Monet, Renoir, Owen & Brian: Chicago, IL 10/13/09

We usually wake up to the sounds of the campground this morning it was to the sound of a little one saying, “mama, mama.” It’s been quite a few years since I’ve heard that! I couldn’t resist and had to go visit Luke. What a sociable fellow he is! We had a wonderful time eating breakfast with Lucy and Luke. Then we were off to the Art Institute of Chicago on a beautiful sunny morning in downtown Chicago. We had a great time looking at all the amazing impressionist paintings in the museum, along with all the wonderful buildings downtown. We enjoyed eating lunch downtown, topped off with a large bag of warm caramel popcorn from Garrett’s. Yum! We decided to take a long round about way to my nephew Marc and Sheila’s house. We drove along Lake Shore Drive for miles and miles, past Northwestern University, Grosse Point Lighthouse and through huge mansions in wealthy neighborhoods. Eventually we worked our way inland and visited one of my alma maters, Wheeling High School. Ned has now visited 3 of my 4 high schools reliving all my tortured high school years. What a guy. We showed up at Marc and Sheila’s in the early evening. I forgot how much fun little boy energy was! These cute little tykes, Owen (3) and Brian (2), were a riot – sharing their toys, showing us their room playing with their dog, Cubbie, and being little bundles of energy. (Today’s pic is me reading to Owen). I last saw them about a year ago when Brian wasn’t even walking. Owen is very curious, talkative and quite expressive. Brian was still checking us out, but he does give great hugs and fist bumps! I also really enjoyed spending some quality time and chatting it up with Sheila and Marc when the boys went to bed. We will definitely have to plan a trip each year to Chicago. It’ll be so much fun to watch all 3 of our grand nephews grow up. Later on today, heading into Iowa.