(Lin) Today we got to spend a lovely day in the Second City and on the Third Coast (Lake Michigan). After a lazy start (including runs along the lake for Jo, Lin, & Eden), we walked and scootered from our hotel down the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave — full of shops), across the Chicago River to the Bean, Millennium Park, and the new Maggie Daly Park and playground. Lunch was, of course, large Chicago dogs (mandatory toppings: tomatoes, onions, relish, pickles, mustard, hot peppers, and celery salt). Normal hot dogs are just not quite the same after having Chicago dogs — and I say that as someone who appreciates Rhode Island’s New York System Weiners (chili, onions, mustard)! After making our way back to the hotel, Eden and I swam in Lake Michigan while the others opted for the hotel swimming pool (boo…). For dinner, we got Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza to go and ate it on the waterfront. Mmmm. I have yet to find authentic Chicago deep dish on the east coast! We worked our way through the crowds around Navy Pier before opting to watch the fireworks from a bridge over the Chicago River. Happy 4th, everyone!

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