Today

Today, for the first time since, well, the beginning of the adventure, we're finally writing a post about a day on the day that it happened.

We let the wind of the Windy City take us all across the city's streets, around it's landmarks, and through it's cute coffee shops, vintage stores, and right into Blommer's delicious smelling chocolate factory!

 As a part of an international campaign for the "most beautiful and eye catching office building in the world", Chicago's Tribune Tower's walls have taken in 120 different stones from historical landmarks across the world!

We discovered in Massachusetts that Jennifer is quite the authenticity snob.

The Mayflower that's docked there? A replica.

The Plymouth stone? They can't even confirm the pilgrims had anything to do with it.

If it's not honest to goodness, for sure, the authentic, real deal, she could care less to spend her time seeing it.

Which is why we were so excited to find, imbedded in the base of the iconic Tribune Tower, a stone from the original tomb of Abraham Lincoln, among many other interesting artifacts from around the world.

And what else for lunch but Portillo's hot dogs and a big ole slice of their heavenly chocolate cake!

You have to be quick and attentive to hear your number called.

They're not in numerical order, so amid the chatter of restaurant goers, you'll get everything from order #387 to order #15 being called over their microphone.

It is every bit worth the wait though, and no matter how much cake you order the first time around, you're going to want a second piece.

Chicago's Navy Pier was a great chance to escape from the city for a moment and get a little TLC from a walk by the waterfront, while still enjoying the beauty and bustle of the city itself.

"Too much ambition to remain dormant!"

"Because we're blessed!"

"To live life!"

"To see what life brings me that day!"

"I look forward to a new day."

"Because my alarm clock goes off."

 "Because my daughter wakes me up."

If you want the best view of the Chicago skyline, the Ladies powder room on the 96th is the place to be!

 A stunning silhouette of the city's most iconic buildings is set against an ombre sky back drop and treats you to an experience of the city that is unmatched by anywhere else you might find yourself.

Thank you bunches to our Illinois family! You are both so sweet and kind to help us explore the city, really make sure that we experience Chicago...and for introducing us to the best pie that we've ever had. You both are amazing.

"Hope & possibilities---the idea that a new day is an opportunity to be the best me and chase my dreams."

 "In short, it's because of the responsibility that I have, to myself and to others. However, I choose that responsibility because this journey/path/road that we call LIFE is built through experiences. Every day is a new chance to experience/share/connect with those around us and live as a witness to what God has provided."

Breakfast for dinner out on the rooftop was not only a beautiful end to our last night in Chicago, but also to our last night officially on the road.

Tomorrow, we'll be going home.

But today, today we're living in the moment and experiencing all that we can.

 

To living in the moment, 

To experiencing and sharing today,

Love,

The Crew +Stephanie

Sometimes We Feel Like We're Writing a Food Blog

Many of you may remember how excited we were to have our dear, sweet sister Stephanie join us earlier in the trip, and how sad we were to have her leave. Well, we've got the most amazing news! She's back to join us for her birthday...and our last state, Illinois!

If you're in Chicago, and you're hungry, the place to go is Giordanno's Pizza!

Everyone is well aware of Chicago's infamy as the place to eat deep dish pizza, but deep dish lover or not, Giordanno's stuffed pizzas will have you licking every last cheesy bite right off the plate.

Besides the tall piece of their crunchy crust you save for the end, those toppings that they craft right into the middle of the top and bottom layers of crust will make your mouth water like no pizza or pizza like food has before.

If it isn't the savory smells inside the restaurant that will convince you of their goodness, it'll be the tang of their barbeque bacon chicken stuffed pizza.

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Cannoli for the birthday girl!

We do have to admit that sometimes we feel like we're writing a food blog.

From cantaloupe, to beignets, to coffee, to pizza, we've almost literally eaten our way across America. 

But we've enjoyed every bit of it and are incredibly eager to bring all these recipes home to try ourselves!

""I wake up every morning because I have bills to pay."

"I wake up every morning because I don't wanna miss anything!!"

"I wake up just because I need to work. :)"

During the construction in 1927, architect Edward Bennett collaborated with French sculptor Marcel Loyau and engineer Jacques Lambert to fashion Buckingham fountain.

This magnificent centerpiece of Grant Park would not only be dedicated in honor of Clarence Buckingham, but also come to be known as one of the world's largest working fountains!

If you're brave enough to cross a few lanes of busy street traffic, head down to the path by the water and enjoy some of that gorgeous end of March sunshine!

Up the road a bit and back across the traffic, you'll find yourself in Millennium Park, and standing right next to the Chicago Bean!

Officially named the Cloud Gate by it's sculptor, Anish Kapoor, who was inspired by liquid mercury, this outdoor work of art has become an icon for the city, and a whimsical place for tourists to visit!

All 110 tons of the sculpture were formed to reflect the distinguished Chicago skyline and clouds above for passerby's to walk under and explore their reflection from all sorts of angles...even as though they were walking up and into the sky!

We started our day out with pizza pie, and now we're going to finish it off with dessert pie from Hoosier Mama's Pie company! :)

"I've got work!"

As you might remember from Jeanette's birthday in New Hampshire, every year on our birthdays our Dad gets us flowers! Since Stephanie wasn't going to be home, he couldn't give them to Stephanie on her birthday.

Number one rule of the road trip is that You Can't Split Up The Group.
This made it a little difficult, trying to buy and hide a long stem pink rose for Stephanie as we made our way back to meet up with our Illinois family!
But set inside Jeanette's purse and tucked under the fold of her jacket, we safely transported this beautiful birthday wish with minimal petal loss!

A great big birthday wish to our sweet sister Stephanie!

We're so glad to have you back!

To pizza pie, pizza dessert, and a beautiful birthday,

Love,

The Crew +Stephanie