Weekend Away - Chicago

Brandon and I were lucky enough to get away for a weekend without the kids at the end of April.  Nancy came down and watched the kids (we are so grateful), and we went and played.  The kids were in such good hands, I did not worry about them for one second.  We only facetimed with them once, and Kendall once again was ticked that we were in the phone and not with her - funny girl.

The reason we went is because Brandon had a five year reunion, which we normally wouldn't think is a big deal, except that his firm will pay for him to go to the reunion every five years (for networking, etc.).  Score for me - I told him that he was going and that I was coming!

It certainly wasn't a relaxing weekend, but it was jam packed with all things that we love!!
- tour of Cubs Stadium
- drank Goose Island root beer
- tour and wine mess at the Chicago Cultural Center
- shopping & Garrett's popcorn
- run along the beach front
- saw the movie "Divergent" which is based in Chicago, so that was fun (not so fun that I was totally chicken to walk through downtown at midnight - Brandon was patient with my panicked nature - especially after just having watched that movie)
- church in Hyde Park & lunch with friends

Chicago makes my heart so happy!  We made sure to stop by and visit our favorite doorman from Regents Park, who now works downtown at the same building where Vince Vaughn lives.  Brian is our favorite (I should have taken a picture!), and he was so happy that we stopped by to say hello.  He is doing so good and is such a force for good on the south side.  He is currently working on a non-profit organization focused on teaching kids how to eat healthy, and we feel lucky to call him our friend.

Church was a blast, as always!  So fun to see families like the Cannon's, Shurtliff's, Nydegger's, Woodson's, Parker's, etc. I also got to see Ali (headed to BYU), DaSha (preparing for a mission), Tashara (two kids now) & Lorena (braved brain surgery), who were all my young women while we were there (and Lola caught me up on Iman & Tilah and her crew).  We had lunch with the Cannon's, Charlotte, & Shurtliff's afterwards and could have talked for hours!  Bishop Joe unfortunately was out of town, but we absolutely love their whole family.  I was especially impressed with Ali & Dita who have grown up tremendously and are doing amazingly.

One thing I will say about the trip was that I was semi-relieved that it didn't still feel like home.  I still loved every minute of it, and I loved all the memories it brings back, but I can finally call Arizona home.  The last time we went was 2011, and I dare say that it still felt like home to me, and I was a little nervous that Chicago would always feel like home.  And no offense to Utah - you are still my childhood home and I love you dearly.  But Chicago was mine and Brandon's first "home" together, and it will always have a piece of my heart.  But I traded the wind for the sun!

We were definitely out of walking shape and we were sore and tired.  I also have never taken so many selfies in my life - I am new to the smartphone thing, so selfies still feel very silly.  We also didn't leave any time to relax, but it was so worth it and fun to be there!  Brandon gets to go back in August to conduct interviews at UofC - lucky duck.

Selfie at Cubs Stadium!

The cubs bench - I was totally underwhelmed - not too impressive, but Brandon reminds me that the history of it all is what's significant!

We came during a good year!!

Press Box - Chicago Cubs Stadium

Our first time through the Chicago Cultural Center and the ceilings were breathtaking!!

Brandon's all-time favorite root beer that you can only get in Chicago - Goose Island

My favorite view of the city - not sure why, I have just always loved the riverfront building and views

A lakeshore run made me in such a happy mood!

I can't remember if I had ever seen the bridge at Wacker & Michigan open up before - it was pretty cool and the mom in me was wanting my kids to be there to show them  :)

Ali wanted a picture of two of her YW Presidents - love that girl!  Now off to BYU!

Bye, bye, Grandma Nancy!  Thank you so much, we love you!  Rachel is red-faced because she is very tender about goodbyes.