We took the 8:07 train downtown, and weaseled our way to the front row on Washington at Daley Plaza. Poor World Cup fans had booked the plaza earlier, but were positively engulfed by the parade audience. It was *hot*, but we played "soccer" with the south side of the street to kill time. Chicago's finest served as refs. ;)
Andy managed to miss much of the wait, or at least spend it in an air conditioned office. But he caught up to us in time for the festivities to begin. Here they come... can you see the ticker tape?
This, apparently, is Jonathan Toews' new ride. Makes me nostalgic for our Camaro!
The Budweiser Clydesdales were magnificent; Ellie was a big fan of the big horses, and the "fire dog" too.
Trolleys carrying Hawks families, I presume, preceded the team.
Here come the Hawks, the mighty Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks!
Our friends Versteeg and Niemi.
Bickell and Ladd, too.
Bolland, Hendry and Campbell (Soupy!)...
And a peek at Byfuglien's back. He was carrying the heavyweight belt later awarded to Kaner.
John Madden, who Andy covered at Michigan, was on the other side of the bus—thank goodness someone on this team is older than we are! Boynton, Burish and Hjalmarsson were on our side.
Keith was on the other side, too, but we waved to Seabrook and Brouwer.
The boys on this bus were just silly. 
But Patrick Sharp hung further back, taking it all in... or sneaking a snack.
Finally...
Behold, Lord Stanley's Cup! And the Conn Smythe Trophy, too.
Toews and Kane had the distinct honor. And we're honored to call ourselves Blackhawks fans.
As the Blackhawks' buses continued on their route toward the rally, fans rushed behind them. I heard an estimate of 3 million of us were there, and I believe it.
The view west on Washington.
All that waiting was worth it.
You know Andy's so happy to be raising two Hawks fans. ;)
Are we sure it was a ticker tape parade, not a tp parade? Check out Walgreens' awnings.
Yes, we were sober. :P 
The aftermath. Further west, we watched for a moment as the street cleaners danced in circles trying to contain the mess.
Before we headed for lunch (a Chipotle restaurant was opened in my old office building after I left—for better or worse), we had to check out the red fountain in the plaza. It was red for the Hawks, but there was something kind of creepy about it. I vant to drink your Kool-Aid!
Remember it well, kiddos. We may be back next year... and/or you may be bringing your own kids someday!
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