Windy City

After spending Thanksgiving in Wisconsin; my parents, brother and I headed down to Chicago to spend the rest of the weekend in the windy city.  I haven't been to Chicago for a decent amount of time since I lived in Milwaukee, so I was glad to be back in the city.  We walked around a lot and thought it was cold, it's so pretty I enjoyed every minute!

Quick pit stop for brother / sister picture.

The Bean, of course.

View of downtown as we were walking by the lake.

Our hotel had some pretty interesting robes.  We had to try them on and snap a few pictures.  Look at them, how could you not?!

One of the outings we did was visited Shedd Aquarium.  I had never been, and was really glad we went.  Lots of cool things to see!  Including many different types of jelly fish.

My favorite, penguins!

These little worms stuck straight up out of the sand, it was pretty neat looking.

Shark attack.

Phone break...we're all a little addicted.

Neon fish..love it!

Mom and Dad outside of Shedd. 

What a fun couple of days with family in the windy city, can't wait to go back! 

Photography Challenge - #6

From a low angle.

The trees changing in Michigan, one of my favorite things.

My Summer Vacation Part IV

Beautiful lake Michigan.  I didn't mind waking up to this every morning!

The mums putting in some beach time :)

The flies were a little bad one day on the beach.  This was my Dad's solution -- pile up four of the beach chairs, haul them out to the sandbar with your book and fly swatter and relax.  Whatever works!

We went on a bike ride up the coast of the lake and walked around a nearby park.  The views were beautiful.  Nothing beats being around one of the great lakes in the summer.

While some of the ladies were making dinner my Dad and Virgina played bags.  She was a rock star!! 

The lake a night, so peaceful.  The moon looked amazing!!!  Wish I could go back :)

Have a great Monday everyone!

My Summer Vacation Part I

More than a month ago I went to Door County, Wisconsin for a week's vacation, and still have yet to share pictures with all of you!  I'm going to do it up right though - I have a TON and plan to show you all the highlights.  I took this picture the first day we got there, once every one had unloaded their cars.  Didn't include the coolers full of beer and wine, but we were set with drinks.

Shot of the deck of our house that overlooked Lake Michigan.  At the height of the trip we had 15 people plus 2 kiddies, it was a busy house.

Loved this swing over looking the lake, so peaceful.

Hello Lake Michigan!  To those who haven't seen the great lakes, it's worth a trip.  So beautiful - all you can see when you look out is never ending water.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the whole trip.  Christin with her puppy Beans under the umbrella.  It's so colorful, and so summery.

I didn't have to cook hardly at all, which was a nice break. Tim's getting lunch ready for all of us.

First morning's breakfast waiting for me when I woke.  Strong cup of coffee and blackberry scones, started the trip out right! 

More to come...