Family Fun in Chicago

Who would've imagined that in the middle of the summer, coming from three different locations, we all would get to meet up in Chicago-land?!

After the wedding on Friday, with a treasured day of nothing to do but be together, mom, dad, Claire and I took off for downtown Chicago to enjoy time with each other.

Claire was happy to be back in her stomping grounds (she's a student at Moody Bible Institute), and was the perfect tour guide for the afternoon. My mom and dad had never experienced the "L", Chicago's transit system, so she made sure they did!

My dad remembers being in Chicago as a boy and seeing the "L" out his hotel window when he stayed there with his dad. Now he's here with his wife, daughter and granddaughter, actually getting to ride on it!

You just can't beat the view from the "L"!

This special occasion called for a selfie of us on the train. But this isn't just any selfie. This is the first one my dad's taken! He did a good job didn't he?

When in downtown Chicago, my wishes are pretty simple. A gluten free donut from Do-Rite Donuts. All is well in the world now that I've had that taste again. HA!

Although the day was cloudy, it was very hot and humid. So stops for lunch and shopping in air-conditioned places was a must.

Thankfully one of those places had an early birthday present waiting to be found for me from my mom and dad!

Thanks for the fun gift Mom and Dad!

My dad is, and always has been, such a trooper when it comes to shopping with the girls. He finds a spot to wait and never complains. However, twiddling of thumbs does occur from time to time. 😉

He smiled right after this! 😊

A stop at Intelligentsia in Chicago is also a "must". This is the firm Tyler worked for the past three years before his recent move to Tennessee with Lara and Judah.

"Missed seeing you at your Intelli Tyler! Coffee tasted as good as ever though."

We headed back out to the Wheaton area in the late afternoon, to our friend's home where we're staying. After dinner I loved seeing these two enjoying time together as a big old thunderstorm brewed outside.

And then, the deluge of rain and the cracks of lightening ensued! What an awesome Midwest storm to enjoy from the front porch!

Maybe one of my favorite pics ever of Claire and my dad as they enjoyed the storm together!

I am ever ever ever so thankful for the joy of sharing a few fun days with my family in Chicago!