"Top Flight" Weekend in Chicago!

What a Super Sister - She Made Katie a Cake!

Just returned from a wonderful weekend in Chicago - as my dear sister, Carol, likes to say, "It was top flight." First off, our host and hostess, Mr. & Mrs. David Schwartz, were delightful. Not only did they open their home to us, they also cooked for us (delicious salmon that Dave caught in Lake Michigan, a yummy fruit salad, and other goodies, including a chocolate cake that Rachel made to celebrate Katie's new apartment (see pic above. You will notice I went a little nuts with the pictures in this post....) Next, we also had the company of our sweet Katie all weekend. And to top things off, the weather was great and Ally went everywhere with us!

We got into Chicago early Friday evening and met Katie at the Dick Blik art store on State Street (Scott wanted to check out that store). From there, we decided we wanted to eat outside, so Katie suggested the Park Grill in Millenium Park. Great fun and good food. The Tiger/White Sox game was on, and fortunately for us, we left before the disastrous last couple of innings. Next, I talked Katie into showing us her office in the AON building, right next to the park. That was great fun - she works on the 10th floor, and has a great office space - I kidded her that it's even bigger than her boss'. Ha Ha. I am so proud of her!

Then it was on to Rachel and Dave's place, where we were welcomed with open arms - their condo looks so beautiful, and we were able to see all of the lovely wedding presents they received. They also bought a terrific new china cabinet to hold all of their china and silver and it looks gorgeous sitting in their living area. Miss Ally seemed very happy to see us, too!

Most of the weekend was spent relaxing and enjoying the Wicker Park neighborhood. We drove past Katie's new apartment on Saturday. She showed us some pictures of the inside - it looks great! - but we weren't able to go inside just yet because she won't be moving for a couple of weeks. But, we saw it from the outside, and it looks very, very nice. I am just tickled with the location, because she is just a few blocks from Dave and Rachel's place. Then we walked around at a neighborhood sidewalk sale and street festival. We took Ally to a dog park on the way back to the condo. That evening, Katie left to attend a going away party for her friend Leslie, who will be moving to L.A., but Scott and I spent a lovely evening with Dave, Rachel and Ally. After the delicious dinner on their rooftop deck, we watched the fireworks from the Venetian Festival. We could see them quite well from there!

This morning, Dave drove all of us (including Katie) to a dog beach on Lake Michigan, not more than 15-2o minutes away from Wicker Park. What a sight to behold! Tons of dogs from all over, all shapes and sizes, were scampering in the sand and swimming in Lake Michigan. Of course Ally was in heaven. She fetched her ball until she could hardly swim anymore, and then of course we knew it was time to go. She will sleep very well tonight, I'm sure. We ended our visit by going out for brunch at a resturant right around the corner from the condo. What a totally fun, enjoyable weekend we had! It was just great.

The older I get, the more I treasure family times together. We are so blessed to have such wonderful children, and extended family too! Love to all of you!

"The Bean" at Millennium Park - picture taken from our outdoor table.

Katie with Dad.....

"Here Dad, see the pictures of my new place!"

Katie Kat and Me.

Ms. Hamberg, at your service...

Anyone who has their own printer must be someone special!....

Sidewalk sale in Wicker Park....

That Dave - he fits right in with the family, doesn't he?

Lucky me.

Dog Beach

Ally could stay here all day....

Fun times.....

Awwwww......

One of the "apples of his eye..." (brunch at "Moonshines")

The other "Apple of her Dad's Eye". What does that make Dave? The core? Ha Ha. We love you, Dave!

I did it! Below is my first attempt at posting a video.....