Chicago!

For the first time since our honeymoon, Jeff and I took a trip alone together. We've had one-night getaways and nights alone at home without kids, but this was a real vacation... a plane flight and consecutive nights in a hotel! Neither of us had ever been to Chicago, so when the opportunity came to go to a wedding there, we decided to make a long-weekend out of it!

Of course, my first picture was on the Subway, the "Logan Street" stop!

Our hotel, right on Michigan=Perfect location!

We arrived on a Thursday afternoon and decided to just take in a nice, unplanned order of events! (Not something we are able to do often since with kids, a plan is almost always required!).

First stop: Chicago Style Pizza!

Then, in an effort to find a movie theater (because everyone goes to Chicago to see a movie, right?) we passed the Lego store and couldn't help but think of how much Logan would have LOVED this place!

We did indeed find a movie theater and saw Contagion! I know, just what you thought we'd choose to do in Chicago, right?!?!

Day 2 was an adventure! We had plans to go down to the Shed Aquarium, Soldier Field and the Field Museum area, and just kind of take our day in stride. See this bus???

Yeah, it's the bus (#146) that takes you there and it was impossible to find! We were reading the maps and then walking, checking them again and walking some more... but by the time we got on one, it took us the last few blocks to the places we wanted to get. I took a picture to prove it even existed! :-)

Good news, on that walking trip, we found...

Oh so Yummo!

But we did indeed make it to the Aquarium and again, I really couldn't help but think of how much Logan would have loved this!

Most of these pictures were for showing Logan what we did, and made me wish I had a fabulous camera!!!

The Beluga Whales

Sea Lion

The Dolphins

Touching a starfish

Never knew there were so many kinds of penguins!

Then came the jellyfish exhibit... boy was God creative!!!

Other cool sea things we got to see and enjoy!

Ryan's favorite... "MeeeMo!"

 

Enjoying a little lunch... just the two of us... no high chairs or food being thrown! :-)

I felt like we were kids... seeing a 3D movie.

Chicago Skyline, outside the Aquarium

The tourist shot!

Soldier Field

The Field Museum

The evening brought wind and cold, but it was such a nice relief to our Texas heat that we took in a windy walk to the Navy Pier! Spend the whole day looking at all the greatness of creatures that live under the sea, and then take in seafood for dinner! Makes total sense to me!!!

Bubba Gump's -- Yummo!

Waiting for our table...

I love this man!

Clever restaurant "bits"

Ping Pong Paddle menus...

If you don't need the waiter...

If you would like some service....

And the sign I was facing immediately made me think of my Grandpa!

Saturday we said goodbye to the city and hello to the suburbs! Such a beautiful place... Wheaton, Illinois! We got a rental care and made our way out for Parker's wedding. I coached and babysat Parker when I was in high school and have stayed connected to the Garys throughout the years. Parker sang in my wedding, and though she didn't ask for me to return that favor (I'm not sure why?), I really didn't want to miss this celebration! 

Father of the Bride

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Nelson

 

 One of the few families in TX that have been like family to me over the years!

 Andrew and Parker

 What a great night and a great way to wrap our little getaway! Thanks so much to the Garys for having a wedding in Illinois and giving us a great reason to take time away together!

**Gotta say a BIG thanks to both sets of grandparents here! We split the boys up for the 3 1/2 days and are so thankful to have known they were in such good care while we were gone! We missed Logan's first soccer game (pictures to come) but Grandma and Grandpa got him there and texted updates throughout! So blessed to have the parents (Grandma, Grandpa, Grana and Papa) we've been given!