We just got back from almost a week in Chicago.  It was fantastic and super busy!  We arrived on Thursday night and of course the first thing we did was have pizza!  Thin crust, sausage…oh so good.

Friday I woke up early and my dad and I went for a walk.  There are some great walking paths near his house in Mundelein.  Then I picked up my Grandma in the city, headed back to my dad’s and the five of us went north to visit my great aunt (Grandma’s sister).  I haven’t seen my great aunt in a long time and she’s having some health issues, but we were able to introduce her to Joshua who was a smiley, happy little guy.  We had a nice visit and I’m glad we were able to bring my Grandma who has only been able to visit her sister one other time in the last six months or so.  They used to live in the same housing complex so this new arrangement is a big adjustment.  On our way home we made a stop at the Brat Stop and had…bratwurst.   We drove back to my dad’s and hung out for a little while, then my dad dropped me off for a mani/pedi and he took my Grandma home.  It was such a treat to be pampered at Mario Tricoci, especially after having spent about 4 1/2 hours in the car.  (Here’s Joshua with his great grandma.)

Saturday we took it easy.    We took our time getting up, having breakfast.  I took Joshua for a walk and stopped by to visit with one of my aunts and uncles who live nearby.  We did some grocery shopping and then went for a walk at a nearby park.  It’s a beautiful space and the weather was perfect.

Sunday morning Dad and I were up early to walk again.  Then we all got ready and headed to my Aunt Joanne’s for a family get-together.  Joshua got to meet almost all of my dad’s side of the family, including my almost 99 year old great aunt (my Grandma’s other sister).  We had such a nice time visiting and telling stories.  Joshua was an angel and sat in the middle of everyone and blew raspberries for almost 45 minutes.  Then he teased everyone with almost rolling over.   It was a really nice day.  (Here is Joshua with my aunts Judi, Carol, and Joanne  who is mid-story.)

Monday was Memorial Day and our trip to Wrigley Field with 4 generations of Young-Napiers.  It was pretty special.  The weather was hot but not humid and we were in the shade.  The Cubs had lost 12 in a row but we saw an offensive explosion and the Cubs broke their losing streak!  It was nice to see Wrigley decked out for Memorial Day, and they had Challenger the Eagle fly in during the national anthem.    Joshua was so well behaved at the game and a big hit with the people sitting around us.  We celebrated the win with stuffed pizza at Connie’s and then headed home to crash.  Another great day.

Tuesday was our day of rest.  We relaxed and took it easy in the morning.  Dad and I walked again while Bill and Joshua took a nap (an arrangement that made everyone happy).  We watched the Cubs on tv (another win!) and then had a delicious meal at Bob Chinn’s.  A perfect way to end our vacation.

I couldn’t have asked for a better trip.