An In Laws Visit to Chicago

Last weekend Matt's sister and her family were in town, and we were so excited to see them!  We had a blast showing them around Chicago, seeing the sights, and consuming more calories than one person should ever enjoy in their lifetime!  Between Julie and I, we took about 865 pictures, so I tried to narrow it down to give the highlights of our weekend with them.  (But yall know how terrible I am when it comes to editing down the number of pictures I post.)  So here are "a few" of the highlights from our fabulous weekend with our California visitors.

After a full Friday of sightseeing for the visitors, Matt and I got off work and met everyone downtown for dinner.  Matt's family has somewhat of a tradition when it comes to celebrating at The Cheesecake Factory, so we carried on the family pattern and had dinner at the Grand Lux Cafe on Michigan Avenue.  (Grand Lux and Cheesecake factory are in the same restaurant family.)  Here I am with Julie, my lovely sister in law!

As if marrying Matt wasn't wonderful enough, i got some fabulous in laws out of the deal :)

The next day, we met the gang at The Planetarium.  There are TONS of things to do and see in Chicago, and I had been dying to check out the Planetarium.  However, after about three minutes inside, I turned to Matt and said, "Wait, is this whole thing just all about space?!"  He just shook his head, as I disappointedly exclamed, "But I thought it was going to be all about the Planet, you know, like animals and nature and stuff!"  Lol, clearly I was confused.

Matt earned some solid uncle points cranking on this machine for Andrew :)

Another word advice, don't go to the planetarium when  you're sleep deprived.  Comfy chairs, a dark quiet room, and a starry round sky equals a nappers dream.  We watched two different films at the Planetarium, and I didn't last more than seven minutes in either lol.

How adorable is my niece?  Future fashionista and a total sweetheart.

Though it had been a dreary morning, the rain stopped later in the afternoon and allowed us to snap a few pictures with the beautiful city skyline.  Have I told you how much I love my Chicago?

We walked around the city for a bit and then stopped by Millennium Park for what else, pictures with The Bean!  Cause ya'll know how much I love these pictures :)

They never get old :)

Such a fun family!

Now there is the face of trouble :)

I could spend all day in Millennium Park, no joke.  But in the next few weeks it'll likely be covered in snow, which means my park visits will slow down till spring time.  PS: I really love this picture of Matt and I :)

After a long walk around the city, we ducked into a coffee shop to warm up.  Nothing warms your insides like truffle lattes topped with whipped cream!

For dinner, we headed to the oh so yummy Maggianos.  Though I love me a small, local Italian spot, sometimes you just need the yumminess of a mega spot.  And Maggianos is my favorite Italian megaspot.

Thank you Julie and Joe for treating us to such delicious dinners!

Sunday morning we headed to Legoland, and though it was intended to be more of a "kids activity" I loved it.  That's what I think is so fascinating about Legos, no matter what age you are, you can always be inspired.  This Legoland had a mini model of the city of Chicago.  It was insanely amazing.  I could have stayed in that area for hours!

The boys were too afraid to ride the ride, so the girls took the dare :)

We took a Lego building class and learned how to build a mini Sears Tower.  After the class, I decided how people build Legos is insanely reflective of one's personality.  Matt blazed ahead, ignoring the Lego lady, determined he could figure it out on his own first.  I on the other hand went step by step, following every direction, and freaking out if I got just one Lego wrong lol.  Maybe I should write a book about that.  "The Lego Personalities." :)

And of course, I let out a mild shriek when I saw the almost life sized Harry Potter!

That night for dinner, we went to the original Morton's Steakhouse downtown.  Julie and Joe make it a point when they travel to eat at Morton's, so the chance to dine at the original was a must do.

The original Morton's on State Street opened in the late 1970s and they still have some of the original staff working there today!

The food was delicous, but I can't lie, dessert was my favorite part.  So yummy!

We were technically celebrating Joe's birthday, but who really needs a reason to celebrate when family is around?

Nothing better than a good meal with great people!  Thank you Julie and family for such a wonderful dinner!  PS: I forgot how gigantically tall those boots make me!

Monday Matt and I headed back to work while the California crew explored the Museum of Science and Industry.  But we couldn't pass up the chance to see them one last time.  Our last dinner spot of the weekend was Goose Island, where I ordered one of my favorite cocktails, cream soda and rum.  Oh so good!

After dinner, we headed for dessert at a semi new spot in Lincoln Park, The Cookie Bar.  They have just about every kind of cookie you can imagine as well as yummy gelato.  You can order either or both, and of course Matt and I opted for both, splitting a chocolate chip cookie and banana gelato sanwich.  It was such a cute spot and the guy working was super friendly, so if you're in the area, definitely check it out!

It was here that we said goodbye to our lovely visitors!  It was SO wonderful to have family in town, and we are so grateful that we got to spend time with some of our favorite people in one of our favorite places!  Thanks Julie and Co. for a fabulous visit, we love you and miss you already!