The Adams/Moores Visit

Our good friends John and Katie came to visit this week. We have missed them so much since moving, and it was wonderful to have them around for a few days.

Some highlights from the trip include:

-Going to Three Dots and Dash. My drink was served in a skull glass and was thus the best.

-Going to Siena Tavern for dinner. Salted caramel gelato for the win!

-For Brett and John, going to blues legend Buddy Guys' bar and getting to meet the man himself.

-Watching the river being dyed green on Saturday morning.

-Finally checking out Au Cheval and eating the best burger and fries I have ever had.

-Going to Trader Joes with Katie, because what trip to Chicago is complete without stocking up on as many gluten-free goodies as possible?

Having friends in the city is fun, in addition to the great company, because we do things we normally wouldn't do--go to an underground tiki bar, wait in line at 10:45 am to get into a restaurant. I hope they come again soon!

Born to be a city kitty.

Miss this girl already!

Brett, John, and Buddy Guy.

Part of the river dyeing festivities.

Conflicted at Au Cheval.

Family Visit

(This post is so very belated. Embarrassingly belated.)

My sister Julie's in-laws live in Michigan. She had been planning a trip to visit them for a bit, and, last month, she decided to fly into Chicago before heading to Michigan so that she could visit with some of her old friends and me. I told my other sister, Robin, that she should come that same weekend. Then my mom joined in, and our family friend Diane.

It was so much fun!

We ate our way across River North (Frontera Grill - Piccolo Sogno Due - Siena Tavern). We went to the Shedd Aquarium (accidentally, we went on a day that is free to Illinois residents. Whoops. I think part of my soul is still in that line). I got to meet my niece Josie for the first time and got to spend a lot of time with her big sister Clementine.

Waiting in line at the Shedd. Love these lovelies!

My main man, still handsome off-kilter.

Brett pointing out an eel to Clementine.

I loved entertaining everyone in Chicago, and I hope they come back again when the weather is better and we can really take advantage of all the city has to offer.

NYE

[This post is very belated--2015 has been busy so far!]

Our good friends Audrey and Adam came to visit us over New Years. We were excited to host them and to finally have someone review our new sleeper sofa (it got the thumbs up!).

The first night they arrived, we went to trivia at a bar/restaurant near our apartment. We were annihilated, but it was still a good time. 

On New Years Eve, we did the touristy stuff (which I say with a lot of love--the only thing that could have made it better was Garrett's popcorn!). We went to the Art Institute of Chicago and tilted our heads and "hmmm"ed in an appropriately sophisticated manner. We went to Chicago Cut for lunch. Audrey and I did a little shopping. 

That evening, we played Munchkin, the game that can destroy friendships and marriages (I lost, but one day I will have my vengeance!).

We then headed to the Little Goat for a NYE party. We ate a lot, drank a bit, and sang "Come on Eileen." All in all, a great night.

However . . . for the following 24 hours, Audrey experienced what was either the worst hangover ever, terrible food poisoning, or the dramatic emergence of a shellfish allergy (or a combination thereof). Hopefully that is not what she will remember from her trip (may old tummy aches be forgot, and never brought to mind). 

I hope you and yours had a great New Years holiday! 

Black Tie Optional

Brett was in Chicago this weekend, and we had the nicest time.

First of all, I simply enjoyed being in Chicago for a weekend. I have been visiting Brett in Champaign most weekends or have been out of town for one reason or another, and it felt great to wake up in my own bed on Saturday morning. I drank a Chai tea latte, got caught up with Parenthood, and cuddled with the cats.

Brett had an event downtown in the morning for class, and when it finished, I met him and his good friend Bob for lunch at Siena Tavern. The caramelized brussels sprouts pizza was outrageously tasty (on another note, did you know that the vegetable is spelled brussels sprout and not brussel sprout? I just learned, thanks internet!).

Saturday evening, Brett and I attended a black tie benefit because we are ever-so-fancy (actually, my boss is the president of an organization, and she was kind enough to invite us to their annual scholarship ball). It was fun to play dress up for a night and attend an elegant event. Of course, in classic fashion, we did not take any good pictures--you will just have to take my word for it that Brett looked exceptionally dapper.

The apartment seems particularly quiet now that Brett and the cats have gone back to Champaign. This weekend made me look forward--even more so--to the weekend when they move up permanently.