Chicago for the 4th of July!

We got to go up and visit Paul's folks for the 4th of July.  It was one of the HOTTEST weeks of the year, but we lived to tell the tale, thanks mostly to a box-a.c. that kept our room at a cool 79 degrees and a new car that is a JOY to ride in regardless of the temperature outside.  :)  MORE importantly, it was wonderful to catch up with them for no reason other than to visit.  :)

We traveled up there on the 4th of July, and other than unwinding while listening to the fireworks go off around the neighborhood, we didn't really celebrate in any other way.  It was over 110 degrees with the heat index, so it really was too hot to do anything.

Here are some pictures of our short (a couple of days) trip:

Chicago, off in the distance

Paul teaches Paulette how to use the iPod

Not pictured: a picnic on the bed, enjoying the air conditioning and good pita and kebabs.  :)

One of the many pretty fountains at Old Orchard (an outdoor mall)

Making a wish!

Saw this movie.  It was awesome.

My in-law's living room.  Someday our place will look this nice.  :)

Little Quiapo, a favorite Filipino restaurant in Chicago (off of Lincoln and McCormick)

Gotta have the buffet look like a jeepney, for sure!

And what Filipino restaurant could stay in business without lechon?

My first plate--pancit, lumpia, rice, adobo, and some strange meatloaf

My second plate--more lumpia, pork skewers, mango gelatin, something resembling ube, and a coconut/sweet corn gelatin thingy that was surprisingly good.

It was a short trip, but a fun one.  :)  Thanks, Tony and Paulette, for letting us stay with you for a few days!  Getting out of the house alone was worth it, but getting to visit with you was even better!