Chicago.....again😊

Just a quick visit to Chicago before heading to the Illinois Valley for my high school girlfriends annual reunion. And can you really visit Chicago too many times? There is always so much to do so I don’t think so. 

We lucked out and it was a spectacular fall day, so Keeley and I joined her sister-in-law Laura, her husband Brad and their adorable new baby Owen for a visit to the Field Museum. I hadn’t been there since my kids were little so expected a dusty old museum with lots of stuffed animals. Interesting of course but nothing to get excited about. I was totally wrong. Wow! They have totally renovated the museum and it was awesome! So much to do and see! 

Chicago Field Museum

There is a new dinosaur there taking top honors called Maximo and he has booted Sue from the prime location because he’s bigger. Sue will return in a new location soon we were told. 

Keeley showing how wide Maximo is. Laura, Brad and Owen taking it all in.

I thought you said this would be fun?!?! 

When you buy your entry ticket you have to select how many special exhibits you want to see and also movies. Lots to choose from. Mummies, Antarctic Dinosaurs, the Underground Adventure, China and more. 

Keeley is in the Underground Adventure where they “shrink” humans and you go underground and see what’s under the soil.  

We were there for at least three hours and still had so much more to see. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Chicago.  

Next up seeing Hamilton again with Keeley. Her first time my second. I loved it as much if not more the second time. It moves so fast and the lyrics are intricate so I picked up things this time around that I missed the first. And Keeley loved it! We ate before the show at a restaurant I really like that is close called The Gage. I was there a couple of times in July and it was just as good this time.  

We shared a cheese plate, chicken and roasted pear salad, and a butterscotch budino with caramel topping. All delicious.

The next morning Laura joined Keeley and I for brunch at the gorgeous 3 Arts Cafe in the Restoration Hardware store on Dearborn St. It is the prettiest place for brunch - just stating that claim and daring you not to agree. 

We’re celebrating Keeley’s birthday so wine of course. 

Eggs with Creme fraiche and avocado, bacon and an almond croissant. We shared it all.  

Restoration Hardware is lots of fun to browse in - especially the kids and teens floor.  

Princess Laura and Princess Keeley having a tea party. This is my future grand daughters room. 

I dropped off the ladies and headed down to Michigan Ave for a quick stop at my favorite store for basic clothing - Uniqlo. Got a down vest I have been eyeing and headed to meet my friend Julie at D4 Irish Pub for happy hour. Sorry I have no pics☹️Too busy catching up with Julie but they have a really great happy hour. And the location is close to Michigan Ave so worth a stop if you’re in the area. 

Now I’m off to where it all began.....the beautiful Illinois Valley!