Vacation: Chicago edition

I took a trip up to the windy city (named NOT because Chicago is so windy but because the politicians who levied for the World's Fair to be held in Chicago were dubbed "windbags" by the local paper) this past weekend for a mini vacation to visit my friend LB and her husband. Good life choice? Best life choice.

Initially, I was planning/hoping to take the train to/from Chicago but who knew Amtrak was so popular and would sell out WEEKS in advance? I do now! So instead, I set out by car Friday around noon taking both Friday and Monday off to enjoy even more time in Chicago. I should have planned better instead of wishfully hoping I'd avoid Friday afternoon traffic. Oops. But I finally arrived around 6pm and was immediately introduced to the wonderful outdoor space LB has and played my first (of many) games of ring hook.

The weekend was action packed yet didn't feel like we tried to cram too many things into the weekend. Highlights of the weekend include...

Dinner at Hamburger Mary's (yes, the bill came in a heel! hysterical!)

An amazing show at Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind (T.M.L.M.T.B.G.B.)

Brunch at Fortitude with a side of white, fluffy blossoms from the neighboring tree

An architecture tour of the city on the Chicago river and Lake Michigan. (It was overcast but still incredible!)

A laid back Sunday evening complete with grilled kabobs and homemade guacamole. DELICIOUS!

There were many other great memories from the weekend including playing darts in a random bar, throwing Chinese stars in the basement, beer dice, a night out in Boystown, a la mode with a side of brownie afternoon treat, brunch with Becks at Dunlays, an amazing dinner at Yoshi's Joy's (no, we didn't walk out of a restaurant after realizing it was not B.Y.O.B.), and a True Life and Teen Mom marathon (or two).

It was a fantastic weekend and I couldn't be more grateful for my friendship with LB. She and her husband were amazing hosts and made my second trip to Chicago one I won't soon forget.

Cheers.