we had a wonderful day in chicago yesterday. dang, this is just such a great city. of course, it doesn’t hurt that the weather has been stunningly gorgeous — low 80s and sunny. nice and cool in the evening.

yesterday, after nudging the kids out of bed around 9:30, we went to a “corner bakery” for breakfast, just in time for their 11am cut-off. then we drove down to the field museum of natural history (a true chicago gem, if there ever was one). spent a good chunk of the day there. saw the special exhibit on fantasy creatures (mermaids, sea monsters, dragons, unicorns, etc). really interesting exhibit. told the story of each of these, how they came to be, and their impact on culture.

after leaving the field about 4, we stopped at buckingham fountain in grant park for a few minutes, then headed up to navy pier. we ate an early dinner at charlie’s ale house. then, we rode the ferris wheel (great views!), and the kids did the swinging chairs (barf!). after that, liesl went shopping on her own, while jeannie, max and i went on an architectural river cruise. this was a real highlight — very interesting, and relaxing also. i super-highly recommend this to anyone visiting chicago. takes about an hour.

after reuniting with liesl, we all went miniature golfing (still on navy pier). then we drove up to the miracle mile area (lucking out, and finding a spot on the street), and went up to the top of the john hancock building for drinks and desert (a little tip: they charge you ten bucks to go to the observatory level; but the bar — called lounge 95 or something — is two levels higher, and free to go to, and the drinks cost about the same as the observatory ride. but you get a drink, and a table.).

back to the hotel for reading. a wonderful day. this morning, we’re going to try to take in a quick stop at the art museum.

then, jeannie and the kids take me to o’hare, where i fly to sydney (via san francisco and aukland) for world youth day. jeannie and the kids join my parents at a cabin on the michigan side of lake michigan for a couple more days.