Hard to believe we're already back from our long awaited summer trip to Chicago, but the good memories we carry with us will keep us content until Christmas. I'm especially grateful we were able to meet up with Ellie in Detroit and Aim on her business trip back to Chi-town. Only Mike got away but it's now on me to make it to SUNY-Buffalo, where my man is going to be teaching and starting the Yu Lab this fall...fantastic! 
In my campaign to sell Chicago to Jochen we spent quite a lot of time exploring the city. We baked on Oak Street Beach, rode bikes along the shore up to Lincoln Park, caught the fireworks on Venetian Night, and wished we had our camera with us when they served us a pitcher of Weizenbier - that had Jochen rolling on the floor . One of my most favorite spots is still Millenium Park and it's only with the greatest editing restraint that I include just two pics...
Another highlight of the trip was meeting up with Leanne and Niki, two kindred souls who never let me go, and gathering our families around us for the first time. Despite the kids and husbands, being with each other made me feel nearly 16 again. 
Pig was, on the whole, unfazed by the new faces, and I dare say he remembers a lot from his last visit. He took to his A-Kong right away, and in short order had the run of the house at my parents. I'm really happy he got to see Aim this time, as she invested so much of her time for him in his first year I don't want him to lose contact. We miss her all the way in California but had a great afternoon playing in the park near her granny's house.
Next week - Door County getaway
