The Windy City

This past weekend we're went to Chicago, The Windy City. Did you know that it's not called that because it's....well...windy? In fact, it wasn't very windy at all. The reasons are a bit unclear as to the nickname, but we had a whirlwind of an adventure there anyway!



We flew from Austin at noon (I'll skip over the difficulties of packing 5 people for a 4 day trip, then driving 3 lil boys to Austin) and arrived in Chicago 2 hours later, half an hour ahead of schedule (way to go American Airlines!).

We shuttle-bused to our modern style hotel (also the location of Chuck's conference...score!), checked in, then walked half a mile to eat at Giordano's. Authentic Chicago stuffed pizza = Heavenly! And VERY filling.



Then we walk over to the "El" train (for "elevated" - it's kinda like a subway, taking us from the suburbs into downtown), got our passes and hopped on for a 45 minute ride to the Chicago skyline.



We checked out Millenium Park, had fun with "The Bean," then walked all over town.







We went up 94 stories in the world's fastest elevator in the John Hancock tower, and hung out around sunset checking out the skyline.





Then it was hot chocolate at the Ghiridelli Shop, and a ride on horse-drawn carriage. And the people we're met so far have been so friendly...I thought all the friendly people only lived in Texas?! ;)



Then we grabbed some snacks (still full from that stuffed pizza!) and took the El back to the hotel for the night. We talked about how cool it was to ride on an airplane, a bus, a train/subway, and a horse drawn carriage, all in one day. What.A.Dream of a day!



Friday, Chuck attended his conference, and I spent the day blissfully alone catching up on Bible study. Other than an overpriced burger in the hotel, not very eventful. We did walk back to that stuffed pizza place to get our fill again for dinner.



Saturday, I finally got up the nerve to ride the El by myself. Chuck again attended his conference. It took nearly 2 hours aboard the El (along with a mistake that took me on the loop around downtown - a mistake I didn't regret!) to get over to Oak Park, but it was worth it. I toured the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect.



I could write a LONG post about that, but suffice it to say, it was VERY cool. Then I toured the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, the writer, along with the museum.



Then I took the El back to downtown, shopped for some rainy cold weather accessories, checked out the Lego store, and grabbed us some dinner at a deli.







Here's a little concert that was going on down in the subway "El" station. I saw musicians playing everywhere on the streets and subways. So cool.



Back at the hotel, we ate and hung out with people Chuck had met at the conference, even played Catan, our favorite board game.



Sunday, I awoke to snow outside. I nearly froze walking the half mile to McD's for breakfast, but it was fun! I watched some kids snowball fight and make a snowman - made me miss the boys.




But I studied some more while Chuck finished up the conference, then we headed to the airport for a messed up flight on United. Ended up an hour late to Austin, but it was so nice to be reunited with our boys!

Anyways, it was a great trip, and I highly recommend Chicago as a vacation spot. I have a feeling I just scratched the surface, and would love to go back!

{And a BIG THANK YOU to Nana, Big Daddy, and Aunt Vickie for watching the boys for 4 days!}