This past weekend we flew to Chicago to visit my son and daughter in-law. They recently moved to Chicago from Raleigh, NC. Since moving there a couple of months ago, they have spent almost every weekend in Michigan because of weddings, birthdays, etc., so it gave them and us some time to explore the city. The original “excuse” for the trip was to see Jimmy Buffett in concert. Everyone who knows me knows I am a fan, or “Parrot Head” as we are called. I have personally seen Jimmy in concert 15 times, and seen him in locations all around the US, including Hawaii.
My kids grew up on Buffett, and Claire and I took my daughter and son in-law to see Jimmy when she was very pregnant with my first grandchild. This concert was especially fun, because it was the first time my son and I had a chance to go together.
In addition to seeing Jimmy and the band at the amphitheater in Tinley Park, we had fun exploring the greater Chicago area as well as the vibrant downtown and water front area. Claire said the trip made her fall in love with Chicago all over again. I agree, as Chicago has always been my favorite city. We especially love the big city energy combined with the midwestern casualness.
My son works for Fidelity Investments, and we visited his office building on Wacker Drive, in the middle of the financial district. We walked the waterfront; spent time on Navy Pier, and ended the afternoon with a deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s.
We are especially exited to be moving back the Midwest so that we can visit Chicago on a regular basis! Special thanks to Jake & Hilary (and Joules) for their hospitality!
Hilary made homemade miso and sushi! Mmmmmmmmm….
Joules enjoying the ultimate dog park with one hundred of her closest dog friends.
Twice we tried to take the train into the city and both times the train system failed us …. Get it together Chicago Metra!
Big storm rolled through just before the concert, but the Parrot Heads were undaunted.
Having some adult beverages before the concert starts …
Jimmy and the Coral Reefers take the stage! Great seats Jake and Hil!
Fins Up!
Visiting Fidelity Investments on Wacker Drive.
We love Chicago!
The Chicago River. Jessie sailed away down that river on her way to the Bahamas.
A beautiful day on Lake Michigan!
Taking a break at the end of Navy Pier.
Old school…
Welcome to our city!
Authentic Chicago deep dish pizza …
Randy & Claire's Northern Michigan 