A weekend getaway! Chicago style.

Blake and I were lucky to be invited by our good friends, Chad and Kristen, to go away with them for a weekend in Chicago.  I was excited to visit a new city and have some adult only time! 
Blake took off Friday and we all left that morning.  The drive wasn't bad and we arrived in the city around lunch time.  The hotel let us check in early and we dropped the van off to be valet parked.  Kristen is an awesome planner and we had reservations for pretty much all of our meals.  We all looked up places online and picked out some recommended restaurants.  Lunch was Chicago style pizza of course!  It was delish!
After chowing down, we started to explore the "windy" city.  And let me tell you, it is WINDY! 
We walked to Millenium Park and did a little ice skating.  I was a little worried about Blake and his ankle, but he managed to avoid any injuries.  I think one of my favorite things about this trip was walking around the city holding hands with my husband.  A simple thing, but there is something special about holding onto a handsome man for everyone to see that he has been claimed. 
Dinner was at Michael Jordan's Steakhouse.  It was a pretty classy place and we enjoyed some good steaks.  We then walked around and found a nice bar to enjoy some drinks.  Doesn't take much to get this mama tipsy!  I have rarely drank anything since I got pregnant with Elizabeth. 
Saturday we slept in.  I don't think Blake and I woke up until almsot 9 am!  I love waking up to my adorable kids, but it was awesome to wake up on my own and only have my husband in bed with me.  :)  After we all got ready, we were off to hit the stores of Magnificent Mile and the Navy Pier.  The guys loved Nike Town.  No surprise there.  I am kicking myself now for not sneaking back and buying Blake this jacket he really liked there.  It would make a great Christmas gift if I can find it.
Lunch was at Harry Cary's.  It was a fun place with lots of  sports memorbilia from the city.  There were several families with young kids there and for a few moments I wished mine were with me.  And then as the parents were gathering them all up to leave, I realized I was still ok without mine.  It is a lot of hard work to go out with a  1 and 3 year old.  Mush easier to enjoy my food without having to wrestle two kids!
A few other fun places we stopped in were Hershey's and Garrett's popcorn.  Talk about yummy goodness!
Saturday evening was the lighting of the Magnificent Mile's Christmas lights.  There was a parade with some Disney characters.  Talk about a lot of people!  We were among the crowd watching as Christmas floats paraded down the famous street.  Very cool.  Blake did well with all the people. 
We left a little before it was over to make it to our dinner reservations at The Weber Grill.  I think this was my favorite place among those that we ate at.  The food and service was great.  Poor Kristen wasn't feeling the best and I feel bad she didn't get to really enjoy the food.  I loved mine!
Kristen and I were beat at the end of the day.  Walking everywhere really wears you out.  The guys didn't want to settle in our hotel room just yet, so they ventured back out into the big city.
Sunday we ate a yummy breakfast at a place called EATT.  Very yummy French toast for me and a giant parfait for Blake.  We ran back out  grab some last minute souvenier Chicago ornaments and then hit the road to head home.  It was a really nice weekend and I am thankful we have friends to travel with, family and a sitter to keep our kids, and the means to do it all.  We are already talking about where we will go next!