we went to chicago for our anniversary.
15 years.
it doesn't feel nearly that long.
i have been with him longer than i haven't.
that is such a safe and lovely place to be.
we flew out on friday after getting the kids settled with grandparents.
(we love that grandmas watch the kids!)
dave picked us up at the airport…did a trip down memory lane through the old neighborhood…
yes.
i saw you old neighbors sitting inside your homes…marybeth. you were on your computer. :)
you too sue.
it was too late to just show up unannounced.
i could spend a week with jenny easy….but i will take what i can get.
we talked till late.
we went to IKEA on saturday.
oh my love for ikea will never die.
i fit as much into my carry on (that i made craig carry since it was so heavy) as i could.
these lights are fabulous.
they are HUGE. hold out your arms and that is how big each one of these lights are.
and they are made of paper!
so creative.
i didn't get one though…
we went for our usual gluttonous family style meal at maggianos.
we were short a few people that are usually with us….but we managed just fine.
who knew only four people could eat so much?!
we deserved a free t-shirt…or complimentary stretchy pants.
that's my bff…chicago jen.
the first night was at jen and dave's.
the next night we went to a hotel…the airport hilton.
i had LOW expectations.
and i was so pleasantly surprised. it was nice! and SO quiet.
i think i only heard one plane…and we are across the street from the airport!
impressive hilton.
well done.
and i was glad (for many reasons) my kids weren't there because the windows would have given me
a heart attack.
AND they opened!
it makes my heart jump just thinking about it now.
we rode the train downtown.
we spent all of sunday in chicago.
walking around just craig and i together.
we didn't have to go into any lego stores even.
i got to see everything i wanted…hey except what about pottery barn? did you trick me craig?!
craig was checking out all the architecture…
and going into buildings we have never gone into…just to see them.
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craig's favorite.
we ran into our friends from newton…they were in chicago for their anniversary too.
they had run a half marathon that morning.
they are awesome.
they were headed to american girl place.
(we knew they were in chicago but we weren't planning on seeing them downtown…just later for U2)
the bean is just so cool.
i could sit here all day…i love to people watch.
everyone is smiling here.
i told craig i think we should live on the top floor of that middle building.
"just a simple home for two"
i thought we should just have the whole floor.
i dream big.
those windows are gorgeous!
ok…this is gross.
i am sorry.
i just had to share.
it was so crazy…
she put her kid by the fountain right in front of us and then just bends over to take a picture.
showing us all her goods!
AAAAAAAAAA!!!
she did it several times…so i took her picture.
i just had to.
if you are reading this lady….thank you for at least wearing the underwear.
we met up with the kansans and dave & jen for dinner.
stuffed pizza….YUM.
then we walked to soldier field for U2.
this was the stage before they started.
it was super big….like rock star BIG.
with gi-normous screens.
he didn't bring me up on stage.
i thought i heard him calling me but no one else heard it.
ha.
U2 junkies.
you must click on this one.
make it as big as your screen….and then just think of what it would be like to be Bono.
can you even imagine all those people screaming for you?!!
it is unreal.
it was amazing.
you should go to their concert.
you won't be disappointed.
i promise.
even if you don't know all their songs…you will LOVE it.
we made it back to kansas monday morning.
the kids were happy (most of them) to see us.
and we were ready for them…we missed them.
they loved their chicago souvenirs.
i love getting away with the
craigster.
he is my favorite.
so…now you have been reading about me waaaaay too long.
you should go get something done.
me too.
bye.
alyssa - I’m jealous. You got your mom and sister to help you clean your house? That right there is cause for celebration! Good for you. Now send them my way!!
missye - I’ve just spent the day exploring your blog. How wonderful it is!
Thank you for sharing and inspiring. If it wasn’t pouring cats and dogs here today, my kids and I would definitely be creating masterpieces with chalk paint. Can’t wait for the sun to shine!
Laura Phelps - when I come to visit, dont worry about cleaning, please….
DreamGirlLisa - Sounds wonderful, I’m sure being a guest at your house is like staying at a resort!
carissa... brown eyed fox - ohhhhh… i love that! very fun… very special occasion!
wow… that is just so neat! SO!
julie - Thank you and your sweet and generous family for allowing us to be a part of your lives for a few days. The weekend was amazing, heartbreaking, beautiful, sad. You went above and beyond and took such good care of us. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
tami reed - I just moved 2 weeks ago and I need to clean my place. Laundry is already piling up! Moms work is never done.My hubby does help me, thank goodness! We had a flood here yesterday in Atlanta and my area in Lawrenceville,Ga was hit really hard.Funny thing I moved away from a beautiful house on a lake! Glad I did because that house was damaged yesterday.God has perfect timing!
duchess.of.reel - This is random I know—I’m wondering if your Etsy shop is still open? I’m finally to the point where I can focus on selecting some of your fun pillows. Can you post a link for us?
Thanks *duchess*
Renee - I’m so jealous! A clean house and girlfriend time? Sounds like heaven. xoxo
Mandi - I ran across this recipe today for quesadillas and thought of you…I haven’t cooked it yet, but it sounds delicious and EASY!
Here is it:
Slowcooker Quesadillas
-Throw chicken breasts (can be frozen), can of black beans, can of corn, can of diced tomatoes, lots of cumin, and salsa seasoning (if you have it) or a splash of salsa in slowcooker in the morning. At dinner time, scoop onto tortillas, top with cheese, and put under the broiler.
I’m cooking it tomorrow…I’ll let you know how it goes!
kasey - what a special time!
xo
Jaimie - Sounds fun! A clean house always feel better too.
jennifer - SO cool!
Trish - sounds like a crazy, fun, whirlwind, emotional kind of weekend!
Flower Patch Farmgirl - Boy, you are really parceling this one out! Tell us some more!! There is nothing better than finding new friends.
adrienneK - those lucky lucky ladies!! cant wait to hear more!
Summer - That is really cool!!!
Michelle - How exciting that Cora’s Playground was dedicated this weekend! I can’t wait to see all the photos!!
Cate O'Malley - I’m sure it was a fantastic weekend! We actually hosted fellow bloggers this weekend too – I tried to cram as much fun into the weekend as I possibly could … and I’m exhausted now! Nothing like going back to work to relax. 😉 Love your guest room.
Amy - That is awesome, so glad they could come:)
Joanna @ The Casa - Very exciting and fun! Man, I love your guest room!
Jess - What a beautiful reason to get together. Isn’t blogland amazing? Can’t wait for more pics!
sarah - It was such a conflicting whirlwind of emotions leaving today….
It was so awesome meeting you, and Heather said it right… you really did spoil us!
Thanks so much for letting us into your life, your house, and allowing us to come love on the Macs and the rest of their family. It’s a special memory, I know I’ll never forget.
I appreciate your kind and welcoming heart. Your family was pretty awesome too, let them know that for me!
jody - can’t wait to hear the details. a truly meaningful reason for you gals to get together. anxiously awaiting pictures!
Heather @ Cookie Mondays - I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!!!!!
🙂
It was a looooong journey home. Thank, thank you, THANK YOU for such a good weekend. You spoiled us.
The cupcakes are so smooshed! Ha!
Enjoy having your house back!
Christina - I am looking forward to hearing about the dedication. My kids would have loved to be there (they have asked if they can go, but, alas, we are so far away!), as would I, even though we don’t know them.
Your weekend sounds wonderful!
Debra Cripps - Oh that sounds like so much fun!