July 24 - Windy City

Didn't really know what to do this summer for a family vacation. We had taken a big trip in the spring. And airfare seems to be higher than usual this summer. And the weather forecast showed everything wet to our west and south.

So we headed off to downtown Chicago.

We stayed downtown at Michigan and Ontario right in the magnificent mile district. Went to the Navy Pier, Children's museum, the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, the John Hancock Building (twice, once during the day and again at night) and finally, the Museum of Science and Industry.

Plus we found the LEGO store and made some time for ESPN zone and the Rainforest Cafe.

Now we can get ready for school. Only three weeks away.

July 17 - Scattered

This past week has been very busy. For the first time, all three of us were somewhere else and apart.

I was in Washington D.C. Too busy but it as a good work week.

Jon was at S-F for NYLT - National Youth Leadership Training. Nothing beats a week camping and learning about project planning, communicating, defining visions, mission and setting goals! And with Hurricane Dennis reaching up into Missouri, doing this all outside in the rain was a challenge.

And Alex was at the Boy Scout Beaumont ranch for his summer camp. It rained a lot. The food was different. He had to walk everywhere. It was hot.

Sounds like summer camp was just right!

Friday 7/8/05 - One Year Later

It's hard to believe that it's been one year. At times, it seems like yesterday. At other times, it seems like an eternity.

We knew we hadto do something to mark the day. But what?

So, we met Barb and Frank for lunch down in The Hill. Kathy always liked going there for lunch.

And then off to the Botanical Garden. It was Kathy and my first date. And over the years, we took the family there as often as possible.

It was hot Friday but we had a good time. Lots of flowers out in bloom. And we fed the fish and ducks too. Plus a stop for some drinks and ice cream.

Maybe it's what we'll do next year too.

Monday 7/4 - A Capitol Affair

5 years ago we took for Washington DC for the Fourth of July.

The last time Kathy had been in DC, she was a starving graduate student working an internship with the Department of Justice.

So we joined the masses on the mall and watched the evening of entertainment as well as the fireworks.

It was certainly one of our best vacations ever.