Chicago

A couple of weeks ago we flew out to Chicago for a long weekend.  We've always gone threw Chicago to fly into Manchester and always felt someday we should go and get out of the airport.  So with Jamie's award we booked it and got to explore the city.

The first day there we got up bright and early and walked over to the Field Museum.  We actually made good time and had to wait a little while for the museum to open.  So we took the time to figure out how to delay the camera shot so we could get a picture of the two of us.

The Field Museum had so many interesting sections and artifacts but the thing that stayed with us was the Pacific Northwest section.  We love the art and graphics and some of the totem poles were really amazing.

That afternoon it was off to a river cruise to see some of the city.  I was a little cold over there, it was the coldest it had been all summer, lucky us.  At least we did not get hot walking around the city.

So many skyscrapers, we loved all the architecture and history of the buildings.  We did two architecture walking tours that really explained the birth and history of the buildings and the city.  It was crazy to think how old some of the building were and how early they started building so high.

We did so much walking and eating on this trip.  We even had drinks on the 96th floor of the Hancock Building.  What an amazing view and coming from an earthquake area a little creepy to be so high up.

The green building to the left with the gold leaf at the top was one of our favorite buildings.  Its now the Hard Rock Hotel but was originally the Carbon and Carbide Building.  A gorgeous Art Deco Building, one like it was built in Los Angeles but was unfortunately torn down.  There are still two others in L.A. with the green coloring but from what we have heard none like the one that was demolished.

Another view of the skyline :)

On the architectural walking tour we got to go inside the buildings and see some of the original pieces.  Architecture back then was all about the details and tying everything together.  They don't make mail boxes like this anymore!

This is one of the stylized owls in the Trade building.  Its rare you see an owl instead of an eagle, I think its gorgeous.

Another amazing piece inside one of the buildings.  Can you tell we enjoyed all the Art Deco pieces?  We also fell in love with a bunch of vintage 20s and 30s posters.  We brought home 4 of them.  We had a great time and didn't get to see everything in just under 4 days.  So another trip out there is a definite must.

Tall Ship Festival

Labor Day weekend we decided to go down to San Diego and check out the Tall Ship Festival at the Maritime Museum.  We had never been before but figured it would be a great weekend to drive down and enjoy the museum.

We were surprised at how many ships were there and how many  you could board and take a look around.  They even had the ship used on Master and Commander with Russel Crowe.  The Star of India is always the main attraction and probably my favorite one but it was great to see so many different types of ships.

The weather was great, sunny with a slight breeze and I finally got to wear my hat I bought for our trip to Monterrey.

Here's a picture of the Star of India with full sails docked in the harbor.  They do take her out to see on special trips but mainly have exhibits on board.

We did get someone to take a picture of us together, a rare occurrence.

Mark and Theresa's 30th Wedding Anniversary

Labor Day Weekend we went out to celebrate my parents 30th Wedding Anniversary. We went to Scott's Seafood for dinner on Saturday and to Han's for ice cream afterwards.

 My parents were so happy to celebrate with us.

 and we were happy to be with them.

We had a great evening together.  The food was amazing and it was great just to sit and talk with each other.  I'm so happy for my parents, they're awesome and deserve all the happiness in the world :)