My kind of town, Chicago is...

I will bring my camera to record this event.

And I will bring my camera to record this recorded event?

SheW - can you ask me to hug someone for you please, I can do that!!!!!!!

There's still time to book a flight.

Any need for a sweater or light jacket for the evenings?

That's probably a good idea. You never know about the weather around here. JPB and I were at Grant Park for a showing of Psycho and it got a bit nippy after the sun went down -- and that was only two days after it was 100 degrees.

Thanks, joe, that's helpful because of my limit is packing a carry-on, and trying to pack lite.

Put me in the probably not category, Joe. It's looking less and less likely that I'll be able to make it. I hope to be able to hook up with Rockhead and Izzie somewhere between here and there, though.

Can somebody in Chicago give us a venue, date and time so we can at least get the first meet going?

Ok -- let's start making a specific plan for first meetup on Friday. It's a work day for the locals so perhaps wandel, garg, and joe could meet for lunch. The CAF tours leave the dock every half hour so we could pick a time for advance tickets or take our chances on availability. I'd suggest the 2:00 or 2:30 for advance purchase if we want to go that route. http://www.architecture.org/tour_view.aspx?TourID=8

I know joe is planning on a evening event with ci (at least). I'll ask Iz about doing a full day on Friday or if she'd rather call it a day after the boat tour.

Then, on Saturday, we move downtown for the weekend and will be available for whatever comes along. I hope to spend some time at Navy Pier with S-boy and whoever else wants to do that. Our hotel package comes with NP coupons for the rides. Weather permitting, I'm thinking of doing that on Sunday.

I still don't have definite plans from dev but I think she'll be joining us on Sat/Sun.

First meet on Friday will be at 11:45 for lunch at ____________ (I open for suggestions)

Thanks, JPB. If you get the boat tour tickets, I can reimburse you; that way we're sure to have reservations and the same time for departure. Navy pier sounds fine with me, and I don't mind browsing around looking at all the different vendors while you enjoy the rides. 11:45am for lunch is okay with me!

I will be there at 11:45 sharp, no matter where. The others can decide. Thanks again for your work on this, JPB!

Wish I could be there, but my son needs some help with his house and I'm going to go up there instead. Have a great time everyone! Take lots of pictures, c.i.!

I intend to bring my camera to take lot'sa pictures.

Good. Then I can be there, vicariously.

Still time to hop a plane, McT.

Now that would be a surprise for Miz Izz!

joe? thoughts and/or preferences? garg isn't able to join us for lunch on Friday but will be back in town and available for lunch on Monday. We'll be downtown through Monday lunch and head back to the suburbs. I haven't heard back from map. I'd like to keep it "American" for S-boy's sake.

Are you still thinking of a fish fry for Friday's dinner? If not then South Water Kitchen has a "Wisconsin Fish Fry" as it's Friday lunch special. menu (pdf) If so we can find someplace else that's burger friendly.

Isn't south water kitchen where we had lunch once? That was several years ago.

Yes. The locals have met there once or twice since then. We've also met at the Mexican place where you joined us, as well as Heaven on Seven (cajun-creole), and a number of burger/sandwich places in the south loop. I'm open to any place that has a kid-friendly menu. I mentioned SWK only because of their Friday fish fry.

ci -- remind me of your travel schedule... You're here through Monday, yes?