Fourth of July in Oak Park

July 2: We left for Oak Park after work, made pretty nice time, and, if I remember right, called it a night.

July 3: And then we woke up in Oak Park! Cornelius is getting more and more comfortable in my old home.

Started the day off with a nice Oak Park walk which culminated with a visit to The Daly Bagel.

And then the family gathered together and we got the L out of Oak Park and down to downtown to watch rehearsals for the 4th of July Concert.

Then we took a little walk through Millennium Park over to the Jollibee — well, let’s be honest, lots of things went pretty wrong at that Jollibee but when we finally had our food, well, let’s be honest, there’s no denying that it’s really good food. And now I’ve finally tried their spaghetti!

Then we went on over to the Art Institute to see what’s good right now. And it turns out there’s plenty! For starters: Raqib Law’s gigantic painting “Paradise Lost” — you can get real lost in this one.

Then there was the Gustave Caillebotte exhibit … seemed like a cool dude. Also, saw signs (literally) that the NASCAR race would be zooming by that weekend.

And then there’s all the other great Art Institute stuff!

Then we took the train back home again and a little later had our first Milly’s Pizza in the Pan pizza. Wow! What a gorgeous and tasty and exclusive pizza! (and then Emily took us on a walk to see something spooky)

July 4: Our Independence Day started off with a bang with an early morning trip downtown to walk along the lake towards or around Montrose Beach and environs. In all my Chicago days I’d never before been on a lakefront walk.

We got back to Oak Park just in time for one of the village’s greatest traditions … the Oak Park Fourth of July Parade!

After the parade I zipped up to Santa Masa Tamaleria with Mom to pick up lunch and boy were those tacos and tamales nice! Heavenly tamales, to be honest. And my first taste of green chorizo.

Here’s an unexpected 4th of July treat … NYC Buddy Jamar was in town with his family investigating Oak Park and stopped by to pay us a visit, too!

Relaxed a bit on the renovated sun porch while Cornelius tried to eat the plants.

This Fourth was our fortieth anniversary of having moved into the house so celebratory photos were taken, then hamburgers were eaten, and finally cake slices decorated.

And then, after night had fallen, it was time to go chase the fireworks (as Oak Park doesn’t host its own fireworks anymore. boooo!) Good thing we have the good people of Elmwood Park to keep us patriotic!

July 5: Up and at ‘em! Walked with Dad to the Farmer’s Market, got donuts and such, came home and soon hit the road and headed back to Columbus, just like that.