2018 Chicago

chicago with cousins

My sister Becky and her family live in the suburbs of Chicago so we took a Lyft out to spend the day with her. The girls were beyond thrilled to have more time with their cousins. I’m known around town as a baby-hog so I was pretty excited too! 
Pretty happy to be spending the day with this little guy. 

We spent the morning exploring the Chicago Botanic Gardens. 

Afterwards we grabbed lunch at Portillos

The girls spent the afternoon climbing and sliding at Funtopia. 

We finished off our day with yummy ice cream treats. 

We had such a great time visiting with family and will miss them terribly! 

chicago family day

We had another day of big adventures planned in Chicago. Luckily today, Annabelle and Yaya decided to joins us! We were so happy to have them with us for the day. 
While we waited for them to drive down, we walked on over to “the Bean”. 

We walked over to the fountains — it was a pretty happenin’ day in the city. 
After meeting up with my mom and Annabelle for lunch, we walked over to Navy Pier. 

They have done so much work to the Pier and it was such a fun stop. I’ve always been a fan. It’s a big tourist spot, but the great thing about not living there anymore is that I AM a tourist and can freely enjoy the tourist hot spots.

Gorgeous afternoon
Can’t beat that view!
YaYa treated the girls to these delicious, smoky snacks. 

My mom took the girls back to her house while B and I enjoyed a night out in the city. We hit a few of our favorites and had a great time catching up on our favorite Chicago memories.

chicago with gwyneth

Annabelle asked to spend the day with my mom and her cousins while B, Gwyneth and I explored the city. I think the girls were pretty happy with their decisions and were equally spoiled. 
Our day started with a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago. I’ve always loved that museum and I couldn’t wait to share it with G. There are so many amazing paintings and she soaked it all in.

After our morning at the art museum we grabbed Chicago style pizza at Giordano’s. The timing was perfect because it started to rain just as we hopped in line. We waited out the storm with delicious pizza.

We opted for the thin crust and it was even better than I remembered. 

After lunch we needed to walk off all that pizza so we explored Michigan Avenue. 

Another trip to the candy store.

We grabbed drinks on the 96th floor of the Hancock Tower. We had a great seat right by the window.

Then dinner at Carson’s ribs. Another favorite from the years we lived in Chicago. 
We did lots more walking and then ended up at the Cafe Luxe for late night desserts. 
It was a pretty great day with our baby girl!

chicago | baptism

I had to repost this one because this lil’ guy is so stinkin’ cute: 
George was baptized this morning in front of lots of friends and family. He’s the sweetest little baby and reminds me so much of Gwyneth at that age. I think it’s those chubby little Paz cheeks. 
After the service it was pictures time galore 
Smitten cousins
We had a lovely lunch at Francesca’s after the service. Of course, it required a wardrobe change by these little ladies. 
We had an early morning flight the next day so we relaxed at Becky’s house for the evening. We enjoyed pizza and watching movies and holding that little baby. 
Looks like he doesn’t like the awesome Aunt t-shirt I gave him? Or is it that Colorado Rockies Dinger doll? Either way NOT COOL Dude!
Annabelle sure was sad to say goodbye. She could him all day long!

chicago | day 2

It was quite cold in Chicago. Not as cold as Christmas, but pretty darn cold for taking a baby out and about. We spent the day swimming at the hotel and doing a little shopping. It was a very relaxing day and everyone seemed quite content taking turns holding the baby. 

Madison flew in last night from St. Louis with my dad and Melissa. She is quite the baby hog. 

We ended the day with dinner at Morton’s. 
Matchers!

chicago | day 1

We set off for a weekend in Chicago on a very early morning flight. Boarding started at 5:50 am and that is tough for some of us night owls. We were going on very little sleep, but were so excited to get to Chicago to visit with family. 
We arrived bright and early and some of us were in some wacky moods…

My mom and sister, Becky’s family live in Chicago while my dad and Melissa flew in for the big weekend. My nephew was being baptized and we had lots of family time planned for the rest of the visit. Unfortunately Stacy and her family were not able to make it out from California as they were in Chicago the previous week for my mom’s birthday. We missed having all the cousins together.

Lily

My gals could not get enough of their baby cousin. Annabelle could have held him all day long. 

Adorably doting cousin

He seems to always have someone in his face. 

We met up with the rest of the family for dinner at Ditka’s in Arlington Heights.  We watched the Olympics, had dinner, laughs and of course everyone fought over who got to hold the baby.