December 08 - Chicago!

For Chad's Birthday (Dec 6th) in 08 Chad decided that instead of gifts he wanted to take a trip to Chicago and go to a live Blues Club; so that's exactly what we did! We very much enjoyed our time there and can't wait to go back someday. We stayed right in downtown Chicago, walked the Magnificent Mile, went to the Blues Chicago on Clark Street for live music, ate at a few Irish pubs, and visited the Navy Pier and the Smith Museum of Stained Glass. Of course, we also went to the Observatory at the top of the John Hancock Building. We visited this at dusk in order to see the city during daylight, sunset, and all lit up beautifully at night. It's such a cool view of everything including the Sears tower! Because we went in the month of December all the Christmas lights were up everywhere in the city. It was really beautiful, but also really cold! We even manged to fit in finding one geocache while we were there! It was a very quick trip but we had a blast!

At Blues Chicago during a fun night drinking.

(To give Chad credit, we'd both had a few... he just looks worse for the wear than I do)

Chad with the John Hancock building in background.

Me!

Us!

Smith Museum of Stained Glass:

Incredible!

View of Chicago - Sears tower on right.

At Sunset.

Us at the top of the Observatory with the audio/visual boxes.

During this trip Nicki learned that she loves Chicago and would go back in a heartbeat, but that she totally hates revolving doors! (Claustraphobic feeling!) And they're EVERYWHERE in Chicago! Owh well...

All in all great trip. But next time we have to go back to see a Bear's game for Chad.