Earlier this fall, I was lucky enough to spend the weekend in Chicago with my family. We were celebrating an important milestone: my grandma’s birthday!

Josh even made time for us!

But it wasn’t just my immediate family. My cousins, aunts and uncle all wanted to be part of the celebration too!

Which was awesome, because they’re really fun!

Since it was a beautiful day, we decided to spend it outside at Navy Pier, one of Chicago’s most famous landmarks. It was originally built to dock passenger and freight ships, and has since morphed into a popular location for performances, restaurants and shops.

In the summer, Navy Pier becomes very crowded and touristy. So autumn is the best time to visit, when the air is crisp and there are much less people.

What is the number one thing that you have to do while at Navy Pier?

Ride on its famous Ferris Wheel of course!

In fact, the first Ferris Wheel ever was built in Chicago in 1893! I may have convinced one of my cousins that this was the exact same one. But don’t worry cousin, I’m sure it’s sturdy!

We got our tickets and got on board (with our drinks, because we’re Irish).

The views from the Ferris Wheel are stunning, and a great way to see Chicago from above.

Yep. It was a fun ride.

The other Navy Pier activity that I recommend is riding on a Shoreline Sightseeing boat. It’s a fabulous way to see the Chicago skyline in its glory, from the waters of Lake Michigan.

This is how my family does boat tours:

It was a beautiful day to be out on the water.

It was so beautiful, in fact, that we couldn’t stop taking pictures. See, it’s a family trait!

It was so nice spending time together again.

My family is fun.

To find out more information on visiting Chicago’s Navy Pier, click here.

Happy birthday grandma!

~A