Miller family vacation

It's July 5. Yikes. Yikes, because as all teachers know, the arrival of the 4th of July means that summer vacation is essentially halfway over. :(

On the bright side, what a fun summer it's been! Braden and I have hit the pool a LOT (what a wonderful way to spend sunny afternoons - B is our little fish, seriously - and he naps SO well after swimming - whoo hoo!). Last week the Miller fam (my parents, sister, and our little family) headed to Chicago.

We got into town early Sunday afternoon, and checked into our hotel in the heart of the city - which allowed us to walk around and see the sights.

The boys - ready to roll . . .

We stayed about a block from the magnificent mile.

One of our first stops was Millenium Park - where I finally got to see the "bean."

Later Sunday evening we met a family friend at Navy Pier where we enjoyed the sights and rode the ferris wheel.

The lake was so pretty!

We at supper at Harry Caray's restaurant at Navy Pier - yum!

Most of us enjoyed huge Holy Cow! burgers . . .

. . . and we agreed that the homemade potato chips were good too!

Monday we spent the day exploring more of the city - and did the double decker bus tour! ;) It was actually a great way to get around with a toddler on a hot day, and we all learned some fun facts and saw places we wouldn't have seen on our own.

Cool architecture!

We also happened to be in town during Taste of Chicago at Grant Park.

Checking out the fountain

Luckily our little man was a trooper and for the most part didn't mind our somewhat crazy agenda. He napped like a champ in the stroller, though it was a hot day.

It was fun to shop at some unique places - though I don't think anyone spent a dime!

Dad and Allie at the Hershy's store

We enjoyed some good eats, for sure! Billy's favorite (?) part of the trip was most likely the chicago style pizza. Mom, Allie, and I tried "Spinoccoli" - spinach and broccoli pizza that was fabulous.

Monday night we went to Wrigley to cheer on the Cubbies!

Take me out to the ball game . . .

Getting settled in our "cheap seats"

Unfortunately the game wasn't a great one . . . and Braden was more than a little restless - but he and I kept busy walking around the ballpark.

Go Cubs!

10:30 ish - B was still going strong! (We had thought/hoped he'd fall asleep)

Bummer :(

Tuesday we hit up IKEA on our way home . . . the play area in the store just might have been Braden's favorite part of the trip!