Family Photos: Strolling Along the Lakefront

From hanging with dinosaurs to strolling along the lakefront…all in the same day!!

I’m excited to share the second part of my fun birthday extravaganza! After we ate lunch in the museum (and, let’s be honest, got over the shock of seeing SUE…), we opted for a little change of scenery in the form of fresh air and the breezy summer afternoon!!!

My mom is always talking about wanting to “go to the water” and over the years, it’s become a need for her. She finds it incredibly calming, especially during the times when our lives felt so chaotic, and you could literally see the smile form across her face the second we caught the first glimpse of Lake Michigan.

Not to mention, how perfectly was she dressed for the beach-walking occasion? She made the above pic her profile photo on Facebook and I commented, “You’re a beautiful nautical princess!!!!!” I don’t know why, but she just rolled her eyes in response and told me not to be weird. Maybe she didn’t like my compliment?

Anyway, it was fun to see my mom and sister frolic down the beach. Sadly, it wasn’t handicapped accessible, so I followed along on the sidewalk — and even managed to make like the paparazzi and get Janelle in a photo.

And, I’m usually a horrible photographer, but I’m actually proud of the way my pics turned out. Do you recognize that triangle-shaped building? You might remember it from a scene in Adventures In Babysitting, that seminal ’80s classic — a film that I’ve seen hundreds of times and it never, ever gets old.

Of course, you know I just couldn’t resist capturing that good old wind-swept look! And it was, indeed, VERY windy by the water! #HelloWindyCity

If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: There is absolutely nothing like summer in the city! The lights. The sounds. The energy. The exuberant fanfare. Plus, we have such wonderful memories of our time there when I was a child, despite all the hard surgeries. Honestly, going there sort of feels like going home in a way, you know? It’s almost like I can feel that former life wash over me, wrapping me up in comfort and love. It’s a really calming, peaceful feeling, which made for a wonderfully full, family-filled day!

Speaking of family, guess what?? The lovely mom wrote the first of three blog posts about her European adventure! Look for her thoughts on Paris tomorrow!!! She has some great stories and photos!!! xoxo