Chicago, Il: June,2010

Jacki was born and raised in the Chicago area and her family is still there. When she occassionally mentions that she is yearning for Chicago, it is always wise to make the pilgrimage back to her mother and brothers. June is typically a great time to go there as winter is now over and summer has not hit full swing yet. Well, this time was the exception, sort of. On the days there was sun, it was hot and humid. However, most days were covered with overcast skys and it rained pretty much every day for at least a short period. It was still a great time in a great city with a fun family and that Chicago culture mesh. Chicago aside, we did manage to get up north to Wisconsin and down south to Indiana. We hit up the Chicago Botanical Gardens, Wisconsin Dells, House on the Rock, the great Dunes of Indiana, and of course we had to go to Navy Pier. We love Chicago, the culture, museums, and the food. Also, spending time with family is always nice.




One of the best and most fun museums in the country is Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. From and actual captured WWII German U-boat, to a scale model of Chicago complete with working trains, to various aircraft dive bombing you from the cieling. A lot of interactive displays and just a great time for the whole family.




Another great spot to spend a day is at Chicago's Botanical Gardens. From beutiful flowers, green trees and grass, waterfalls, Japanese tranquility garden, and a very large model train display that takes model trains past historical sites across the country.


The chapel at Holy Hill, Wisconsin. We got there a bit late and didn't get to go inside. Very sad, but maybe next time.


We took a ton of pictures at House on the Rock in Wisconsin. A very interesting museum by all means. My favorite part was the model ships they had on display, the rest seemed to be a very eclectic collection of crap. It would benefit visitors if they would provide more information on the items they had on display, and while the giant carousel is cool in its own right, some of the "horses" and the ladies on the wall and ceiling were just plain creepy.


For good family fun, the Dells in Wisconsin is the place to go. A whole city that caters to fun. Hotel/amusement parks, jet boat tours, go cart racing. All a great time. We took a tour of the Dells via water and while getting soaked by the rain, Jacki and I couldn't help but laugh at the tour guide that did not know anything about what the boat was going past, and didn't even know her right form left. It was a joy by all means. However, the scenery was breathtaking and who doesn't like boat rides?


A quick trip down to Indiana and the Dunes on the coast of Lake Michigan. A huge playground for those looking for summertime fun on the shores of the lake with the skyline of Chicago looming in the background. A big deal is to hike to the top of Mount Baldy. At a booming 150ft, it is quite an endeavor. Actually, the hike up is a little tough as to get to the top you have to walk up hill in some pretty soft sand. It is a good workout.


Mount Baldy.


If you're in Chicago and a little short on funds, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a good place to see. Admission is free and it is not just some small zoo thrown together for you to see in an hour. It is a proper zoo and it'll take you a good portion of the day to see all of the exhibits.


And a trip to Navy Pier is always a good idea and a fun way to spend a few hours. Shops, restaurants, beer garden, and a stained glass museum are all available at Navy Peir.

Remember to tread lightly and leave no trace.

Aaron

San Diego, CA: May, 2010

The long weekend and rising temperatures told us it was time to get out of town. We thought it would be a good time to go see Papa John again. Since it is a pretty short trip via car, and one of our favorite places to go, it was a no brainer. This time my brother and his family went out there as well. If we tried to plan it, it would not have happened that way. It is always nice to get the family together and I know my dad really enjoys spending time with his grandchildren. This time instead of walking the decks of the Midway, we went to the New Children's Museum and the Maritime Museum right on the Embarcadero. We also took a family trip to Sea World and the kids got a blast out of seeing the pet show and Shamu. Another great weekend in one of our favorite cities.


One of the best places to have breakfast downtown. The line to get a table is long, but the corned beef hash and pancakes are well worth the wait.


Trojan horse at the New Children's Museum.


Jacki painting a butterfly on a whale at the New Children's Museum.


Sea World is always fun. This guy seemed to think he was just a little too important for us at the moment.


The Killer Whales are always a sight to behold. The show was great!


Elle enjoying a hot cocoa in Old Town.


View of the Midway from dad's balcony.


Soviet sub at the Maritime Museum.


Officers mess in the soviet submarine.


Officers mess aboard the USS Dolphin. Another submarine at the museum.


The "conn" aboard the USS Dolphin.

Again, we love San Diego and have been getting out there a couple times a year for the last couple of years. It is always good to see my dad and Patricia, and the kids always have a good time too.

Remember to tread lightly and leave no trace.

Aaron