Fireworks from a Ferris Wheel

We loved our trip to Chicago! It was so fun to get away, to explore a new place, and just hang out together.

The trip started out a little stressful. After setting my alarm and double checking to make sure that I didn't accidentally set it for pm instead of am, I forgot to turn it on. Luckily Ray's mom called and woke us up. (We were to drive to their house and then they were taking us to the airport, so they were wondering where we were.) Unfortunately the call wasn't in time. So we missed our flight. I know you're thinking who does that? I always did...but now you know someone who has. I'll spare the long, FRUSTRATING story about how we could have probably made our flight if it weren't for some non-cooperative people working at the counter. Luckily we didn't return their rudeness (although it was rare to see Raymond this mad) and ended up not having to pay for our luggage and then being put first on the list to fly standby. There were no problems from there, and we just arrived a few hours after we were supposed to.

Raymond's oldest sister lives in Detroit and his youngest sister is there for the summer, so them along with Nikki's family met in Chicago for the weekend. It was great to see them as we hadn't seen Nikki, Jeremy, or Harrison since Christmas. They met us on the train just outside the airport.

We had a two hour wait to eat some fabulous Chicago style pizza at Giordano's, and so we headed to the Disney Store to take up some of the time and get out of the rain. This picture cracks me up because just at the moment I snapped a picture of Raymond talking in a Mickey voice, Harrison peaks around realizing that this stuffed creature couldn't possibly be talking. Waiting for our food.

Check out this pizza! It was delicious!
The weather finally cleared and we headed to the Pier to watch fireworks. We decided we also wanted to ride the Ferris Wheel.

The beautiful sunset while we waited.

Harrison says, "If I'm going to let you hold me, there has to be something in it for me. Thanks for the puffs."

We were still in line for the Ferris wheel when the fireworks began. We had a great view though, and were so excited that we would be up in the wheel during the show too!

Once up in the wheel, the view was gorgeous! (This is the same view as the first skyline picture during sunset.)

We lucked out that we didn't have to be down in the crowds to see the fireworks.

Look closely out on the water and you can see all of the boats.

Another fabulous view!

Enjoying the ride before we have to get off.

We finally made it back to our room and crashed after a long and wet, but totally fun day!