Woke up on train somewhere between Ohio and Indiana - still a couple of hours still to go before we hit Chicago. Today was Lexie's Birthday so first up was presents. Lexie got a camera and camera case from us which she was very excited about.
Breakfast again on the train. We were supposed to reach Chicago around 9:30 am but we were running about 3 hours late so it was closer to midday when we arrived. Grabbed a taxi and headed to our hotel. The Residence Inn River North Chicago. It was a good hotel, a great location just a short walk into downtown with lots of restaurants etc nearby.
After a short break at the hotel we headed out to check out the city. about 1.5 blocks from the hotel however Josh told us that he needed to go to the toilet - argghh. So I took Josh back to the hotel and organized to Meet Andy and Lexie at the Verizon store on the Magnificent Mile. Unfortunately when Josh and I finally got to where the store was supposed to be there was just a big sign saying we've moved to right down the other end of the city.....and of course there was no Andy or Lexie in Sight......Worse still tonight was the tree lighting parade and there were thousands of people already starting to line the street and big signs saying that parts of the street would be closed on at 3:30 (in half an hours time) due to the parade. again I said argghh. I could only assume that they had headed for the new store and took off after them, trying to not lose Josh in the crowds of people and cursing Andy every step of the way......Thankfully we did find them at the new store and we were all reunited. Andy picked up what he needed and then we headed back out. We decided that since we were right across the road from the Hancock Building we should head up and check out the views. From everything I'd read you are better off going to the lounge one floor above the tourist deck which doesn't cost anything but still has the same views so we did that. found ourselves a table as close to the view as we could and ordered our $15 cocktails - ouch - (it was a cocktail bar after all) and strawberry smoothies for the kids. Was really nice watching the sun set over Chicago.
We headed back down around 5pm to find some dinner - We decided we didn't really want to stand around and wait for the parade. But on our way to dinner we actually ran across the very start of the parade waiting to get going. We got to see at least half the floats anyway before it even started.
since it was Lexie's Birthday dinner she got to choose the restaurant - and guess what was just up the road from out hotel. a Melting Pot so of course we had to stop there for a birthday celebration.
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