Chicago

 A few weeks ago Chad and I took a trip to Chicago to see our beloved Pearl Jam play at Wrigley Field.  We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to go on these trips thanks to grandparents who come to keep Eli and the dogs.  Thanks, Mom!

We went with some of our closest friends (and fellow PJ followers) Robert and Mandy.  The four of us have been on some great trips to see Pearl Jam.

On Thursday, we hopped on the plane and were Chicago bound.  We've discovered this awesome direct flight from Branson to Chicago.  I have a feeling we will be visiting Chicago again thanks to this easy, cheap  flight!

We got into Chi-town late on Thursday so we weren't able to do anything that day.  The next morning we woke up, grabbed coffee and took the train to Wrigley Field.  We like to get a poster from the shows we attend and of course shirts too.  We went to Wrigley that morning to get these things.  The lines were ridiculously long and it was hot.  We waited for an hour and half and got nowhere.  Chad and I decided to get out of line and say forget it.  Friday was our only day to see Chicago and we had the concert that night.  Plus we were starving and wanted some Chicago style pizza!

We got our tickets and headed back downtown to eat lunch.

I had been researching pizza places and asking friends for over a week!  Since we really only had one time to eat a decent meal I wanted it to be good!  So we chose this place...

There was a wait when we got there but it really wasn't too bad.  We were able to grab a seat so we didn't have to stand.  They have it figured out at Giordano's too.  When you put your name on the list you place your pizza order too.  That way when your table is ready your pizza is ready or at least close to being ready.  It takes 45 minutes for them to bake a pizza!

  But I have to say it's worth the 45 minute wait!  The pizza was delicious!  I've always heard  Chicago's deep dish pizza is like none other.  But I have to give some credit to our local Chicago style pizza joint, Gusano's.  We like Gusano's better!  Gasp!  Maybe it's because that's what we are used to?  I don't know.  But both are tasty.

 It's concert time!

When the doors opened we decided to go on in the stadium and hang out.  After all the waiting in lines and coming away with no merchandise earlier that day, there was a merchandise booth on the field.  We had heard rumors it would be there but we weren't positive.  You could only get on the field if you had field tickets so that cut down the lines.  After 15 minutes we had our posters, t shirts, etc and were happy, happy, happy :)

 

Evidently this wall is a big deal... The Ivy Wall.  I had no clue what it was and had definitely never heard anything about it. But Chad wanted his picture in front of it.

We settled in our seats for a historical show from Pearl Jam.  You see, Eddie Vedder is from Chicago.  He's a huge Cubs fan.  He and the band have always wanted to play at Wrigley, so we knew when they finally did it would be one for the books.  We just weren't expecting it to happen this way...

There had been bad weather forecasted for the area.  The show started at 8:15.  After about 30 minutes into the show they announced severe weather was headed straight for us.  They were evacuating all the people on the field to under the bleachers.  Can you see how many people are on that field (and that's not even the entire field)?????  And we are in the sea of people.  They said it would only last for 30 minutes and then the show would resume.  2 1/2 hours later we were allowed back on the field.  Pearl Jam played until 2:00am!

We got back to our hotel at 3:30am.  We woke up the next morning and went to eat breakfast.  The heat had moved out and the weather was perfect!

Our trip was short but we loved Chicago!

We will definitely be back when we can stay longer!