Warning: I take too many pictures and have a lot to say.
We {Mom & me} left the beautiful and hot sunshine state on an early {but very delayed} flight with a final destination of Chicago Midway.
We left this:
And were greeted by this & very chilly temps:
Let me take a step backwards and talk about airports, airplanes, and travelling in general. Very rarely do I travel, and very rarely is it by air. I hadn’t been on a plane in nearly 6 years so it’s been a while. I know people are usually frustrated by delayed flights and rearranging of flight schedules but the scenery at an airport can be so entertaining. From the 5″ heels to the people in house slippers… you can see it all in an airport. You can also get your flu shot there. Who knew?
It’s funny how being a parent will change your perspective. I saw this and couldn’t help but think of Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day? And {kinda} wished that my children were on my lap to take it all in.
And we found this in the Sky Mall Magazine, anyone have it? Tried it? I thought it looked really fun… I’ve got a little party I’m planning I thought it’d be great for!
We arrived safe and sound in Chicago, unfortunately, the “friendly skies” couldn’t find our luggage. We left the airport without it. If you plan to travel anytime soon… carry on, people, carry on!We had a wonderful dinner in downtown Naperville with my cousin Erin, her husband, George, and DaddyBoy. Erin and George live in Naperville but are preparing for a big move to Tallahassee… my old stomping grounds! I’m so excited because they’ll be less than 2 hours from us and give me another really good reason to visit there more often!
When we left the beach it was 90 degrees. When we arrived in Chicago it was 40 something. Drastic temperatures call for drastic measures. Please don’t do this at home. Or anywhere for that matter. It’s so not cute. But it was oh so cold… and I had no luggage.
Never fear, the “friendly people” assured us they would deliver our bags between 8 pm and 12 am. At 1 am they called said it would be within in the next 4 hours. 2:56 am… they call again, with our bags. It’s hard to be frustrated when you’re just so relieved to receive your stuff.
DaddyBoy has an apartment in Chicago and commutes back and forth between the farm {in S. IL} on the weekends. My parents are looking for a house there but for now they are patiently waiting for the right one. We spent a good portion of the weekend looking at houses, which is always so fun to me!!
If you’re waiting to see pictures of the Chicago skyline or hear about our trip into the city, you won’t find it… we didn’t even venture into the city. My parents have a wonderful love and adoration for the western suburbs of Chicago, mainly St. Charles and Geneva {but there are others that are beautiful out there too}… most run along the Fox River and have the feel of quaint little towns. You leave one, blink your eyes and you’re in the next! If the weather would have cooperated I would have gone to town photographing them. They’re small towns {or at least feel small} with thriving downtowns full of shops and restaurants.
We spent Friday morning visiting with old friends. I love this family dearly, we go WAY back to 1983 or maybe ’84. Either way, we’ve been friends for a long, long time. And the best part about our friendship is that we can pick right up where we left off. Whitney {and her two little ones} came out from the city to spend the morning with us. We enjoyed coffee, muffins, and catching up on lost time.
Anne and MommaSissy are in tough competition for being the best two aunts on the planet.
Being with all of them made me wish the girls were with me. Especially the Raiger, I feel confident she and Finley would have a blast.
Anne’s the kind of friend who lets me help myself to her closet, not to borrow {although I know she wouldn’t mind that either}, just to look around and be encouraged. She’s the most clean and organized person I’ve ever met… and I’m still waiting for more of her to rub off on me.
That afternoon DaddyBoy took us on a drive. The leaves were starting to change and the colors were beautiful… even from the backseat.
It was really fun to be a daughter again… not that I’m not still a daughter, but just to be in the backseat of my parents car, for them to drive me around and take me on a fun trip; for us to run around together and eat all our meals together.
My dad took us by his very large office complex. It has the same square footage of the Sears Tower, just laying on it’s side. It’s quite impressive and fun to see where he spends his days.
We had a late lunch at Portillos.
And refueled for our LONG excursion to Ikea.
We heeded your advice and opted for the Shaumburg location. We spent many hours there, many. I’d tell you how many but I’m afraid I’d blush if you really knew.
The children’s department was my favorite.
So fun, colorful and cheery.
With lots and lots of happy little things for children.
It is massive, I mean really massive, with 3 very full stories and escalators for your shopping carts. Thankfully it wasn’t crowded at all {Friday afternoon}.
Mom and I had a few hours on our own, then dad joined us and we wrapped it up fairly quickly. I found precious little espresso cups & saucers that will be perfect for an upcoming tea party/birthday party.
Everywhere you turn there is a fully staged kitchen or living room outfitted in Ikea products. They all looked really good, especially for the prices, I can’t attest to the quality, but for the price, the look is good… in my humble opinion. 🙂
There is one thing about Ikea that I didn’t care for…. the checkout. They offer no bags, you either have to bring your own {which we didn’t} or you have to buy theirs {which we did}. And thankfully DaddyBoy was along to help “wrap & bag”.
The next morning brought more fun and food with our old friends. A hearty breakfast at Harner’s. If you live in the western suburbs and haven’t been… I highly recommend!! It’s in North Aurora, just south of Batvia on 31.
They have a fabulous breakfast menu and a mouth-watering bakery. This is another point in our trip where I was missing the kids, wishing I could allow them the pick of the litter.
Our last stop was by Anne & Jeff’s for a quick tour of their fabulous kitchen remodel. And I’m still mad at myself for not photograping it in it’s completion… it’s incredible! Clean, crisp, beautiful, and classic!
Here’s a recent picture of me and Annie.
And this is how I’ll always remember her {and Whitney too}.
The entire trip was so much fun… and brought back a lot of wonderful memories! Thanks, DaddyBoy! I can’t wait to do it again soon! And thank you, Justin, for being selfless and letting me get away alone for a nice long weekend! Thanks for watching our little scallywags, I love you and next time you’re coming with!
