Downtown Chicago

We made our 2nd annual trip into downtown Chicago to see the Christmas lights a week or two before. We took the train into downtown, then a taxi to Macy's on State Street. Macy's (formerly Marshall Field's) on State is so beautiful a building in and of itself, but when it's decorated for Christmas there's nothing else like it. And that's not to mention the general excitement of the busy Christmas shoppers and beautiful lights and decorations all over the city.

We were most happy to discover Rick Bayless' Frontera Fresco cafe on the 7th floor food court. I have literally been thinking of that place every day since. (We liked it so much after having lunch that we went back a few hours later for dinner.) All I have to say is this: Cochinita Pibil fresco tacos. Get them.

We were also able to spend some time at the American Girl store and the Lego store at Water Tower Place. FUN! I'm pretty sure I enjoyed the American Girl store more than Sophie did (she preferred the Legos) although we did manage to pick out some really good AG books about Kit and Samantha.

Christmas Day and Holiday Party

Sophie woke up around 7:30 or 8 Christmas morning and found Santa had left presents under the tree for her. She practically screamed with excitement as she alerted us so that we could escort her downstairs for the opening.



Santa brought her what she asked for - a robotic interactive Penbo penguin - and a few other things...




And in January, we attended Frank's company's holiday party.





Sophie had a fantastic time, spending most of the evening on the dance floor with anyone who would "dance" with her. My feet were killing me but at least my shoes looked great.

I looked like a bloated washed-up seal carcass but Frank and Sophie looked nice.

Christmas 2011

Halloween