day we arrived, was ready to pack up and move there. I'm not sold on the idea.
(If you happen to notice my big belly in these pictures, wondering, wow, she has gained weight, just wait a little bit longer for some exciting news.)
