Chicago, Chicago!

We had our first Hubei Reunion in Chicago! It has been 8+ months since most of us had seen one another. Our flight in was uneventful, but that was not the case with Laura & Annslee. A cancelled flight and an unexpected delay with a 21 month old was a bit trying. But, Laura as usual took it all in stride. She arrived a day later than expected on a different airline looking like it was a normal occurence. All the delays were worth it, though.

We hung out the first evening. The next morning we headed off to tour the city. We spent time in Union Station and then tackled the Navy Pier. It was hot! I thought Florida could be hot, but this was hotter! Lots and lots of sweat! The Sears Tower was our next stop. It is beautiful on the 105th floor, but there is a certain anxiety about feeling the building sway ever so slightly.

We thought we would hop on a train back to the hotel, but that turned out to be another adventure. After using the Metro in DC, the trains in Chicago were a bit disappointing. In DC if you missed a train it was no problem as another one was just minutes behind. In Chi Town, if you miss a train, it is a couple of HOURS before the next train on the weekends. But, alas, we made it back to the hotel on the last train out of downtown.

The next morning Patty & Liana had to leave and so did we. The rest of the crew (the Wares & the Maddens) headed to China Town. They said the food was great and they had a great time soaking up the culture.

We had no issues getting home, but that was not the case with the Wares. (Glad we left early...) Their flight home to Tennessee was cancelled. Flights cancelled twice in one weekend trip? That has to be a record of some kind. Anyway, after renting a car, taking on a couple of stranded fellow Tennesseeans (is that a word?), and a most unhappy Annslee, they made it home.

We are looking forward to the next time when we can get together with our extended Hubei family. The 5 year reunion is set for Disney World and the 10 year reunion is a return visit to China for the girls to reconnect with their home country.