Chicago Get-Away Celebrating 7 Wonderful Years!

July 19, 2016

Barrett and I were in Port Aransas for the McWoodell beach trip on our actual anniversary, July 11. But we decided to skip gifts and go on a quick vacation with just the two of us to celebrate this year!

Well, we mostly decided to skip gifts! Ironically we each surprised the other with a small copper key chains, I got us books to read together, and he got me awesome copper-plated cups and a puzzle to do together- my gifts below!)

After considering many places, we decided on Chicago! So a few days after getting home from the beach, Barrett and I went on a quick getaway to the Windy City! We left very early on a Sunday morning and returned Tuesday late afternoon.

We landed in Chicago with just enough time to get to Ditka's and see the end of the US Open! We had the best booth right next to a big screen TV, amazing drinks (well my Bloody Mary was awesome!), and a delicious meal! Perfect start!!

This may be the most elaborate bloody mary I have ever had!!

Then we walked to our boat tour, where we got to learn a lot about the architects, styles, and history that have shaped the city! It was really interesting!

The weather was amazing- low 80s with a breeze!

Then we went back to our hotel to rest and get cleaned up before heading to the 360 Chicago Observation deck (formerly John Hancock Tower) for drinks in the lounge. The view was stunning- 95 floors up and our ears popped all the way up the elevator! The bar was not very impressive, but I guess the point was to look out, not down :)

This is the view from the lady's bathroom!! Everyone told me to make sure to go in there- now I know why!!

Then we had a delicious dinner at the Franklin Room.

Monday we woke up late (after 8 am!), and decided to go walking for several hours! We enjoyed the beautiful views, perfect weather, had a great lunch at a super cool club with a company Barrett does business with, and got the kids little gifts! It was so fun!

After another afternoon work meeting, Barrett and I headed to my first and his second Cubs game!!

Afterwards, we headed to Pequod's Pizza recommended by our friend Patrick. My first 'real' Chicago pizza, and it was unbelievable!!!! Worth the over hour long wait (just to MAKE the pizza! We sat at the bar because the wait to get a table was worse!).

Our last morning, we got up a little earlier and went for another long walk! There were a few touristy spots we wanted to check out!

Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park was our major destination! One of the biggest water fountains in the world- it was really cool! Barrett immediately remembered it from the opening credits of Married with Children! Haha!!

Then we got cleaned up, found a delicious sushi place by our hotel for lunch, and headed to the airport! Quick trip, but SO WONDERFUL to spend a few days with my amazing husband!

Meanwhile, back in Cedar Park, the kids had a very fun and full three days with Jaime (and thank you so much for all the pictures Jaime!)!

When they woke up on Sunday, we were already gone and Jaime was there. They knew that was going to be the case though, and she said they woke up happy and begging to go to church! Yay!