First Train Ride and Trip to the Windy City

My cousin John got married a few weeks ago in Chicago. We decided to be adventurous and take the train to Chicago. All the festivities were within walking distance of our hotel so it was the perfect opportunity. We got to the train station in plenty of time and the train was delayed but the kids were so excited they didn't seem to mind too much. And we met a very interesting character to keep the adults entertained.

Once the train arrived the excitement grew because the train was a double decker! The seats were very spacious and everyone seemed to be comfortable in our 4 seats. We took a little walk to the viewing car and snack car to pass time but quickly realized we got very lucky with our placement in the train. There were some more interesting characters. Of course Molly fell asleep with about 5 minutes left of the trip. So it was a little tricky get our massive amount of luggage, a sleeping baby, and the two boys through Union Station to cab but we manage. We're SO city:).

VERY nice cab driver

First cab ride

Fell asleep 5 minutes before we arrived at the hotel, heavy load

Once we got settled, we got all dolled up and headed to the rehearsal dinner at a delicious restaurant. One of my favorite parts was our walk there. Andrew, Kiersten, and Matthew held hands and took in all of the sights and sounds of the city. When we arrived there was a huge window that they loved looking out while the adults enjoyed cocktails and appetizers. The wait staff was extremely kind and made the kids their very own pizza. Once we sat down for dinner the kids were full and tired THEN Matthew fell out of his chair and hit his head on the concrete floor. That was our cue to bolt. Drew (SUPERMAN) carried Matthew and Molly back to the hotel while Andrew and I waited for the stroller. We got the kids in bed and then I headed back to the restaurant to listen to the speeches then headed back to the hotel for some much needed sleep.

Walk to Rehearsal Dinner

View from Rehearsal Dinner

Friday morning we had breakfast with grandma at the corner bakery and then were literally going to wait for the LEGO store to open. On our way we noticed that the American Girl store was open so we made the boys go in (unwillingly) but Molly ended up with a Bitty Baby. Then we headed to the Lego store and waited outside the doors along with about 20 other people. Everyone had a great time and ended up with some cool stuff. When we walked into the Lego store we were hot and wondering where the cold front everyone was talking about was. THEN we walked outside and it was cold and windy! What a difference an hour can make. Since everyone had been up since 5 we rushed back to our hotel to warm up and take naps. Then it was time to get ready for the big wedding. The wedding was absolutely beautiful. My children were not on their best behavior but hopefully everyone was more focused on the bride and groom.

After the wedding we got the kids set up with a babysitter in our hotel rooms and then headed down to the reception. Everything was beautiful! Drew graciously missed the first course so he could help the sitter get the kids to sleep. Since they were in an unfamiliar environment we felt that would be best for everyone. We had so much fun at the dinner portion of the reception. We were at a table with my cousins and it was just a blast. THEN the music started and the band was UNBELIEVABLE! We danced the night away. Drew and I did not want to leave but we knew it was the smart thing to do when the band took their first break at 11 since the kids would be up at 5 again. We later found out that the bride and groom chose the date of the wedding based on the availability of the band. It was so worth it! The adults without kids danced the night away and then continued the party at a bar near by with bottles of champagne and vodka that were on fire. It sounds like they had a great time.

The bride and groom

Saturday my dad wanted to take the kids to breakfast. We met him at a cute little restaurant next to our hotel. After breakfast we tried walking around a little bit but it was FREEZING. The bride and groom graciously hosted a brunch at a very cool bar in the city. It was delicious and so fun to hear everyones stories from the night before. Drew headed back to the hotel with the little 2 to nap while I went with Andrew, Pete's family, and my mom to the Shed Aquarium. We weren't the only ones with that idea, it was a rainy cold day in Chicago, go figure. After the aquarium we went to my aunt and uncle's house for an after wedding BBQ. We had a great time. My uncle has an amazing fish tank in his office, his pride and joy, that the kids loved. The food and company were once again great. Oh and we took a taxi to and from their house which the kids were so excited about.

Waiting for a taxi after the Aquarium

Molly and Matthew got to enjoy an aquarium too

Then it was time to load up and head home. We made it to Union Station on time. We didn't have a double decker train for the ride home. It wasn't exactly the luxury we traveled in on the way there but we survived. There was an extremely interesting character sitting behind us on the way home. I'm thinking he walked from the bars to the train station. Luckily after yelling some obscenities and yelling, "I NEED A FOOT" he passed out...not kidding. We were happy to arrive home but sad the fun weekend was over.

Raise your hand if you partied like a Rock Star