Chi Town ~ Part One

There's no place like home!

Nick and I made it back late last night. After picking up the dog at my sis and bro-in-law's house, it was way past 10 before we drug all of our luggage through the door to our humble abode. Because of our late arrival and my lack of preparedness, I didn't get to wish my daddy {and the other fathers in my life} a happy father's day on the blog!

Don't worry... I did call him and send a gift/card, but I didn't get to see him :( so the least I could do was dedicate a few words to him on the internet!!

My dad is the best! That pretty much sums it up... seriously. I think I've seen him angry only about a handful of times in my life; always calm, understanding, and great to run to if Mom wasn't too happy with me =) He's a great example of how to live a Christian life and I have been so blessed to have him in mine. He's very wise, handy as all-get-out, Mr. Fix-it, and a hard worker who has always done his fair share to supply for our family. We girls have had him wrapped around our little finger since day one in this world. Could you ask for anything more?

I hope you had a great father's day, Dad!!!!

To the other dad's in my life.... my grand-dads. You'll be hard pressed to find happier-go-lucky guys to be around. To see either of them without a smile is RARE. As for their grandchildren, they left none of us un-spoiled! I was either getting ice-cream for breakfast, a glass of pop when I wasn't allowed to have any at home, or a 10 dollar bill slipped at anytime between these two. I love them to pieces.

And to the newest dad in my life, my father-in-law: you didn't have to be a dad to me, but you willingly took on the job and go above and beyond for Nick and I always. You're a great cook, a hard worker, and a fabulous father to us BOTH. I'm so lucky in the father-in-law department!

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Now for Part One of our trip to Chicago:

Upon arrival, we checked into Hotel 71, the bell-hop sat our luggage down, and we bean ooohing and awwwing over our bathroom. We're dorks.

We really enjoyed the double sinks with the flat screen over the sink I called dibs on first... I thought it only fair since I spend so much time there applying my war paint. Besides, when he sat on his thrown, he got to spend a fair amount of time watching it then as well ;0

We soon got cleaned up and took a picture in front of our view from the room.

The rest of the evening was spent eating pizza at the famous Gino's East and shopping on Michigan Avenue.

Newsflash: I DO NOT enjoy Chicago style deep dish pizza. Sorry Chicago! I did enjoy everything else you had to offer...

Nick in front of one of the graffiti walls in Gino's.

We started Friday morning off with a double decker bus tour to learn the area and hear the history. I recommend this to anyone going!

Can you see how our huge bus pales in comparison to the size of the skyscrapers? These were the small buildings!

First stop, the Chicago Field Museum. Fun stuff!

Meet Sue. The largest preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex ever discovered. She was pretty cool to hang out with.

I hate to say it though, but I'm glad you're up in dinosaur heaven, Sue. I don't think I would have thought you were as cool if you could have stepped off you're little platform.

We ran into some pirates and several huge totem pole monster people while at the museum as well.

The view from one of the museum's windows.

Debbie asked where we took the pic with the cityscape behind us in the last post. It was just outside between the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium. It's the only place you'll get this view of the city and coastline.

Okay, I promise Part Two {the finale} includes much more interesting tales and photos but I'm too pooped to put it all together today. I have to finish unpacking and pack back up again to head to a 2 day orientation in Ohio for CVS early tomorrow morning. Ugh. I'llhave Part Two ready for tomorrow!

I hope you all enjoyed =)