Chicago

So about 3 weeks ago, Ari and I had the opportunity to take a really quick trip to Chicago for a baby shower. The baby shower was for Dan's cousin, Kate. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of that.....just all the touristy stuff we did.

Dan's mom, my sister Lauren and my niece, Gina joined us to make this a Girl's Weekend!

Here's a pictorial recap of our weekend.
(Thanks to blogger always being so user-friendly with picture uploading, they aren't in a particular order - so we'll just jump around.)

As anyone reading this knows, I am quite the fan of Peeps. I was trying to figure out how I could fit 3 kids (1 being in a car seat) in the back seat of this.....sadly, I am not sure it would work.

Hanging out in Millenium Park and The Bean! But most importantly, hanging out with my cousin, Shara and her beautiful family - hubby, Trevor and awesomely cute boys, Jackson (almost 3) and Nathan (9 months). When we arrived on Saturday, we met up with Shara's family for lunch and then walked up and down Michigan Avenue for a few hours. It had been well over 10 years since we'd seen each other, so it was great that they were able to drive into the city to see us. We promise not to wait as long to see each other again.

On Sunday, we headed out after breakfast to American Girl Place. The girls brought along their American Girls, Elizabeth and Nellie. The dolls each got a new outfit and a make-over/facial.

I don't know these people but found it hilarious that wedding parties will just run into traffic on Michigan Avenue to have pictures taken. We probably saw about 4 different sets of bride and grooms do this on Saturday!

Jumping back to our excursion with Shara.....posing on Michigan Avenue.

Jackson is adorable and doesn't know a stranger. Immediately upon meeting me at the restaurant, he said "Hi, can you open my crackers for me?". Awesome kid!
He and Gina were instant buddies.

We ventured to the important places of interest - Ghiradelli Chocolates......

......and The Hershey Store!

Treats were enjoyed at Hershey

This was actually a bank....but could you imagine the possibilities with this container of chocolate syrup?!

Ari was trying really hard to be the owner of this chocolate bar......we opted for the smaller - more economical size.

Oh yeah - Ghiradelli gave you free samples when you walked in.....Yum!

We had an awesome time and packed in a ton of fun in the 48 hours we spent in Chi-town. I had a great time catching up with family, both on my side and Dan's - which was the reason for the visit. Can't wait to go back!