we went up to chicago last week for a five days. i had a some work up there and so we decided to stay a few extra days to spend time with our friends matt and stevie and their baby boy and to see my cousin lizzie who i adore. stevie and i were pregnant at the same time with due dates only a week apart. our boys also share a name, rhodes, which neither of us knew at the time. i think it's pretty special given that rhodes is such a unique name. sailor's middle name is rhodes for those of you who don't know. those two boys are the best of friends. it's really cute...
we had an amazing time like always, but this trip was extra special because julian and milla were there with us. it was their first time and they both fell hard for all that chicago has to offer. julian's favorite part was the bean. he was so excited to see it. milla's favorite part was just the whole experience. i asked her to elaborate and she said "just the whole thing. everything. the good food, all the cool things to see, the bean, the cool stores. everything."
we went to a few of our regular hang outs and checked out a few new ones. heritage, our favorite coffee/bicycle shop opened up a collective studio with our friends matt and stevie. it's a milk and cookie bar, photo studio, kids bike shop and smilebooth chicago headquarters. it's the cutest little spot and they have tiny linus bikes there. i fell in love with them and am thinking that one will make a nice christmas or birthday gift for birdie in the future. she's still a little small for a bike like that. we went to an incredible restaurant and bar called parson's for dinner one night. it was so good. they have this insane pimento toast that is seriously one of the best things i have ever tasted. i crave it already and can't wait to go back. do yourself a favor and go if you are in the windy city. i have a feeling you'll thank me. we also went to the land of nod headquarters while in town. i had a meeting with them about some up and coming projects and of course my kids were in heaven. the store is gorgeous and the kids have officially started their christmas lists thanks to the massive toy selection. it was a really great trip. we are home now for the holidays and i am happy about it. it's been a busy year and i look forward to relaxing a bit.
thanks matt and stevie for snapping a few of these photos for us.