Chicago Trip 2011

On the first weekend of December we had the absolute pleasure of driving up to Chicago to visit Justin's Grandparents. While with them we had a couple days of spending some time together. We were also able to enjoy a guided tour around the city, compliments of the grandparents. So bright and early, Saturday morning, we headed up to Chicago land to start our mini vacation. 

Here is Justin and me on the 3 hour ride. It was so nice to have this time to talk with each other and just relax after the weeks activities. 

Once in Chicago we met up with Grandma and Grandpa at their house to have some yummy lunch. After some lovely fellowship we all bundled up in hats, coats, gloves, scarfs, and headed downtown.

Grandpa drove us around which was very nice cause Justin and I would have been terribly lost. But he knows that place like the back of his hand. 

First stop was Millennium  Park and the BEAN! For some reason this oddly shaped, big, silver thing has drawn lots of attention. I admit, I thought the Bean was pretty neat.

Here Justin and I are together underneath the Bean. 

This is the view looking out over Millennium Park with the Bean standing directly behind the camera. 

Here's a picture of all us happy people. :) We had such a lovely time together. 

Here is a picture of the Bean with the city in the reflection. Grandma and I thought it was a pretty neat picture. 

Now this is down in the skating rink of Millennium Park. We were not able to skate that day but we are both interested in going back another time and trying. 

After the Park we headed over to the huge Macy's building which is what I was really looking forward to. Here is Grandma and I sitting on one of the outrageously expensive couches. It was surprisingly comfortable. 

This is just five of the eight levels in the store. 

Here is a picture from the top floor all the way down the 8 levels. Lets just say looking at this picture brings back stomach flopping sensations. Justin got dizzy every time I looked over the edge to get a picture and I have to admit, after awhile it made me sick too. Though I am glad I got this picture! *grins*

On one of the levels it had lots of fur coats. Grandma was interested so we went over to take a look. The prices were through the roof!! One coat was on sale for $5,055.00! *mouth drops* We were very careful touching those coats. O;-) But they were very soft!

Chicago at night during Christmas season is very pretty! I love all the lights on the trees and buildings. The only thing we were missing was snow.

Connie's Pizza is one of the most amazing pizza places ever!! Justin ate so much pizza he wasn't even hungry for a brat at the German Market. Now for those of you who know him, you know that just doesn't happen! But it just shows you how delicious Connie's Pizza is.

Here are the two people who made our weekend together so special and relaxed. I haven't known Grandma and Grandpa Fennema very long but I'd definitely say the weekend was made special because of them and it wouldn't have been the same without them! Justin and I had such a wonderful time with them both. 

Have I ever said my husband is the most amazing-goofball-gorgeous person ever? *laughs* Well, he is!! Not to mention that he looks great in my hat. ;D 

Once we were done with dinner we were able to go to the German Market which was quite an amazing first experience for me. Thanks to Grandpa we got the full experience by drinking some warm German wine and hearing the story of the pickles on a Christmas tree. Not to mention the whole place was completely full of people looking at little outdoor shops like this one. 

*happy sigh* We certainly had a weekend to remember and it's all thanks to Grandma and Grandpa!

Justin and I were both sorry our families couldn't join us for this trip after planning it for so long. But there is always next year, right? :)

And that's it for the Chicago trip of 2011. Check back later for pictures of Justin and I putting up our Christmas tree. Which we both love to just sit and look at. *smiles*

Until then!

~Melinda