Sanger Cruiser Travel Log: February 3rd Brad's Graduation Day

It seemed like the alarm went off as soon as we closed our eyes. We quickly got ready and headed to the Naval Recruit Training Command Center. Since the area where graduation is held is only used for graduation, going through security went very quickly. Once we got parked we headed to the end of the line of people. I was glad that they let us walk through the Navy Museum instead of standing and waiting in line outside in the freezing cold.

They had some great displays of what happens while attending the Training Command Center.

State Flag Presentation

Graduation was great to watch with all the pomp and circumstance.

Brads Division

As soon as the sailors were released for liberty people tore out of the bleachers and ran to their sailor.

Brad & Christine happy to be reunited.

Amanda & I wanted to give the lovebirds some alone time so we headed to Costco which just happened to be right down the street from where we were staying.

We then all jumped in the car and headed to Chicago. It was good to see that some things never change. Put Brad in a moving vehicle and he falls right to sleep.

We parked at the Navy Pier and headed out to see Chicago and find some pizza. It was a little weird because there was no one else around except for the occasional sailor and their family.

We had fun with the Fun Maze mirrors.

Amanda was a little upset that Ben & Jerry's was closed.

We had some fun walking through the park.

We walked the streets of Chicago in search of pizza. It kind of reminded me of the strudel search but we didn't climb any hills nor laugh as much.

It is nice to see the old buildings next to the new buildings, but I am not sure I would be going out on the fire escape of the old brick building.

We had asked some local people about where to go for some great Chicago deep style pizza and they directed us to Gino's East Pizzeria.

The atmosphere inside was really fun. The walls are covered in graffiti and signed pictures of famous people who have eaten there.

The best part is that Brad got what he wanted and Christine was able to get a gluten free pizza too.

So with leftovers in hand we headed back to the car.

The girls were so excited to get some warm air that was coming up from the underground vent they did a happy dance.

It was time to head back so we had to pay for the parking at a kiosk on Navy Pier. Can you believe it costs $18.00? I know for some people that doesn't seem bad, but where we live you don't usually have to pay for parking.

Trying to get out of downtown Chicago at 5:00 was a little harry but we made it and were able to go back to the hotel for about an hour before taking Brad back to the base. I am glad we were able to see Brad graduate and to spend some time with him but the time went very quickly. I am very proud of Brad and hope this is the beginning of a great opportunity for him and Christine.