We decided to celebrate Graham's 30th birthday in Chicago. We left on Friday and headed up to Chicago for some baseball, shopping, food and fun!
We stayed downtown on Michigan Ave. which was convenient to all the shops and excitement. After we arrived Friday night, we decided to grab some dinner. We figured it wouldn't be a problem to find something to eat. After two hours of walking the city trying to find something to eat, we were actually hunting for ESPN Zone, we finally went back to the hotel to ask the concierge for a suggestion. We had a hard time finding a place that was kid-friendly and unique to Chicago. We didn't want to drive all that way to eat at a Weber Grill or TGIFridays. With some help from our concierge we decided to eat at a small Mexican restaurant called Su Casa. The food and Margaritas were delicious. Bennett fell asleep just as we were finishing up dinner. We walked around Michigan Ave and did a little bit of shopping before calling it a night.
On Saturday, Bennett had us up at 5:30am (6:30 Indy time) so we headed out to breakfast. We ate breakfast at a local greasy spoon. The women in the restaurant couldn't get enough of Bennett and he loved all of the attention. He was putting on a show. Bennett tried fresh squeezed orange juice for the first time and loved it (it was some of the best I have ever had).
After the rest of the city woke up, we did some shopping on Michigan Ave and hit two of three malls. One of our favorite stores was the Lego store. We bought Bennett his first Duplo Lego set. I had no idea Legos were so involved.
Mid afternoon we headed to the White Sox game. This was an experience!!! We took the subway with Bennett and were stuffed on the subway with so many people and smells. It was so hot, I even told Graham I don't think I had ever seen him sweat that much. Once we arrived at the ballpark we had great seats and even better seats when the moved us to handicap seating so Bennett could stay in his stroller. Bennett really enjoyed the game. He kept clapping and saying "Ball." The little guy tuckered out around the bottom of the fourth inning. We were able to watch the game and not chase a toddler around.
The top of the 9th inning, the sox lost the lead to a home run. Bennett was in a deep sleep and as soon as the batter hit that home run Bennett sat up (in his sleep) and started clapping. It couldn't have been more perfect timing.
After the game ended, we were hot and exhausted but we made our way back on to the hotel. I am a huge fan of public transportation but I had my share after this weekend.
If there is anything consistent about Bennett it's that he is an early riser. Sunday morning at 6am we were up and enjoying breakfast at The Corner Bakery. We finished up our shopping with a 40 minute wait to get into Garretts and a milkshake from Ghiradelhi at 9:30am.
We headed down to Navy Pier to walk around and take in the sights from the Air and Water show. Sunday afternoon, we were exhausted and ready to come home.
Bennett making his dinosaur roaring noise at the Lego Store
Graham and Lego Man
Bennett asleep after the Lego Store! All the excitement wore him out
Lunch at Rainforest Cafe! A highlight of the trip. The food wasn't great but the atmosphere was awesome and Bennett saw a lot of MONKEYS!!!!
Bennett and Daddy getting attacked by a snake! 
My boys!!! Don't you love their plaid
Save the rainforest
Bennett clapping and cheering at the Sox game.
Sox game
At Navy Pier! Bennett sportin the shades. This kid loved his sun glasses!
Lake Michigan
Daddy and Bennett
Chicago Skyline
Mommy and Bennett
Helicopters at the Air show.
Cutie!!!
Bennett loved the air show. He would squat down and point to the airplanes.
Those are the planes Bennett was trying to get a better look at in the picture above.
Mommy and Bennett
Helicopters at the Air show.
Cutie!!!
Bennett loved the air show. He would squat down and point to the airplanes.
Those are the planes Bennett was trying to get a better look at in the picture above. We had a great time in Chicago. It was an exhausting weekend but we enjoyed spending time together and it's great to watch Bennett experience these things. We know he won't remember it but his joy and excitement leave memories and warmth in our heart.
