Chicago- Part Two

After thinking it through, I think it would be best just to show you our trip. Get ready for a photo dump.

Have you ever been to an arboretum? I had never even heard of one before Chicago. 

But it was one of my favorite parts of our trip. It was a HUGE outdoor kid-friendly plant conservation. 

 Beautiful. Peaceful. Wish we had one here.

 We went through my first maze. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, anyone? (Ahh, second Harry Potter movie reference! I've got serious HP on my mind. So good. So sad).

The Swartzendrubers gave us a great tour of downtown. (Despite the fact that we walked 100 miles in the blistering heat to get some Groupon free frozen yogurt only to find out it was closed... oh Grant... jk jk). I am seriously in love with this city. Its like NYC without the filth and ridiculous crowds. And I seriously love NYC.

We played in a face-spitting-water-out-its-mouth fountain structure thing downtown along with about a bazillion other people escaping the heat. 

We watched fireworks from on top the John Hancock tower- very late at night- too late for a little miss mini-me but she was a trooper.

We tried to take fun artsy pictures in front of the Bean. 

 We did not take ANY successful fun artsy pictures in front of the Bean.

 Hot day equals too many gross sweaty handprints all over the Bean screwing up every single potentially cute photo. Sigh. Why didn't I have my clean wipes when I needed them?

Thank God for antibacterial gel.

So we gave up and watched this crazy boy instead.

Speaking of a crazy boy, we got to be there for Gavin's 4th birthday party. Monkey Joe's- the mecca of all things that are blown up and able to be crawled on.

The favors for this Mickey Mouse themed party were pretty kick-a if I do say so myself. Mostly because Cara and I stayed up until 4am making them. Tell me they rock.

And there were these delicious ditties made by Cara's friend for the party as well. Cute.

All in all, Chicago was great and the Swartzendrubers were even better. 

Thank you Swartzendruber family for putting up with us Woods for the week!!!