The Windy City...

After the girls' last swimming class on Thursday morning, we packed up the car and drove up to Chicago. The drive was fine until we hit major traffic on 65N north of Lafayette. There must have been an accident because we were completely stopped for 15 minutes before daddy decided to get off the highway. Yuck. Anyway, after arriving at our hotel just off the "Magnificent Mile" we got ready for a night on the town. We walked over to Navy Pier, where the girls enjoyed playing at the Children's Museum (and mommy and daddy enjoyed the free admission.) Then we ate dinner at Harry Caray's. How fun!

Checking out the view from our hotel

(the John Hancock building is on the right)...

Navy Pier...

Fun times at the Children's Museum...

Carsyn...

Holy Cow!

After dinner...

Navy Pier at night...

On Friday we all went down to the lobby for a leisurely breakfast before going up to Wrigleyville. The "L" was packed with (mostly) Cubs fans headed to the North side. We wanted to get to the park early so the girls could get their promotional American Girls Cubs outfit that they were giving away at the game. It was a beautiful day at Wrigley, weather wise. But, unfortunately the Cubs did not play that way. We were really hoping to get to hear "Go Cubs Go", but they lost again...to the Reds...again. That's our second time this season having to watch the Reds beat us! Oh well. We still had fun. On the way back to our hotel we delighted in some delicious Jamba Juice!

The Friendly Confines...

Carsyn...

Yes, this was Maren's first Cubs game (at Wrigley)--poor girl

had to wait 'til she was nearly four years old...

Enjoying the game with dad...

We are diehard fans, but we just couldn't stay any longer...

Yummm...

Back in our suite the girls couldn't wait to dress their dolls up in their new clothes. They even gave them their ice cream dishes to wear as batting helmets! You'll notice, though, that Carsyn's doll is only wearing her jersey...that's because her doll doesn't play baseball, she's just a fan ; )!

Go Cubbies...

Now that their dolls had new clothes, they needed a new hairdo's. So, we (reluctantly) took the girls to the American Girl Place for a style for Carsyn's doll and ear piercing for Logan's doll. Maren's doll has no hair, so she enjoyed a cupcake with daddy at the cafe. Afterward, we went out for some delicious Chicago-style pizza!

The girls at AGP...

Logan and Felicity's new earrings...

Carsyn and Elizabeth's new 'do...

Sunday morning after breakfast we headed across Lake Shore to the beach. The girls were so impressed with Lake Michigan and the fact that it was so close to downtown. They had so much fun playing. Next time we'll have to plan better and pack swim suits.

Beach girls...

Maren...

Carsyn...

Logan...

After the beach, we checked out the hotel with the idea of hitting Shedd Aquarium on our way home. However, we were very unpleasantly surprised to find a two-hour long line, outside--in the hot sun--just to purchase tickets. So, the girls settled for the Field Museum. Definitely not as fun as the aquarium, but a good time nonetheless.

Logan, bitterly walking up the stairs to the Field Museum...

Maren with Solider Field behind her...

Sue...