I slept so well and had marvelous dreams, when I woke up I realized where I was and did a happy dance in my bed before jumping up and throwing open the curtains to look at the beautiful city I’m in! I laid around and started my prep for my big run tomorrow. Finalized plans with old neighbors of ours who are taking the train in this morning to meet me for lunch and plans to meet up with my Aunt Deana later this afternoon. Then I got myself together and headed out to the door to enjoy the morning in CHICAGO! I went up two blocks to Michigan Ave and then headed toward Lake Shore Drive. Oh how I love this city…truly love this place! It was great walking past all the big stores. 
Nothing (aside from maybe music and running ☺) makes me happier than traveling and enjoying just roaming around a beautiful city. 
I LOVE to travel!
This afternoon, old neighbors (The Lyons) of ours from when we lived in Glen Ellyn took the train into the city to come enjoy the city with me. We headed south on Michigan Ave and saw Trump Tower, walked out to Lake Shore Drive and saw Navy Pier,
the Sears Tower (now named the Willis Tower, blah!),
 | |
| Far in the distance (the building with the antenna) is Willis. Because of depth persception it doesn't look like the tallest building, but it is! |
the Planetarium, 
the Field Museum, and Shed Aquarium. No trip to Chicago is complete without going to Buckingham Fountain,
so naturally we went. Since the city was already set-up for the marathon tomorrow morning, we were able to peek around a little and see where the start and finish was. Then we headed over to Millennium Park to take pictures at “The Bean”. 
the Field Museum, and Shed Aquarium. No trip to Chicago is complete without going to Buckingham Fountain,
so naturally we went. Since the city was already set-up for the marathon tomorrow morning, we were able to peek around a little and see where the start and finish was. Then we headed over to Millennium Park to take pictures at “The Bean”. 
The Country Music Festival 
was going on so it was packed, but I still got to see the gorgeous amphitheater 
and we were still able to take some fun pictures at “The Bean”.
was going on so it was packed, but I still got to see the gorgeous amphitheater 
and we were still able to take some fun pictures at “The Bean”.  |
| Can you find us? |
From there, we headed over to the fountain park with the giant face fountains
and then headed back north for a late lunch at the Italian Village. On our way, we went by the Art Institute
and then headed back north for a late lunch at the Italian Village. On our way, we went by the Art Institute |
| We were laughing about being behind the lions bum...yes we're children :-P |
as well as Orchestra Hall at Symphony!
After our fabulous lunch, Pat, Lyn, and Christy headed to the train station and I headed south to the McCormick Place Convention Center to get my race bib! I went by my charity table (Fred’s Team/Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) to get my bib, my uniform (we were given a technical T and long-sleeve shirt along with shorts…sweet!) and race day information. I picked up the rest of my race swag and then headed out to wait for my Aunt Deana to pick me up. She lives just outside of the city and we headed out to my cousin’s baseball game for 30mins. Before going by to see my Uncle and cousins we stopped by to see my Grandpa Holmquist. I hadn’t spent time with my Aunt in ages and even though we only had a few hours together it was so nice to be able to be with her. Back at the hotel, and my feet are not happy with me which could be troubles tomorrow morning, but to spend the day walking around one of my favorite cities with old friends and time with family was totally worth it!
After our fabulous lunch, Pat, Lyn, and Christy headed to the train station and I headed south to the McCormick Place Convention Center to get my race bib! I went by my charity table (Fred’s Team/Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) to get my bib, my uniform (we were given a technical T and long-sleeve shirt along with shorts…sweet!) and race day information. I picked up the rest of my race swag and then headed out to wait for my Aunt Deana to pick me up. She lives just outside of the city and we headed out to my cousin’s baseball game for 30mins. Before going by to see my Uncle and cousins we stopped by to see my Grandpa Holmquist. I hadn’t spent time with my Aunt in ages and even though we only had a few hours together it was so nice to be able to be with her. Back at the hotel, and my feet are not happy with me which could be troubles tomorrow morning, but to spend the day walking around one of my favorite cities with old friends and time with family was totally worth it!
Bah is right. Forget Willis. It will always be the Sears Tower.
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