Stories from the Goering's - Chicago

Okay so Adrienne and I recently flew to Chicago for a weekend getaway. It was our first time in the "Windy City" and we really didn't know quite what to expect.

Saturday morning we wake up to a beautiful warm spring day. It's so nice that Adrienne wears a T-Shirt the whole day.

Were walking down Michigan Avenue when we see thousands of people lining the street. Being the curious kids that we are we decide to go in for a closer look. When we get close enough we discover that they are dying the Chicago River GREEN for St. Patricks Day. A few minutes go by when Adrienne points out to me that we are standing on a BRIDGE! For those of you who know me well know that there are two things in this World that I am scared of... 1) DOLLS (which is another story) and 2) BRIDGES! Let's just say that we didn't tarry a whole lot longer looking at the green water.

We had also found out a few days before our trip that the St.Patricks Day parade was taking place the same weekend that we were in Chicago and so we followed the sea of people from the river to the parade route. The parade was okay. They had some marching bands and floats but mostly the parade was made up of Illinois politicians. I guess it is election time in Chicago. No Oprah, just politicians. So when we had our fill of VOTE FOR ME signs we headed south toward the Shedd Aquarium, but not before Adrienne gets stopped by some old Irish guy who insists on giving her a green beaded necklace and a kiss! (I though since we were on vacation I would let that slide just this once) LOL.

We had heard from several friends who have either lived or visited Chicago to take in the Shedd Aquarium. So we did. If you like fish you would like the Aquarium.

Saturday night we went to Mike Ditka's restaurant and while waiting for a table Da Coach himself walked through the doors. Nobody really seemed to care or think that it was a big deal except for me. But when you grow up in Brookfield, Missouri anyone who is remotely famous...well that's a big deal!

We also took in the Navy Pier, Chinatown and shopped up and down Michigan Avenue.

We really had a great time and can't wait to go again!

One more quick story from Chicago...So we are headed back to the airport on Sunday night at around 7:30 (keep in mind that it's dark outside). We have to transfer from the Red Train to the Orange Train. The Orange Train is our ticket to the airport. Well we are standing on the deck waiting for the next train (which I assume is the ORANGE train) when it comes Adrienne and I get on board. Not 10 seconds after we start moving we realize we are NOT on the Orange Train but rather on the GREEN train which is taking not to the airport.

So at the next exit we get off the train and are standing in the dark by ourselves when I look up to see a sign that says Harlem. Well let's just say that we didn't miss the next train that took us to the airpot!