Thursday, July 21, 2011

Crashing Gigi Camp


Every summer Gigi hosts her grandchildren for a few sessions of Gigi Camp, which feature various arts & crafts projects, movies, museums and Papa driving us to those places.
A few days after my Gigi Camp session, Dad and I decided to crash my cousin's last one of the summer, so on a beautiful- albeit too hot- July morning we hit the bus and headed for the Brown Line, which would take us to our first stop, The Sears (ne' Willis) Tower. This was my first visit to the tallest building in North America and my Dad's first visit in longer than he could remember. There's plenty to look at and learn from on the way to the Skydeck and it goes without saying the view from thousands of feet above Chicago is stunning, especially from the new Ledge that seemingly floats outside of the skyscraper.
After our sky high trip, Gigi, the girls, Aunt Lori, Dad and I headed to Navy Pier via water taxi, another first for me and also for my Dad, who can't say enough about the perspective of Chicago from the Chicago River. At Navy Pier, we had a nice lunch at Riva, then headed to see Pinocchio at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. I liked the play and it's songs and Dad found the seat very comfortable.
When the play ended we said our goodbyes and headed the bus back home. Not surprisingly I fell asleep and Dad got to carry me the three blocks home in the heat and humidity. I have it pretty great sometimes.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Pitchfork Music Festival - Take 5


Mid-July means the annual Pitchfork Music Festival and this year's was the fifth I've attended or so I'm told. I can't recall, although I have seen pictures of past ones I've been to. This year, thanks to my friend Megan, I was on the VIP list and got my own wristband and laminant.
After I said hello to a few people, my first stop was the Ice Cream Man for some free ice cream, which I ate on Dad's shoulders while watching The Dismemberment Plan. Then we headed to see Twin Shadow, where I scored some nice balloons. We ended the night hanging out backstage listening to the music in the distance and playing with friends. Before heading home, I ate a hot dog and even more ice cream, then checked out some random spotlights on the way to the car.
Next up Lollapalooza.