Max Borchardt's Awesome Adventures: Late summer trip: Moline, Chicago, and Grandma's Up North House

Our yearly trip to Northern Wisconsin took a few detours this year, including visiting John Deere in Moline, IL, visiting the city in Chicago, visiting my friend Krissy in Lake Barrington, IL, and then finally going up to Lac du Flambeau for some time on the lake. Here are the pictures! Enjoy!

In Davenport/Moline, we ate a pizza place called Happy Joe's. Max thought it was funny, but the picture looked nothing like Grandpa Joe.

The next morning, we went to the John Deere Pavillion for kid's day. Basically, it's a lot of machinery for viewing and a few kids activities. Truth be told, the Kansas State Fair is way better if that's what you're looking for. But it was a nice stop, and Max had fun.

His favorite part, as one may expect, was driving the mini-Gator around the track. He did pretty well, I believe!

Sowing seeds.

Harvesting Corn

Milking cows.

After spending the morning at John Deere, we headed into the city. I must say, Paul must've sweet talked the hotel, because the Club Quarters on Wacker gave us quite the view. Max and I both said WOW when we opened the curtains.

Seeing the train, boats, taxis, buses, cars, and planes all at once. Oh, and some great buildings, too!
Dream come true for that little guy.

After checking in, we explored immediately.

Took a water taxi to Union Station so Max could see from whence the Empire Builder departs.

Bean meeting Bean.

Every Bean picture is practically a selfie. Ha!

We explored the park, then after a break, headed out for dinner by the river and then fireworks on Navy Pier! Max did a great job walking, taking buses, and enjoying the city. He surprised both of us with his ability to handle it all.

Watching the boats come in off the lake.
For a fun time, ask Max about the party boat.

That's how you do a Chicago Dog!

At the pier, waiting for the fireworks.

Crazy, happy kiddo!

Happy mom and kid!

(Side note: the benefit of Paul's having an iPhone is that he takes pictures with me in them, proving I am there.)

The next day, we visited The Field Museum, The Museum of Science and Industry, rode the train, and took a boat ride on Lake Michigan.

Pretty much all Max wanted to see at the Field were the dinos. So that's fine.

Maxasaurus met Tyrannosaurus Sue.

He enjoyed the train parts of Science and Industry, and some of the other pieces, but he thought it was a little loud.

Picked up some Trader Joe's and headed back to the hotel on the train. He was eating up his city-boy experience!

After dinner and some downtime, we went back to the pier for a boat ride.

Sunset on the boy in the city.

Waving at Uncle Phil on the other side of the lake in Michigan.

Beware of pirates!

Even after all of that, Max still wanted to do more. So we took the bus over to Buckingham Fountain for some music and lights!

"Love and marriage, love and marriage..."

Night view from the hotel.

Before heading north the next morning, we stopped over at Marina Towers so that Max could go to the rooftop and see the city. So up to the 61st floor and up the steps to the rooftop we went.
Some members of the family enjoy this more than others.

Going from way down here...

To way up here.

Not a fan. But I did it.

We tried for a cute family picture. We really tried.

Proof that I got close to the edge.

Cute Chicago pic - from 61 floors up.

Wisconsin, ho!
After stopping in Lake Barrington to see Krissy, Emma, Chase, and Peyton, we continued north.

Max, having recently read the story of Paul Bunyan, had to go to breakfast at Paul Bunyan's!

Babe horns.

Mocking Grandpa Joe by eating a Paul Bunyan's donut. Yummmm!

It was cooler this year than last, so we didn't spend as much time in the water, but still did tons of stuff including taking in the water ski show, a boat show, pontoon rides, and fishing.