This spring I tagged along with Mom and Dad on a trip to Chicago for Aunt Elaine's 70th Birthday celebrations. We took the train from Tomah - Dad's dream come true. He loves a good train ride ;)
We zipped through the Wisconsin countryside and rested a bit too.
We arrived in the city and found our apartment for the weekend. I had to send the kiddos a pic from our balcony.
Of course Dad found the electrical box and started investigating - old electrician habits die hard. Haha!
We had Indian food and played Rummikub - the Friday night of champions! ;)
On Saturday morning we kicked off the day with some FaceTime with our boys back in Eau Claire.
We went on a nice walk in the city - love seeing the murals around Chicago! You know that I can't resist deer art.
We met up with Uncle Grant and Auntie Lois; we had the best breakfast and walked over to Grant Park. Had to snap a picture of Grant in Grant Park ;)
It was a fabulous spring day in the city.
Gotta love that skyline!
Look at all of these little blooms - spring and summer are just around the corner!
Speaking of spring - look at this sweet rabbit mural.
We walked over to Dan and Jing's house and started the party - when in Chicago, you gotta have a big ol' slice of Chicago style pizza!
Here is the birthday girl with her sibs - Glen, Elaine, and Lois,
I had not seen Ray, Elaine and the kids in many years! It was such a fun day of catching up with the crew!
That afternoon we went on a boat ride. It was so fun!
Nothing better than cruising down the Chicago River.
My kiddos love these circular buildings so I had to send them a photo.
Again, I have to find all of the deer related art during our city walks. ;)
Hello Old Watertower!
The guys needed a break after all the city walking.
Here are the ladies!
We took several thousand steps on this day but it doesn't feel like a burden when you are strolling though such a beautiful city.
We did end up taking the subway for the last few miles back to Dan's house. ;)
Keenan said that he was too tired to go any further - LOL!
We worked up an appetite and had an awesome dinner - such a good Middle Eastern medley of falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, bread, and salad. 10 out of 10 recommend!
And we topped it off with some yummy cakes and Champagne toast.
Cheers to 70!
Sweet Micah had a bunch of homemade treasures for his Grandma. :)
Now for the family pictures - Here are Dan and Jing and their kiddos with Elaine.
And here is cousin Heidi with her sweet family.
Last up - here is cousin Bryan with his guy, Keenan.
Elaine and Ray with their pack of grandbabies - minus Mari. Cuties!
Here is the older generation - Grandma Hoekman would be so happy to see this scene. Definitely smiling from heaven. :)
What a fun party and a great day!
So thankful that I tagged along and helped keep my elders in line - had to keep tabs on cell phone chargers, meds, and Uber rides. LOL.
On Sunday, Dad, Mom and I spent the day at the Museum of Science and Industry.
I haven't been here in ages - fun to see some of the exhibits I remember from my childhood like this big United plane.
They had a cool replica of the city, complete with the bean.
Grandpa Glen enjoyed all of the old modes of transportation. ;)
Here we are posing as engineers.
I appreciate a good stagecoach, this stems from my love of the Laura Ingalls Wilder time period. ;)
The most interesting and dramatic exhibit was about the merchant ship attacks in the Atlantic during WWII.
The museum has the only German submarine on display in the United States.
What a cool opportunity to learn about the technology of the time and to hear the stories of the soldiers.
And just like that, our visit to the museum was over! We made our way back to the apartment, had another nice visit with Elaine and Ray, and headed back to Wisconsin the next morning.
We took return train to Tomah and I had to take a picture of my boss along the way - the Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee! This establishment is what funds life up North.
What a wonderful trip! Thanks to Dan for holding down the fort.
Happy Birthday Aunt Elaine!
