windy city weekend

12:09 PM

three weeks into school and we found ourselves staring down a 3 day weekend. we usually head west to spend the weekend in the mountains but this year we found ourselves with no plans. we couldn't just stay home...god forbid...so we packed up and headed to the windy city!

we roped my mil into coming with us. she took the big girls in her car while dan and i took the littles. talk about perfect passengers. this one loves a good road trip. give her a binky and some movies and she could ride cross country.

this one was equally as delightful to travel with. she napped, ate and smiled her way to chicago.

we booked a couple rooms at the gorgeous drake hotel. this place did not disappoint. just look at those flowers up there...they were insane.

our rooms weren't quite ready when we arrived so we decided to explore the sights around the hotel. the girls about died when they realized we were one block away from american girl.

may approves

after lunch we threw our bags in our rooms, freshened up and headed to shedd aquarium. first stop at the aquarium was the aquatic show.

next was the sting ray touch

followed by the shark tanks

once back at the hotel dan took the little girls upstairs to rest while elaine and i treated the big girls to happy hour. shirley temples for everyone!

we found a cute little dinner spot around the corner from our hotel. while we ate, outside, we noticed a number of horse drawn carriages pass by. we found out from the waiter that the pick up point was just a few blocks away...

who could resist a lift home from diego the horse

pretending to sleep like annie

after a good night sleep from everyone (even annie slept all night!) we got up early and headed to american girl as soon as they opened.

we had brunch reservations at 9:30 so we looked around a little before heading to the bistro

this bad mommy forgot to pack may's bitty baby. elaine came to the rescue and bought her a mini samantha so she wouldn't feel left out!

i love it when my children cooperate. (sarcasm)

this guy was over american girl after brunch. the amount of people swarming that store on a sunday would give anyone anxiety. the girls picked out a few gifts and we were on our way.

ryan picked a new outfit for her and rebecca. lilly held a little photoshoot for them.

after brunch we left annie and dottie at the hotel to rest while we hit up the lincoln park zoo. this is such cute little zoo...i love that it's right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. however, we are obviously spoiled rotten with our st. louis zoo. we maybe saw 5 animals out at the lp zoo.

we walked through the zoo, past a parking lot, over a bridge and voila....the beach!

the amount of people at this beach blew my mind. man, do we have it good at dottie's private beach! (once again...spoiled rotten) the people watching was pretty killer though.

the water was freeeeezing, but that didn't stop these chicks from diving right in!

getting the hang of city-livin'

after dottie, annie and i did a little late afternoon shopping we hit up the lounge for happy hour again. may had to sample a shirley temple for herself.

that evening dottie sent dan and i out to dinner while she treated the gals to a little room service and a movie. there really aren't words to tell you just how fabulous my mil is. not only did she do this but she also kept the 3 big girls in her room every night. sleeping in the same bed with r & l. these girls are so so lucky to have grandmothers that love them as much as theirs do.