Friday, July 18, 2014

Chicago


We took a long weekend vacation to Chicago this summer!  We had a wonderful time, even if we did walk non-stop for four days.
 This "sculpture" is called The Bean.  We had never heard of it, in fact we did not even know what it was called.  But, while strolling through Grant Park we saw it and knew we needed a picture of it.  Later our tour guide on a boat tour mentioned "The Bean" and we immediately knew that he was talking about this.

Speaking of tour guides, we took an architectural boat ride through part of Lake Michigan and through the river passing through downtown Chicago.  Probably our favorite part of the trip!  It was a sunset cruise, and just before we left it got really foggy.  We were worried that they would cancel the trip or that it would be so foggy that you couldn't see anything.  The guide said that once we got into downtown the fog would lift and it would be really beautiful.  He was right!  It was awesome!  He told us all about the buildings we passed and about Chicago's history.  We learned so much, and it really helped the rest of the week because we knew what we were passing and had reference points for where we were and where we wanted to go.


Ok, ok, I probably should know the name of this fountain.  But, it's the one from the show "Married with Children."


We went to the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry.  They were amazing!  Chicago has awesome museums and there are so many of them.  Above is a picture of the Shedd Aquarium.  We didn't see it this trip, but maybe next time.


Here is Bryan in front of Sue at the Field Museum.  Sue is the most intact, original T-Rex in the United States.  It was very cool.

Even though we are Cowboys fans, we thought we might as well take a peak at Soldier Field (home of the Chicago Bears).  It was pretty cool.


Of course, no trip to Chicago would be complete without some deep dish pizza.  I would also highly recommend a stop at the Donut Vault...amazing!

We caught a game at Wrigley Field.  It was such a cool stadium and there is so much history to the "friendly confines."  It was extra special since this year marks the 100 year anniversary of the stadium.
 We had a wonderful time in Chicago and would love to go back sometime.  June is a great time to go...the weather was beautiful.

Meet Lily


Yes, we have a new puppy!  Her name is Lily, and we think she is pretty cute.  We adopted her from a rescue group outside Petsmart back in March and she has brought a lot of joy and laughter back into our lives.


For her first couple of weeks with us, Lily was pretty shy.  She liked for us to pick her up and cuddle, but she did a lot of hiding under chairs and in corners.  But, she loved her toys and was quick to learn to play fetch.  Walking took a little longer because the leash was so scary!  But going to puppy class helped and after about a month there was no stopping her on walks!


Lily is a big napper, and loves to cuddle on the couch with either of us.


Family photo on Easter.  Lily is still working on posing for selfies...maybe one day.


Lily has webbed feet so we thought she might like to "swim" in a little wading pool.  It took a while, but she eventually jumped in and absolutely loved it!  She loves water in general...drinking from a water hose, splashing in muddy puddles after the rain, walking through the biggest puddles she can find when we are walking, you name it.  I love this picture of her after jumping out of her pool because she also has the cutest head tilts...I would love to know what she is thinking!