Unfortunately, our house isn’t quite suitable for hosting just yet. And on top of that, Paige is pretty allergic to the bunnies. So what we decided on was to get her a room at the nearby Sophy hotel. And we also got ourselves a room, alongside hers. And we decided to make a night of hanging out in Hyde Park together, before her flight tomorrow morning.
Liz and I had a second day today, with the Ford kids. Our plan was another “Day in Chicago,” but this time a bit more reserved. A bit lower key.
We blew most of our energy last week on a pretty event-filled day. So today had fewer events, fewer things to do. But we still ended up filling the day, and then some.
The big day is here! We’ve got the Ford kids for another Day in Chicago, with a lot of big plans this time around.
We had a blast last year (and in all honesty probably tried to pack too much in). This year, we didn’t quite learn our lesson, as we also had a pretty busy day in mind.
While I’ve gotten to see the fireworks from land before, tonight was the first time I got to be on the boat.
Shortly after breakfast, the kids decided to break out Monopoly (rainy day today). They asked if I wanted to join, and I have to tell you… I debated, but decided to decline. Boy did I dodge a bullet there.
I really like this shot. It has the look of a Renaissance painting to me.
The skies were getting darker and darker as we got towards the Indiana/Michigan border. And right as we got near, just about 6 minutes away… the rain really started coming down. I’m talking windshield wipers on full, every car slowing down to 15 miles an hour, and everyone throwing on their blinkers.
The Ford kids are visiting the area, and Liz and I got to take them out for a day in Chicago. We had a lot on the agenda, and really went from place to place to try to do all the things.
I had a lot of fun playing ping-pong with both Sebastian and Paige. They’re both quite formidable, and we were all pretty evenly matched.
Liz decided to get in on the phone, and played a few rounds with Paige in the garage.
Brandon set up a slack line (and is something to behold, watching him run and leap onto the thing).
A big event that many of us were looking forward to this weekend: Tricia, visiting with the kids. It’s been ages since Liz and I have seen Paige, Audrey, and Sebastian… and it was a mini-reunion of sorts when they all arrived.
It’s tough to only see family via video, and doubly so since it’s been harder to see the Fords. But video has gotten better over the years, and while it pales to being in the same room… it’s still something that can connect us, despite our distances.
The ladies, checking out some family photos on Tricia’s laptop. For some reason, my iPhone added this extra blur/gauze to things and this looks like a ridiculous stock photo.
We are on a bit of a road trip, visiting family in both Valparaiso and Indianapolis. Last night, we stopped to stay the night in Valpo and visited with Tricia (who is in town with Sebastian, Audrey, and Paige).
In back, that would be Sebastian putting on his Darth Vader helmet. I wish I had some video/audio to share, because in addition to changing his voice… it also spits out Vader quotes. Which, coming from his short frame, was actually just hilarious.