7/3/2009 - Chicago's Independence Eve Fireworks

For the second year in a row, Sharon and I viewed the Chicago Independence Eve Fireworks Show (associated with the Taste of Chicago) from the Museum Campus. The fireworks show -- along with the beautiful skyline -- did not disappoint. The lake breeze brought the firework smoke across Grant Park and the lakefront, making for an eerie view of the city. Below are some pics, which you can click on individually to enlarge a bit. I've actually got the entire display on HD video, but I'm unsure of an easy way to upload it. Instead, I'll provide a lower resolution, sped up version below. Enjoy!

7/2/2009 - Cubs vs. Brewers

After living in northern Illinois for four years, Sharon and I thought it was about time we went to check out a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. So, I StubHub'd some nosebleeds, pricelined a River North hotel, and we made a weekend of it. We picked a great evening to go -- the weather was perfect and the Cubs bats were working. In fact, we got to witness a Derek Lee grand slam. The Cubs won 9-5. Below are some pics from Wrigley, as well as a few views along the Chicago River the next day.

Box Score for 7/2/2009

The infamous rooftops of Wrigley.

View from our seats.

View from left field.

The ballpark has great character, though missing the fancy scoreboards most parks have these days (my eyes had a tough time seeing the center field scoreboard).

Lights of Wrigley -- turned on finally in 1988.

Trump, Wrigley, and Wabash.

Contrasts in architecture.

Kayakers take to the Chicago River -- man-made -- canyon.

The various angels of the Wrigley Building.