Tourist Douchebaggery
SMALL TOWN
Oh yeah, we did it. We totally planned a day of stereo-typical touristy stuff. For lunch we went to the French Market. At first I wasn’t too keen on the idea because I wanted Chicago Pizza for every meal but because there are so many choices we all got something we liked. And gelato for dessert! Then we headed off to Navy Pier for the Jet Boat Ride. We were going to go all out and do the Extreme Thrill Ride but heard that we would get soaked and didn’t really care for that. We opted for the Speedboat Lake Tour and it was fun! We were so hot waiting in line to board the boat that when the captain went full-throttle we had never been happier – the cool breeze was more than welcome.
Kevin, Regan and Susan after Mr. Toad’s Wild Cab Ride.
The guy that Kevin is looking at totally walked right in front of our group posing for a photo. We got a kick out of his response.
Griswold Chicago Family Vacation
One part of the trip that we all commented on was the music that played during the trip. They had tunes pumping really loud and it really made the ride more of an experience. What a nice way to cool off. Between the boat ride and walking everywhere we had used most of the day and needed to head back to get showered up and ready for a fancy dinner at a very local joint.
But first…we met at Richard’s Bar next door to the restaurant. What a cool dive bar! I hope everyone knows calling a bar a dive bar is a compliment.
We popped over to La Scarola and I couldn’t have been more excited! THIS was exactly what I was wanting to do in Chicago – go to a REAL Italian restaurant! To me it was not decorated with all the bells and whistles but had a very authentic atmosphere. Very homey. I felt like it was a “family” place that doesn’t even have to advertise because the food speaks for itself. And it did!
We loaded up our table with wine and appetizers – we just sort of picked 5 or 6 dishes and shared them. Same for the entrees. Food was everywhere! Dishes covered the entire table and we had no problem mowing our way through it. Meatballs, Chicken Parm, Sausage and Peppers, Pasta, all the traditional dishes. It was just amazing. Kevin made sure to tell the waiter that “the gravy is good tonight!” The waiter loved it. We got such good service that I felt like we had our very own staff of 3 hovering around us to make sure we all had full glasses and plates. To top off the perfect dinner two desserts came (topped with candles) to celebrate Michael’s and Kevin’s 40th Birthdays. We got the whole back room to sing happy birthday with smiles all around. Such a perfect dinner with best friends!!
CHERRY BOMB
Bart, Regan, Jenny, Mike
Kevin, Dana, Amy, Brian, Bart
Being from Kentucky, everyone knows we love our Bourbon. Bart had planned ahead and took us to The Bluebird in Bucktown. Great place where Michael and the guys knew their way around the bourbon menu. Drinks were flowing and chatter filled the room. We still had a little left in us so we went for nightcaps at The Blueline Club Car Bar. Somehow or other (thanks Bart) we ended up with a jalapeño mojito? Or Martini? Something with jalapeños in it. Anyway it was certainly the topic of conversation as we passed it around to taste. It was really cool to sit and relax and watch the guys reminisce. They have been friends for such a long time that it was very, very special for them to all be together again. And I am so glad that I’ve become friends with my little brother’s crew. Such a great group of smart, funny, thoughtful, and classy guys. Oh, the wives are great, too – haha!
Sibling Weekend
Jenny, Mike, Dana
Mike, Bart, Brian, Kevin
Happy 40th Birthday!!
K. Dana Morris 