Windy City@35

So my three part vacation ended in Chicago. My 35th year (well technically my 36th, right?) began in Chicago on April 17, 2014, surrounded by family and a few friends. It was the perfect end to vacation. 

I arrived red-eyed and tired from my 7:30 a.m. flight from Mexico (I woke up at 4 a.m.) to arrive at the Conrad Hotel on Michigan Avenue (thank you Hilton points--- I knew that hellacious 3.5 week trip to Tanzania in 2012 was worth it somehow) on April 16th. My sister Annie, fresh from her honeymoon arrived that evening. 

Annie and I spent the evening in the hip and trendy West Loop and met my best college girl and her friend Durham for- you guessed it- Mexican food and beverages after their swing dancing class. A great start to a long birthday weekend.

Annie and I spent the greater part of my bday at the Art Institute of Chicago. After a quick, obligatory trip to the "bean" and a quick picture, we spent the morning wandering the halls of special exhibits (Chris Wool was amazing!) and favoring the old standbys like the O'Keeffe's and "American Gothic". After a lovely lunch on the top floor of the museum and overlooking the city, we headed to do what most tourists in Chicago do- shop! Michigan Avenue. With the 10% sales tax (hello, bankrupt state of Illinois) we didn't buy too much, but a pair of shoes and some clothes and we were set.

My birthday evening was probably the loveliest I've had in some time. A somewhat spontaneous evening filled mainly with family (sister, brother, brother's girlfriend, cousin and cousin's wife) and a handful of good college friends and even a high school friend and her husband. We met in a relaxed pub in Lincoln Square and enjoyed laughter and catching up. Not too many, not too few. Was just perfect. 

A few of my U of I Student Ambassador crew!

My best U of I girl, Paula (from floormates our freshman year to 35 yrs old!)

Barberie cousins!

Barberie cousins with a few of their better halves

I spent the rest of my trip enjoying quality time with my best girl Paula, friend from high school Amber, and SA besties Amar and Stephanie. We soaked in the 70 degree weather and sunshine. It was like I brought all the amazing weather with me from Mexico to Chicago. Everyone was out and about. 

SA selfie with me, Amar and Steph

I was lucky enough to be in town for Easter. Paula and I have celebrated a few Easters together both in Champaign, IL, and in Boston. Our Easter in Chicago included listening to the Boston University Marsh Chapel service in our PJ's on the couch on the internet (my aren't we modern), having a (you guessed it) Mexican brunch at a local Lincoln Square restaurant, and making our way down to the city and the Lincoln Park Zoo to take in the sites and the energy of all the people being out and enjoying the long-awaited sunshine.

I'm so grateful for the ability and opportunity to have travelled. To have made a significant wedge between me and 2013. To be reminded of how strong, how loved, and how joyous my world really is. Happy Birthday to me and many thanks to all who celebrated with me in person and in spirit! xoxox

A few more Chicago picts HERE.