Sunday started simply with a light breakfast in our room followed by Mass at St. Julie Billiart Church.
It was such a modern church that we almost passed it. The altar was in the center of the church and pews formed a horseshoe shape around it. The stained glass was lovely.
Our main goals for Sunday were Mass, visiting the pier and getting in two more fantastic meals. We decided to seek out some geocaches on our way. We found four on our drive from Tinley Park back to Chicago and in the larger ones we left a little shell face along with our signature in the logs. Miss Caroline gave them to us for that purpose.
We knew we were going to try to head home on the early side from Chicago so we shifted our meals to try to get into lunch before the rush. We forgot it was Sunday and in big city, that means brunch! We chose Chicago Waffles for lunch.
The menu was extensive and featured both sweet and savory options. Clockwise from top left, Cajun Tilapia Salad, Cheddar and Short Rib Waffles, Mexican Skillet and Chocolate Waffles with Strawberry Ice Cream. I bet you can guess who had what. This was another restaurant with such a diverse menu that we would like to return again.
After lunch we headed downtown to the Navy Pier. Originally we were going to ride the Ferris wheel but it was rather nippy and the chill in the air made the idea less than appealing. Instead, we wandered through the shops and people watched. We stumbled upon a funhouse maze which the kids really wanted to do. I hesitated at first to fork over the admission fee but in the end decided to let them get wristbands for the three attractions. It turned out to be the best deal of the day. The boys were so excited about navigating their way through the maze and then racing through in record time. It was a lot of fun to time them to see if they could make a personal best.
In the giant greenhouse, we admired the fountains and the lush greenery. Then it was time to head off for dinner at a Chicago landmark for deep dish pizza. There are a number of recommended places for best pizza and we chose Giordano’s. We got there early enough to be seated right away, ordered an Italian Special pizza, a meatball sub for Mason, a chopped salad for Bill and then proceeded to wait 45 minutes for it to be served. Thankfully, we knew to expect that because it was worth every minute. Walker and I shared the pizza topped with sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions and garlic. YUM! We managed to save one piece for my lunch on Monday.
Our drive home was smooth and uneventful. We made great time and were tucked in bed by midnight. We are already talking about what we will do on the next visit there.
Love the pictures. Mason looks so different with his hair growing out.