windy city weekend

labor day weekend = road trip.

this labor day marked year three of road tripping to chicago with dottie. i love this new little tradition we have created. chicago is the perfect little weekend jaunt for us. close to home, lots to do and see, and tons of memories to make.

we have stayed in a different hotel every year. however, this year is going to be tough to beat. we stayed at the four seasons and holy cow was it amazing. the service, the pool, the views....ooooh the views. i mean just look at that lake in the background. it doesn't even look real!

our first order of business was lunch. 

ryan's choice. she can't wait for one to open in stl next year.

we came back to the hotel to refresh before heading to navy pier for the afternoon.

cab life

this was our first time at navy pier and the girls absolutely looooved it. we didn't hit up the children's museum this trip. the weather was just too perfect to hang indoors. the museum will be on our list next year for sure.

man the girls are so lucky this guy is their dad...

dottie and i were a little nervous about this huge ferris wheel...but man was it fun!

that night we dined at the four seasons, 

enjoyed a little evening swimming,

and then dan snuck the big three out for another chicago tradition. walking to the american girl store in their pj's. i absolutely love this because the girls honestly think they are pulling one over on me. "mom, we're just going to go check out the lobby real quick..." 

 the next morning after we finally woke may up (at 10:15!) 

we headed to american girl. our dolls were in desperate need of some tlc. 

we booked 2:00 appointments at the doll spa and headed to maggie daley to burn off a little energy. 

and of course it's not a chicago trip without a little retail therapy.

date night!

room service night!

dan and i did an early dinner so we could grab a carriage ride before bed. 

nothing beats a fireworks show from your hotel window!

monday was our last morning and we had time for one more stop. 

that's a wrap on labor day....until next time chicago!

home sweet home.