Thursday, September 15, 2011

A Chicago Anniversarymoon

One year has come and gone and I could say that it was the best year of my life...but life is only getting better! It's been so much fun creating a life with the person that makes me want to be better and love harder, all while knowing we are in it together forever. Since our anniversary was conveniently during Labor Day Weekend, we stretched out the extra long weekend even further and spent 4 glorious days in Chicago. It's amazing being so close to such an incredible city. Chicago truly is at the top of my list of favorites! The weather was fantastic and the hint of fall in the air was a warm welcome from our "oppressive heat" we have had here in the Midwest.


Much unlike my OCD planner oriented ways, we didn't head into the city with much of a plan and I loved it that way. Aside from our anniversary dinner at a restaurant we have been dying to try, we did everything on a whim and explored at our own pace. Delicious Doug, my "brother in law" and husband to my blonde sister, knows his Chicago spots! He recommended some Windy City gems that were the sprinkles on top of the frosting of the weekend. Thanks, Doug!

WARNING: Picture overload begins now.

Mark started every morning "like an adult". It looked a little something like this.


We thought we didn't like deep dish pizza until we sat down at Lou Malnati's. Oh. My. Goodness. Please hand me my stretchy pants!


We hopped on a train, then meandered into beautiful Wrigley Field for a Cubs game.




We stopped by a local bar post game for some day drinking and to experience a Saturday night atmosphere during the day. Nothing like a hardcore dance party and jammin' out to Journey at a bar. At 3:00 in the afternoon.


We ate at Lawry's Prime Rib per the recommendation of my sweet parents. This building is drop dead gorgeous! A fun experience and something everyone should do at least once.


We enjoyed a Chicago by way of boat, up the river and on the lake.


We sat at the bar at Purple Pig for drinks, fried olives stuffed with chorizo and mussels that were swimmable. We were smack dab in front of the kitchen and we watched the chefs in action. Best seat in the house. This place was packed full!




We walked along the lake under a clear blue sky.



We walked to Buckingham Fountain.



The Bean. We have enough pictures with this gigantic piece of metal to make a large gallery wall.


We celebrated our anniversary with one of the most stellar dining experiences we have ever had. Pane Caldo was like a dream taken out of Italy. The food was outstanding, the atmosphere was warm and intimate and everyone was just delightful. I could do an entire post on the amazing-ness that is this restaurant. If you ever go, just trust me and ask for the window seat! (thanks for letting me in on this little gem, Nina!)



We spent our last night in Chicago at the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the Hancock Tower. This is a Chicago MUST! The most breathtaking view of the city and we enjoyed the sunset, cocktails and Nutella bread pudding.





And...as shared with us by locals, the VERY BEST view of Chicago is most specifically in the women's bathroom of the 96th floor of the Hancock. Brilliant!


We can't imagine a better way to have celebrated and we are looking forward to year #2! Ot was a magical weekend. We'll see you soon, Chicago.

xxox.

3 comments:

  1. The feeling I have right now reading your recap and seeing your pictures can only be compared to homesick. And I don't even live there! Oh how we loved Chicago. We're talking about heading back next summer...MAYBE a meetup with the Moore's could happen.

    Let's start planning ;-) Just kidding...it's kinda far. I do miss you though pretty girl! Glad you guys had a great time.

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  2. Love the picture of y'all at the bean! Super cute! Happy Anniversary, hope #2 is just as fun! xoxx

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  3. This makes me so excited to go next month! Sounds like a wonderful trip!!

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