I was lucky enough to receive an invitation to my aunt’s 95th birthday party to be held in her condo complex in Chicago, where I sort of came from. Both of my parents and both of my siblings were all born in Chicago. I happen to be the only one in my family who was not born in Chicago. By the time my sister came along my parents needed a bigger home. They decided on a new development in Carpentersville, west of Chicago, and that’s where I spent my first 9 years.
My father had three sisters, two of them and most of their extended families still live in the Chicago area. I have been back many times and always have a great time there. This time was no different and was filled with non-stop, mostly fun, activities. We had the hiccup that was my bag getting lost. It decided it wanted to see Detroit instead of Chicago but was returned to Chicago the following morning. And since I flew a budget airline, you guessed it, I had to go get my bag. No matter, we kept our spirits up for the most part even though it cut into our sight seeing time. But, what do you do? Get crabby and ruin everyone’s time? I think not! I was pretty disappointed since this was my first time flying with this airlines but it all worked out in the end. I got my bag, was able to finally change my clothes and we headed downtown for our one day of sightseeing. On the way we all decided we wanted to go up Willis Tower. It was a gorgeous day so would be perfect for viewing from the 103rd floor.
But first, lunch:
Outside Willis Tower:
As one might imagine, there was quite the line to ascend an elevator to the top of Willis Tower on a beautiful summer Saturday afternoon. Here’s a “time lapse” set of photos of the wait that spanned just over an hour. And yes, it was worth it.
There are things to keep you busy while you wait, several monitors with quizzes and factoids along the walls like this one:
Finally, we got to the top! Rather, the 103rd floor.
My sister and I decided to sit out the skydeck. A newer addition to the building, there are four glass boxes that jut off of the building where you can look down to see the street below. This is a photo my daughter took of my nephew’s and her feet looking down at the street:
And one more of the three brave ones in the skydeck:
We spent that evening with the family of my other aunt and had a wonderful time catching up with all of them. The next day was my other aunt’s party and believe it or not, I took no photos? I was too busy chatting I suppose but I did copy some that my brother-in-law took. Here are a couple of the birthday girl:
It was a very nice party and I hope that when I’m 95 I will look as good as my aunt!
We had a little time to kill before being dropped off at the airport so we decided to take a ride down Lake Shore Drive and end up in Millennium Park. But first my brother took us on a little tour of a few places from his childhood (before they moved to Carpentersville). One of those was the apartment building that my grandparents and parents lived in when my parents were first married. He pointed out our grandparents’ apartment which was easy to spot as it faced the street and then showed us the door that led up to where our parents lived. I was amazed that he could remember where the apartment building was after so many years! It was great to finally see that piece of history from long ago.
We decided there wasn’t enough time to park and walk through Millennium Park so we were content to just drive by. I did get to see “the bean” just not up close and personal. Perhaps next time.
I have just one more photo to share that I hope my blog friend sees. I couldn’t help but think of Lady of the Cakes when I saw this shop in the airport:
It was a quick but fabulous weekend and I can’t wait to go back. I love Chicago! What is your favorite thing to do in Chicago?
travels with toby 
My kind of town, Chicago is. Thanks for the tour. It is such a walkable city, when I get the chance to go I like to meander. Last time I was there, an old friend and I met at Lawry’s. Great food and, of course, theatre at the table with spinning your salad on ice. Thanks again.
yes, I always have a great time there! Next trip will be next summer to reunite with my roomies from Spain – can’t wait! Lawry’s sounds good too. thanks for looking :)
I have visited Chicago a few time, one was last June. Great city!
Ooops, a few times…
he he, knew what you meant ;)
yep, totally agree. it’s a great city!
What a fun gathering, Toby! Happy birthday to your auntie!
thanks!
Sounds you had a wonderful time and your aunt looks awesome. What is her skin cream of choice?
The elevator ride would break me. I’d be sitting on the floor screaming to be let out! Holy vertigo. I didn’t used to be like this.
That last picture looks like one of those wax seals, at least that’s what came to mind. <3 <3
:-D :-D :-D My fav place to visit in Chicago is the airport. We had a 5+ hour semi-love affair. :-D :-D :-D
you know, I forgot to ask her what skin cream she uses :) the ride in the elevator goes so quickly you barely have a chance to notice. if you’re ever in Chicago again, first, go on a weekday to avoid the long wait in line and second, well, you just have to go up to the top!! it’s awesome!! I should have taken a photo of the sweets in that shop too. ah well, not my weekend for photography. I guess I just wanted to soak in the company eh?
I’ve been to the CN Tower in Toronto, which has a glass elevator. OMG. My grandkids were there with their other grandparents recently and loved it.
Since you can see returning to Chicago because of family ties, you can take pictures another time. :-D My grandmother lived to 99 and she had lovely skin like your aunt.
there ya go :)
Nope. I didn’t enjoy it. I almost choked on my heart.
oh yes, I remember your 5 hour love affair ;) that was O’hare yes?
:-D :-D :-D
CAKE! …but there appears to be clothing underneath that sign?! The world’s gone all wrong :(
Your aunt does look great!
the clothing was in the shop next door :) CAKE!!! I didn’t eat any but darling daughter got a coffee there and seemed pleased with it. I had a very delicious spinach and cheese filled “pastry”, sort of like an empanada but it was a Greek place. oh yum…..
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Fabulous way to spend a day :)
it was! :)