6th Grade Friends

Michelle and I had been friends since we thought we were cool wearing Umbro shorts with spandex underneath in sixth grade.  It was the style then.  Don't judge.

This weekend she loaded up her family for a second annual weekend vaca to visit us and Chicago.

Last year, we went downtown to see the Bean, the splash pad and Navy Pier.  It happened to be the weekend of the air show as well -- super busy downtown -- tons of people.  This year was the Taste of Chicago.  Not nearly as crowded but still lots of people.  

  

Michelle's boys (2/3 of them) were very excited to take the
train to the city.  Unfortunately, the train was delayed
10 minutes but they were both very patient.
(Niko is on the left - he's five and a half.
Gio is on the right - he'll be three on the 27th of this month.)

At the train station.

Finally on the train! 

Testing out the waters at the splash pad.

Getting a little more into it.

Totally loving it.
I'm telling you, this water was cold.  Perfectly hot day for
the splash pad though. 

Giovannni strutting his stuff.

This kid cracked me up.  He'd get a
running start and try to kick water on
me.  That devious little tongue sticking
out the entire time.

Niko was the first one to call it quits.  Picked a spot on the
steps to dry off and warm up.

Off to the Taste of Chicago for lunch.
All of our little ducks in a row (including 7 week old Angelo).

Nora really wanted to take a picture with the loin outside of
the library. 

All the outside time was too much for this dude who
still very much loves his naps.

Stopped at the "peanut" as Niko called
it from last year.
Notice the pucker she's giving herself.

Fred with Gio.

Baby bump in the Bean.

Angelo - my godson!

Thinking we arrived at the train station 12 minutes early we were actually 2 minutes late.  I guess that's what we get for accidently looking at the weekDAY schedule rather than the weekEND schedule.  An hour to spare at the train station with 5 small kids sounds like torture but it went quickly and thankfully they were all in good moods.

Finally able to get on the train, Myles
props Lenny up right next to him.

Heading back home after a fun filled day with
good friends in the city.