We arrived at our hotel Friday evening, checked in, and met the concierge named Romeo. I wished I had a name like Romeo...just for a moment. Up we went to the 18th floor, where we had an amazing view.
We heard of a french restaurant called "Everest," which intrigued us because it was our church theme in 2010. I called to check on dress code and parking and found out prices started at $90 per person. YIKES! So we chose not to climb. Instead, we made a reservation and "Wildfire." Great steaks!On Saturday, we hit the streets, heading towards Watertower Place to shop. We saw a street thug slammed to the sidewalk by 3 security guards. He asked us for help, but we refused.
Watertower place was fun...and huge. 8 floors of Macy's. The men's section is on the TOP FLOOR. All those escalators gave me motion sickness. I bought a pair of jeans. Lauren found some dynamite deals on clothes (on the 2nd floor), which made me happy.
We walked across the street to the Hancock Building and flew up to the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor for coffee, appetizers, and altitude. The view was great, but the conversation was better. We talked about the church, our kids, our future, etc. This is an easy place to lose track of time!We walked back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. On the way to the elevator, I noticed a few drops of blood on the lobby floor. Then the elevator door opened and there was a small puddle of blood inside. I told Lauren it would probably be best if we just said nothing to anybody (Then I thought it might be that street thug from earlier who probably got away...and was possibly hiding in our room...). We got ready and hit P.F. Changs for dinner (hard to beat!). Then we grabbed a cab and headed to Navy Pier to catch the movie, "Tron" on the Imax. What a rush! Great movie.
Sunday morning, we went to Harvest Chicago North, which met in a classy elementary school with a big theater. I think we were the oldest people in the room. We were so excited to see God at work in the heart of Chicago through Harvest.
After church, we went to the Museum of Science and Industry. It has been awhile since we visited this museum. We walked in through the space center. I decided I would never make it as an astronaut. I read how they trained the astronauts...something about kneeling on a chair that spins on 2 axis at once while blindfolded makes me...not want to do that in space.
We took the U-Boat tour. It was fascinating to learn how 60 men stayed out at sea for 90 days with only 2 bathrooms and 0 showers! The kitchen was smaller than an elevator.
After the Museum, we hit the road back home. The kids were glad to see us, and our regular awesome life resumed. Thanks for the gift Launch Team!
We are in agreement, Pastor Ryan. You better stay down here on earth. God needs you here!! Besides if you get motion sickness so easily it is obvious you were not meant to be an astronaut. Anyways you look kind of silly in the suit and head gear!! hee hee!!!
ReplyDeleteWe are blessed to have a terrific launch team that honored you and Lauren the way God would want us to. Thanks so much for your hard work and that of the launch team. Otherwise, we would not have such an awesome place to worship God and fellowship with such a loving church family!
Welcome back. It's good to get refreshed!
ReplyDeleteWe are so excited about the vision that God has given you for 2011! It's been more than a year since our first service at Harvest and we are grateful to be a part of what God is doing!