Chicago

The last week of July we went to Chicago with some of our best friends in existence—Jenny & Marty. You know when you meet couples that you both love? And both get along with really well? That was how it was for us with M&J when we first moved into our old ward in SLC. Needless to say it was tough leaving Salt Lake with them there—we used to spend every Saturday night together just lounging around, playing games, eating pizza, letting our kids play, and chit chatting. Not to mention working out every morning at the crack of dawn with Jenny and going through pregnancy together, we definitely grew close over the years. We love them like family.

When we found out we were moving, Jenny said she’d tag along on Marty’s work trip to Chicago in July so we could all get together. It was one of the only things that got me through the move in January. We booked a condo to share downtown and counted down until our trip. It was my 4th time but like my first time having 2 kids along for the journey. Man, traveling with kids is exhausting.

Here are some shots of what we did on our trip:

7 hour car trip. At first they were happy, then they slept, and then they were extremely bugged. They wanted out of those car seats!

A stop at the classy Wisconsin restaurant of choice – Culver’s—for lunch.

Driving into the city.

Jenny and I attacked each other when we got in! We were so excited to be reunited.

Luckily Giordano’s was just across the sidewalk from our condo tower, so we decided to eat in and stuff ourselves with deep dish pizza. Man that pizza is delicious! It was so nice being at a condo and letting the kids eat there rather than wrestling them at a restaurant.

Took the kids out to see the fireworks at Navy Pier, just 2 blocks away from our building.

This girl was exhausted.

Real men push strollers for us, so we can catch up and chat.

I think it’s safe to say Emerson loved the fireworks. He is slightly obsessed with them.

Millennium Park, the Shedd Aquarium, Buckingham Fountain, and Chicago style hot dogs. Jenny found a sign saying it was against the law to put ketchup on a hot dog in Chicago city limits. They don’t mess around with their hot dogs there.

We had an awesome pool at the top of our building. We all took a swim that night 40 stories up.

Jammie time!

Playing card games and bananagrams all night…

Penelope and Genevieve in their matching Chicago tees…

Shopping and baked goods while the guys went to the Cubs game at Wrigley Field…

Shopping sans kids at night together…

Watching Olympics…

Chicago architecture boat tour…

Cool fountain and play area in Millennium Park:

The Bean/Cloud Gate…

Gorgeous city…

So sad to say goodbye. Had to hold back the tears. Love the Hamiltons and can’t wait until we travel again together!