Impromptu Chicago Visit

    We had not even considered taking the time to see Chicago this Holiday season. However, when one of Justin's job applications resulted in an interview in person (not by phone or skype) he asked, "Who's up for a road trip?". Since the interview was set for 3:30, we decided that an overnight stay would be more fun and relaxing than driving at least 4 hours there and 4 back. We were checked into our hotel with plenty of time for Justin to change into a suit and then navigate our way to the interview location, park, and have a cup of coffee across the street (near the Willis/Sears Tower).

This pleasant coffee shop was much quieter and less crowded than the nearby Starbucks!

  While Justin was interviewing, we took off to find Daley Square where the Kristkindlmarkt was set up. We found it, nestled up among the city's buildings.

A cheery, warm glow

 With the towers looming over us....

 we enjoyed the different sights ; festive Christmas tree...

 Pigeons warming up by the cozy fire....

 and the beautiful wares of the market stalls....

Geoffrey like the large dragon here, I liked all the turtles :-)

   It is probably a good thing that we had a time limit, I could have spent quite a while looking at the items up close(and buying), instead of just taking pictures. We were able to find our way back easily, using the Willis tower as our landmark guide.

 The interview lasted for a little while longer, so we waited in the lobby.

 After a short down time at the hotel, we took off on foot to find a restaurant and Macy's Christmas windows. Areas were lit up quite nicely.

'Starry, Starry Night'

 Macy's Christmas

Jim and Justin figuring out if they have seen all the sights included in this window.

Now that they have seen Macy's, they are only missing the Easter Island Moai.

 The last window with Macy's clock and trumpets.....

 they are quite an impressive sight!

Officially renamed Macy's September 2006.

After dinner a short walk along the Magnificent Mile.

Jim's getting a little ways ahead of me!

I would enjoy perusing in this store.

Maybe next time, a walk along the river.

 Not along the Magnificent Mile, but still quite an eye-catching window display....

 and interesting architecture!

Before we check out of our hotel the next morning, a short stroll thru Millennium Park.

Look close and you can make out the Cloud Gate or "bean" sculpture.

No one is skating at the rink today :-(

Cloud Gate

 Pics from under 'the bean"

kind of a kaleidoscope

 I could spend a bit of time here checking out the different kaleidoscope images with different people/clothing colors and different angles :-)

 Jay Pritzker Pavillion and Great Lawn

 Lurie Garden

For a spur of the moment get away, we saw a lot and had a great time. Hmmm, maybe Justin will get some more interviews that we can tag along on!

Missed Some Key Photo Shots....But Still Had A Very Happy Thanksgiving 2014 !

   Thanksgiving is always a favorite time for me; but this year was an extra happy one. Because, this was the first time in three years that we were able to have all four boys here for the Holiday. Justin was able to arrange his terminal leave from the AF (Germany) and arrive almost a week ahead, which coincided with Geoffrey's Thanksgiving break from SIUE. The last one to arrive was Nathaniel from Green Bay, but was able to make it by late Tuesday night. [Phillip lives in Springfield :-)]
    Besides the traditional Thanksgiving Eve homemade Pizza/Calzones while watching Jurassic Park and Thanksgiving Dinner (no photos), we just enjoyed the camaraderie while playing games,                      

 Computering (?)

 After dinner walks, this year with snow....

Snow decorating ornamental grass

snow cap on a bird's nest

 Checking out Phillip's new solar panels and...

Solar panels covered with snow on the garage roof

 playing with his dogs.

   Now, silly me thought this would be a good time to get a good/posed group photo,which did not happen. It was actually easier when they were younger and I could threaten to take away computer or Nintendo games if they didn't cooperate for the pic!

They say there is always 'one' in the family that adds 'spice' to the photos :-)

 Here, Justin wouldn't even join the group :-(

Geoffrey must not have heard me say 1,2,THREE!

   But after seeing these, they do make me smile since they have a bit more character to them. A trip to 'Grandmother's House We go' (minus Phillip). We were there less than 24 hours, and yet packed in a lot of fun times/activities.

That is quite a pile for just a 24 hour visit!

   Looks like Nathaniel is playing to an empty room, however, we are enjoying his medley of pieces throughout the house...It  must have good acoustics.

 more computering...

birds of a feather flock together :-)

  A quirky activity of comparing handwriting.....and then have Mom guess who wrote each one.

How many people still use the cursive capital I? Here, only Lynn and Paul do! (Mom missed 3)

Game playing that involves 4 generations :-)

Nathaniel drawing with his eyes close and our team was able to get the answer...'sleepwalking'!!

   We did a lot of eating, a walk to check out the town's new Christmas decorations, and some more music playing (no pics). Nathaniel, Mom, and I were able to get in 2 sessions of recorder music playing. With  bass, alto, and soprano instruments, we were able to play some interesting and fun pieces.
   Maybe, I will be able to get the 'missing' pics in the upcoming Christmas get-together. Until then, I will savor the heart warming memory of Thanksgiving 2014 :-)