A Visit to the Windy City

Last summer started a tradition with Brooke and her best friend Morgan.  They, along with myself, Morgan's mom and her grandma spent a week in New York City.  A few weeks ago we continued with the tradition by spending a few days in Chicago. Brooke and Morgan met over 10 years ago when they were on the same competitive swim team and have remained friends ever since.  Although they swam against each other from rival schools, their friendship never suffered. As they graduated from swimming and high school each went their separate ways to college.  Brooke to IU majoring in pre-med and Morgan who just got accepted in pharmacy school! When they were in middle school they talked of being doctors and practicing together.  Although this won't happen, it is interesting that they both chose careers in the science field.  They are like sister who were separated at birth. 

Morgan and Brooke

 In Chicago, we stayed in the heart of the theater district.  Although we didn't see a play (last summer we saw Wicked on Broadway), we were within walking distance to the subway, shopping and wonderful restaurants. Both girls love museums so we had a City Pass which permitted us to chose from several museums, the aquarium, the Skydeck (formally known as the Sears Tower) and the Hancock Building. We also visited Millennium Park, home to "The Bean."  Little did we know that "The Taste of Chicago" was going on at the same time we were visiting.  It was literally total chaos with thousands of people everywhere.  And to top it off, BonJovi was in concert at Soldier's Field. We made the best of it with perfect weather, wonderful food, and great company.

The Chicago skyline and marina make a beautiful backdrop

The Shedd Aquarium

"Sue" at The Field Museum

"The Bean" in Millennium Park

"The Bean" at night with the Chicago skyline

Our feet on the plexiglass platform at The Skydeck cantilevering over the city below

View from the Hancock Building Observation deck looking south

View looking north up the shoreline

 The girls are already scheming for next year's trip! Oh, so many choices...