Chicago Electric Boat Co.

For his birthday Ryan received a boat rental from Chicago Electric Boat Company for a party of 10.  He scheduled the cruise for last night and graciously invited Jason, Will and me along for the boat cruise and dinner on board. It was a beautiful evening, and not too hot as we were moving.  We were sticking to the vinyl boat seats though!  We boarded not too far from my office, so I just walked over to meet the group, including my two driving in from the suburbs. 

Our ride for the evening

 Our captain

 Our curious preschooler checking out debris in the North Branch of the river

 Ryan brought a delicious selection of gourmet sandwiches, wine, fruit and chocolates for dinner.  Will loved the chocolate covered almonds and the caramels.  He just picked at his pretty sandwich, of course.

 Shields family after Will's outfit change:  we brought his Puddle Jumper (a Coast Guard approved floation device!) in case the life jacket on board didn't fit.  It fit but he didn't like it.  He also borrowed Ryan's hat.

 Moving north to south on the North Branch

 We saw several instances of transportation overload.  In the same view we could see boat, bike, cars, subway train and commuter train!  Too bad a plane wasn't overhead!  In this picture an El train is crossing the bridge.  The tall black building in the back is the Willis (Sears) Tower.

 At the end of the night, Will asked if he could drive the boat. He took his responsibility very seriously.  Here he's helping Ryan's friend, Wade, captain the vessel.  Ryan and Emilie also took turns driving, but I just enjoyed sitting and watching!