Chicago.

This last week my mom and I took off for a girl’s trip to Chicago to visit my sister and her family, who are currently attending medical school there. It was my first time away from Justin for more than a night since we’ve been married and it was harder than I thought it would be, but at the same time it was so nice to get some quality time with my mama. We’re besties. We flew in Thursday morning and my nephew Nate and I celebrated seeing each other with some good bed-jumping at the hotel. Because that’s what hotel beds are made for. We spent that night swimming in the hotel pool, catching up on each other’s lives, and playing my family’s favorite card game—Screwy Louie (which isn’t nearly as inappropriate as it sounds.)

On Friday we ventured downtown and started our day with a tour of the Art Institute of Chicago. I hadn’t been back to the city in over 5 years, so my fam let me choose all of our destinations—and this was first on my list. I mean, look how pretty just the outside of the building is. 

We spent a few hours wandering through the galleries, dragging each other to our favorite pieces. 

My mom and I are both suckers for Monet.  

After the museum we ventured to the “jelly bean,” Nate’s favorite. You can’t go to Chicago without stopping at the bean, you just can’t. We took our fair share of selfies there before searching for some deep dish pizza for dinner.

Oh Giordano’s, I love you.

 We stopped at the Cheesecake Factory on our way home for dessert, and my mom and I enjoyed ours along side with a few episodes of Downton Abbey back at the hotel. I realize I’m way behind on that bandwagon, but I’m completely obsessed. We stayed up all night every night watching it. 

On Saturday we set out for a Cub’s game, also per my request. I’ve been dying to go to Wrigley Field and it did not disappoint. I felt slightly guilty going to the game without Justin, but not guilty enough to not send him continuous photos and updates throughout the entire game. I loved the atmosphere and the people and I stood up and belted the “Go Cubs Go” song as loud as I could after they won the game. Such a fun experience. 

 

After the game we went to visit our long-time friends the Young’s, who moved from SLC to Chicago when I was ten, taking my best friend with them. We’re all still just as close as before they left and we try to see them at least once a year. Relaxing in their backyard and watching Uncle Dave play baseball with Nate was probably my favorite part of the trip. I mean, could you die?

The rest of our trip was spent eating, shopping, and hanging out. It was so fun to get away for a while and to spend time with family and friends. I miss this little dude already, and I know he misses me just as much. Even though he won’t say it out loud. 

Bye, bye Chicago. Until next time.