we went to chicago for our anniversary.
15 years.
it doesn't feel nearly that long.
i have been with him longer than i haven't.
that is such a safe and lovely place to be.
we flew out on friday after getting the kids settled with grandparents.
(we love that grandmas watch the kids!)
dave picked us up at the airport…did a trip down memory lane through the old neighborhood…
yes.
i saw you old neighbors sitting inside your homes…marybeth. you were on your computer. :)
you too sue.
it was too late to just show up unannounced.
i could spend a week with jenny easy….but i will take what i can get.
we talked till late.
we went to IKEA on saturday.
oh my love for ikea will never die.
i fit as much into my carry on (that i made craig carry since it was so heavy) as i could.
these lights are fabulous.
they are HUGE. hold out your arms and that is how big each one of these lights are.
and they are made of paper!
so creative.
i didn't get one though…
we went for our usual gluttonous family style meal at maggianos.
we were short a few people that are usually with us….but we managed just fine.
who knew only four people could eat so much?!
we deserved a free t-shirt…or complimentary stretchy pants.
that's my bff…chicago jen.
the first night was at jen and dave's.
the next night we went to a hotel…the airport hilton.
i had LOW expectations.
and i was so pleasantly surprised. it was nice! and SO quiet.
i think i only heard one plane…and we are across the street from the airport!
impressive hilton.
well done.
and i was glad (for many reasons) my kids weren't there because the windows would have given me
a heart attack.
AND they opened!
it makes my heart jump just thinking about it now.
we rode the train downtown.
we spent all of sunday in chicago.
walking around just craig and i together.
we didn't have to go into any lego stores even.
i got to see everything i wanted…hey except what about pottery barn? did you trick me craig?!
craig was checking out all the architecture…
and going into buildings we have never gone into…just to see them.
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craig's favorite.
we ran into our friends from newton…they were in chicago for their anniversary too.
they had run a half marathon that morning.
they are awesome.
they were headed to american girl place.
(we knew they were in chicago but we weren't planning on seeing them downtown…just later for U2)
the bean is just so cool.
i could sit here all day…i love to people watch.
everyone is smiling here.
i told craig i think we should live on the top floor of that middle building.
"just a simple home for two"
i thought we should just have the whole floor.
i dream big.
those windows are gorgeous!
ok…this is gross.
i am sorry.
i just had to share.
it was so crazy…
she put her kid by the fountain right in front of us and then just bends over to take a picture.
showing us all her goods!
AAAAAAAAAA!!!
she did it several times…so i took her picture.
i just had to.
if you are reading this lady….thank you for at least wearing the underwear.
we met up with the kansans and dave & jen for dinner.
stuffed pizza….YUM.
then we walked to soldier field for U2.
this was the stage before they started.
it was super big….like rock star BIG.
with gi-normous screens.
he didn't bring me up on stage.
i thought i heard him calling me but no one else heard it.
ha.
U2 junkies.
you must click on this one.
make it as big as your screen….and then just think of what it would be like to be Bono.
can you even imagine all those people screaming for you?!!
it is unreal.
it was amazing.
you should go to their concert.
you won't be disappointed.
i promise.
even if you don't know all their songs…you will LOVE it.
we made it back to kansas monday morning.
the kids were happy (most of them) to see us.
and we were ready for them…we missed them.
they loved their chicago souvenirs.
i love getting away with the
craigster.
he is my favorite.
so…now you have been reading about me waaaaay too long.
you should go get something done.
me too.
bye.
Jennifer - I’m so sorry…and praying for them.
Diana aka "knzus" - ♥ Amen! ♥
Christina - That is a beautiful picture of them…you captured a powerful moment there.
Ruth - thank you for sharing these pictures. the love and faith of you guys over there is such an inspiration…
Renee - I often think of Cora and her beautiful little face. It’s a reminder of how blessed we are. I’m praying for happier days ahead for Joel and Jess.
OT: Meg, I may have posted something about you today. LOL If you’re offended, let me know. xoxo
Sarah - Thanks for sharing this with us. It’s still so fresh in my mind when I heard about Cora’s story. My heart is still aching for The Macs, but I hope the playground dedication helped heal their hearts just a little more, if that is even possible after such a loss.
Laura Phelps - the prayers have never stopped…
purejoy - how is it that i’ve seen several pictures from the dedication and still it brings tears to my eyes to see those balloons. such a beautiful picture. and i’m certain that cora was smiling.
continuing to pray and so thankful that you were able to be there. what a treasure this blog-world is!
Staci - My heart still breaks for them….but God is triumphant through it all….still, just makes me so sad for them 🙁 They are so blessed to have a friend in you to capture this day for them. God Bless!
angela - How blessed they are that you captured this day for them. The blessing of a friendship is priceless. I cannot imagine their pain, but I know it must be made a little easier with the surrounding of friends.
Angela - Beautiful, and oh, so sad.
Joanna @ The Casa - Sometimes it’s just so hard to trust that God has a plan.
pve - Somehow, all those balloons made me feel better.
For me it is all about the triple F, Faith, Family and Friends.
pve
Jerri - Thanks for sharing! They are truly an awesome witness!
Lindsey - I can’t even imagine. I have an 8 month old son. They are an amazing family and what good that sweet girl did in her short life.
Liz M - This breaks my heart. I wish I could absorb some of the pain, somehow cushion the blow.
From experience, time takes away the rawness.
I have come to know all of you through the blogs– far away yet close in prayer in thought.
Anna Marie - I can’t imagine going through something so heartbreaking. I think of them often. My prayers are with them. Thank you for sharing this. God bless you!
~Anna Marie
Rachel - Amen!