Seattle visitors

This last weekend Chuck and Sam visited from Seattle. They flew into Chicago on Thursday night. We left work and drove there to pick them up. After a very late night, we crashed at a hotel, and woke up to be tourists in Chicago. We went to the Navy pier, had lunch downtown, and went to the top of the Sears Tower. We finished our night with Nathan, Andrea and Kevy at a small restaurant near their house. We also got to see their really cute condo. We went back to the hotel and Josh, Chuck and Sam played a game of Settlers of Catan (one of our favorites) while I crashed.

--Chuck and Sam at Navy Pier--

--Josh and I at Navy Pier--

--Downtown Chicago--

--View from Sears Tower--

--Another view from Sears Tower--

--Sam and I atop Sears Tower--

--Riding the L (elevated train) --

--Playing with metal children--

--Lifting giant orb--

We got up on Saturday, ate breakfast, and headed to Six Flags. We had the best time! We had a flash pass that is basically a little computer you clip to your belt. It allows you to see the wait time for the rides and reserve your place in line. At your designated time you take a secret line right to the front with no waiting! It was awesome! We had small waits at the front because we had to ride in the front of every roller coaster, it was way better that way!

--Chuck's favorite ride, the teacups--

--Outside the gate, waiting to get in--

--Raging Bull, very high, but probably my second fav--

--Sitting by the fountain--

--Chuck and I waiting to get on a water ride that SOAKED us--

My favorite ride, by far, was Superman (duh!) You get strapped in sitting up, then before you start, they lower the floor and turn the car so you are facing the ground. Since the roller coaster is above you, there is nothing between you and the ground. Basically it is as close to flying like superman as you can get in a harness....just amazing!


We went on many other rides as well, Batman, Deja Vu, and Raging Bull. Josh and Sam were brave enough to experience the giant drop. You climbed 200 feet for a few seconds, then paused at the top for what seems like an eternity with your legs dangling. Then you just free fall to the bottom....no thanks!

We stopped to eat dinner at a restaurant called Monkey Dish. If I owned a bar and grill, it would look just like that place. Great food, atmosphere, etc. We started home around 8-9pm and Josh drove the entire 6 hours by himself. We only got mildly lost in southern Chicago. Not the nicest neighborhood to ask directions in, but we survived.

Sunday and Monday were much less hectic. We had breakfast at Gona and Baca's. Mac stayed there while we were gone, and it was good to see her. Right before we left she started wearing some shoes, and Gona made her wear shoes all weekend, so now she is an expert. As long as they aren't too tight, she loves shoes now!

We went shopping at Jordan Creek and ate at the cheesecake factory. We also had dinner at Hickory Park and played many games of Settlers.

Overall a very fun weekend! Hard to get back into the swing of things with work and school!