New Christmas Tradition

12/2008 So this year Zach and I decided to start a new tradition for our “little” family. We are going to treat ourselves to a mini vacation right before Christmas as a present to ourselves. We’re going to visit a new place each year and in doing so be sure to look for our “Happy New Year” photo card from the city we just visited!

This year it was Chicago, IL. We packed up the car and headed out on Thursday 12/18. Zach drove and I slept most of the time, since I had just gotten off my Beat Cop shift that morning. It took us only five and a half hours to get there, using dad’s new Magellan!!

We arrived at The Avenue of Chicago on 160 E. Huron Street around 2:45p. We dumped our luggage in our beautifully decorated corner suite on the 28^th floor and headed out to see the Magnificent Mile, well… right after we had a beer at the Elephant and Castle. We shopped a lot Thursday, even though the temperature was about 9 degrees…burr. We headed back to the hotel and got ready for dinner. But first we stopped off on the 40^th floor at the Zebra Lounge for a drink overlooking the city!! Next we headed towards Quartino’s (the birth place of Marcella’s) for a yummy dinner. Then we took a cab to China Grille and had a drink there and then almost had a heart attack when the bill was only $30 for two drinks!!! Then we headed back to the hotel for a night cap at the Elephant and Castle.

Friday we got up and had breakfast at The Corner Bakery – highly recommend it! Then we hit the street in search for warm boots, since the winter blizzard of Chicago hit Thursday night, only to leave behind 8 inches of snow and sleet – FUN! So we shopped a LOT. Then we took the Red Line and headed up to Wrigleyville where we took pictures in front of the famous Wrigley sign. Then we went to Sluggers for lunch and a drink. Next we headed down to do some more shopping where Zach finally found some warm shoes after slopping around in wet tennis all day long. Then we went into a store called Strange Cargo where we got some more Tee shirts and I had my “I heart Wrigley” shirt made!! Then it was time to head back closer to the stadium where there are plenty of bars for entertainment. We stopped off at Mullen’s and had a drink. Then it was to Goose Island. Next it was to the famous Cubby Bear. When we went in, we found out that it was Ignite the Fire (a Chicago toys for tots drive) So of course we talked to the firefighter and had to buy a shirt! Of which he threw one in for me! Then Doug and Abbie called us and we headed back to our hotel to change and then back to Wrigleyville for a Chirstmiska! Good time to be had by all.

Saturday, after getting a late start from the Christmiska party, we showered up and hit the road. This time it only took us seven and a half hours to get back! Mind you, that was after a speeding ticket!!

All in all, it was a great trip and I’m so glad that we were able to enjoy each other during the hectic hustle and bustle! I can’t wait until next year… wonder where we’ll go? New York perhaps!