Visiting Northwestern University...

Veronica was very excited about visiting Northwestern University as she’d already ranked it as her top choice before we’d even arrived. After visiting all seven colleges, Northwestern was still at the top of her list and she’s since decided that she will apply for Early Decision.

The views of Lake Michigan were gorgeous!

While Veronica took an environmental science class, Jimmy and I visited Block Museum of Art, which is on campus. Afterwards, we visited with a professor for a tour of his labs. After 1.5 hours of barely understanding a word, I begged off to join Ashlynn at the hotel; how impressive that a professor would take two hours of his time to talk with a prospective student about research opportunities.

I was originally nervous about the idea of Veronica going to college in Chicago because of the high crime rate, but fell in love with the school and the charming college town of Evanston. We felt it was safe enough that Ashlynn went to a movie and shopping by herself.

Millennium Park in Chicago with Dru...

We had a very early flight to Chicago. We opted to stay in Evanston for convenience getting to Northwestern. We planned to meet Dru, who I served with on the AWC Board for two years; her brother generously offered to pick us up to bring us to meet her at Millennium Park. Little Leah was an angel while we took a ridiculous number of photos of the Cloud Gate, otherwise known as “The Bean.”

I must confess that the below two photos were taken by Veronica, who has a better sense of composition than I do. 

Afterwards, Dru led us down Michigan Avenue, otherwise known as “The Magnificent Mile,” to Lake Michigan. It was great that she could join us for dinner at the infamous Pizzeria Uno, original home of the Chicago deep dish pizza. We did a little shopping, then caught a train back to Evanston.

Final Afternoon in NYC...

Jimmy and Ashlynn got up early to go on a major run across Manhattan to watch the city wake up. It was the longest run Ashlynn had ever been on and she loved it!

We spent much of our final afternoon in NYC shopping. Of course, Veronica still had her camera along.

We got a bit soaked when an afternoon storm blew through. We had an early flight the next morning, so we had a relaxing evening with a picnic at our apartment with Peter and Sophie.

Veronica’s NYC Night Shots...

Veronica captured some very cool shots, including this reflection of the Empire State Building,...

...several shots of and from the Brooklyn Bridge...

...and, of course, Times Square.

Veronica & Jimmy at Night...

After a delicious Chinese dinner with Peter, Sophie and the boys, Veronica and Jimmy set off on a photo safari. Here they are on the Brooklyn Bridge.

And here is their selfie from Times Square.

Veronica also posed with Woody and a surprisingly short Buzz Lightyear in Times Square.

Ashlynn and I also made our way to Times Square that evening, but never ran into Veronica and Jimmy. We did a little shopping and were amazed that it was crowded enough at H&M at midnight that we actually had to stand in line for the dressing rooms.

Veronica Photographs Peter’s Family...

We really enjoyed meeting Sophie and the boys, which also includes 10-year-old Luca. It was so nice to see for ourselves that Peter is truly happy. I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive about taking the family out for dinner, but the boys were really well behaved and we all had a great time.

Hanging Out with Peter...

After our college visits, we met back up with Peter at Sophie’s apartment. Little 3-year-old Alessandro was adorable as he put on a fashion show for Ashlynn by modeling each of his dress-up outfits.

Peter and Sophie are starting a natural fruit juice business together. We drank some of their creations, but started the evening with a bottle of bubbly.

Eight-year-old Iain enjoyed climbing a tree in Washington Square Park with Veronica after she photographed his family to thank them for hosting us.