Exploring Chicago

The last two days that we were in Chicago we stayed with some friends of Kim and Evan. Matt and Jessica were the best hosts you could imagine. They live right outside the city and they couldn't have been nicer. They cooked dinner for us each night and woke up early to make us breakfast before out flight home. Matt helped us navigate the city by mapping out where we should go and which bus, train and road we should take the night before. We were able to wonder all around Chicago with out getting lost. We went to all the free places we could think of which included the Chicago History Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo. I don't remember the last time I went any where like that with out a group of kids in matching red t-shirts. It was kind of fun to go as adults!! : )

Of course Josh wanted to check out the reptile exhibit... he was loving it!

"Hey Everybody... Harry Carey Here!!"

One of my favorite things we saw, the huge Weber Grill out side the Weber Grill Restaurant. Everything is cooked on Weber Grills here. The traditional Weber Grill is all my dad and grandpa used so it holds a special place in my heart! : )

Across from Hotel 71 is the Trump building. As fans of The Apprentice and of course the DT himself... we decided we wanted to go and check it out. It's a beautiful building with hotel rooms and condos. There are door men there that carry your bags for you wearing white gloves. We tried to blend in just a little bit and went up to check out the view from the lounge. It was a great view of Navy Pier and we could see a clear view of Hotel 71's penthouse where we were the night before for the reception. Drinks were a little pricey so we didn't stay but it was fun to pretend we belonged there for just a few minutes.

We had an awesome time in Chicago and we can't wait to go back... who knows when that will be but still!! : )

The Wedding

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Hot Chocolate

Jackson had found this little restaurant on another Chicago trip and just had to take us there. It was super delicious! The menu had everything from gourmet hamburgers to fancy Macaroni and cheese. The food was excellent and so was the hot chocolate!!

Homemade marshmallows... soooo good!

Room with a view

This is the view from the room where we all stayed.

Looking down from 34 floors up.

Chicago Adventures part I

Jackson and Melissa are officially our wedding/travel buddies. We have flown to at least 3 different weddings together and been to many local weddings together as well. Being travel buddies actually makes the weddings more fun and memorable plus even though we live like 10 minutes from each other we hardly see each other because life is so busy so it gives us a chance to hang out. We have one more wedding coming up in September and of course we are going together!! : )

We stayed together at Hotel 71 (thank you Kimberly and Evan) which is were the wedding reception actually took place. We had a beautiful room and the hotel location could not have been better. We were able to walk just about everywhere we wanted to go.

We all arrived on Wednesday night and didn't really have anything we had to do until Friday. On Thursday we made a day of it and did all the wonderful Chicago things we could. We started with shopping on Michigan Avenue followed by Chicago style pizza... Delicious as always!!

Next we wondered over to see the "Bean." It's a giant bean shaped mirror in which you can catch your reflection as well as a reflection of the city.

Kimberly and Evan's Rehearsal Dinner

Josh and I were in Chicago last week with Jackson and Melissa for Evan and Kim's wedding! We had an amazing week and there are more pictures to come but for now, I have posted some pictures and video from the Rehearsal dinner. I have been to many Rehearsal Dinners but this one was by far the most beautiful. Kimberly and Evan have waited along time for this day and we have been waiting as well. Kimberly and her siblings all play the violin and they are amazing! Her Grandparents traveled all the way from Taiwan to be at the wedding so they took this opportunity to play for them. It was incredible. I think the last time I heard Kim play was at my own wedding. They totally brought many of us to tears... watch and see!!

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