Since this was my first 4th of July in Chicago I decided to go BIG!!
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| Just arriving at the Pier |
The first adventure was a skyline tour via boat on the lake. I was so excited to get out on the water I could hardly stand it. I can't begin to tell you how much I miss living 15 minutes from easily accessible ocean.
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| Go Hawks!! |
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| First time on Lake Michigan |
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| Navy Pier from the boat |
After the cruise (which was way too short), we walked around the shopping area and bought some Garrett's popcorn. I was told that it's a Chicago thing and a definite must if ever around a Garrett store. I ran to the car to drop off a few things before heading to the Cirque Shanghai show!!
Unfortunately, pictures and videos were not allows so this is all I have from the show. But it was AMAZING!!! My heart skipped a beat a few times. I can't wait to see more Cirque shows!!
The crowds had started to pick up about now so we decided to go on our last ride of the day- The Ferris Wheel. The thing never stops which is probably a good thing because I wouldn't want to get stuck at the top. It takes 7 minutes to go all the way around and the view is spectacular.
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| My favorite pic |
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| A little scared but loving the view and holding on tight without moving! |
We started walking towards the end of the pier in hopes of finding some food but the lines were atrocious so we decided to scope out a spot to watch the fireworks display. It was about an hour and a half before the fireworks were to begin but people had already started to line the lakeside and camp out in their spots. Every bench, chair, step and sit-able place had been snagged. My only goof was that I didn't bring camping chairs. It would have been so easy to run to the car and grab them after the Ferris Wheel. Lesson learned, they will permanently be in my trunk from now on.
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| One of the news stations sent out a notification to their app users....glad we were already there!! |
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| Found our spot and played with the camera. Chicago is so beautiful at night, even in black and white. |
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| One of the tall ships- "Windy" - was in town over the 4th |
They had music that played on the pier that went along with the fireworks. I think it was my first, true, fireworks show. One of Mom's favorite songs is "God Bless the USA" so I thought it was
quite ironic and fitting that they played it.
It was a perfect day! The weather cooperated and the crowds weren't unbearable. I was exhausted after walking around all day but I'm still reeling from the excitement. This is the kind of adventures I have been waiting for...and of course, I completely forgot Herbert at home. Next time kid.
