Chicago by foot

Going out of order here . . . oh well.  Our first stop on our road trip was in Chicago.  We've taken the boys to Chicago quite a few times, in large part because we have luxurious and affordable lodging thanks to my super generous sister-in-law and brother-in-law (thanks Ellen and Stacy!)  Matthew doesn't remember our previous visits, however, so he was suitably impressed with Navy Pier while Cameron is, for the most part, over it.  Cameron declined a carousel ride while Matthew wave enthusiastically each time he passed by.

Even Cameron got a kick out of the bendy mirrors, though.  They never fail to delight, no matter how many times you've seen yourself stretched out or squashed short and fat.

I think this is my favorite photo from the whole vacation -- Matthew and his Daddy.

The next morning, anticipating our long car ride, we walked around the city.  Cameron was keen to see where Obama gave his victory speech, so we headed for Grant Park.  It was a long walk, which began with an enthusiastic Cameron who became a "I can't make it any further" Cameron about halfway who morphed into a rallying Cameron when we finally reached our destination.

But then we had to walk back.  Aaaand, we had forgotten to bring a stroller so we were lugging Matthew most of the way.  In good news, I had reached my 10,000 steps on my pedometer before 9am.  And, we all made it back, despite some claims that we surely would not because we couldn't go on one. more. step.  And no one complained about sitting in the car for hours later that day!