Besties, Chi-town + the Next Generation

With Kel due with babe #2 in June, the clock was ticking to plan a trip to the Windy City and spend a weekend with my college besties and my favorite girl in tow.

First stop: The Kleins just outside of the city. Perfect BBQ weather and with Ryan manning the grill the meal did not disappoint. Deans whipped up a mad Brussels sprouts dish and I was reminded why I heart them all over again.

Best part of the trip by far: watching our kids effortlessly bond with one another…

Spent an afternoon at The Morton Arboretum, minutes from Dena’s front door. Needed another day {or two} to explore all the grounds. If not for naps Jack and Hads could have spent all day in The Children’s Garden.

Back to the city for an evening at The Roches!

Kel’s the ultimate hostess despite being seven months preggers.

We’re having guests? Let me see what I can throw together…white bean hummus, aged cheddar, brie, snap peas, cracked pepper crackers… a bottle of cab we picked up on our trip to Sonoma… Let’s hit the veranda to nosh on an appetizer!

Rooftop view of Wrigley Field did not disappoint.

Hit the Green City Market on Saturday morning. In off-season it’s held at The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. The always-resourceful Kel scored a museum pass card at the library so after the Market we spent the morning checking out exhibits free of charge.

Fav Market Finds:
Prairie Pure Cheese {heavenly grilled cheese sandwiches}
River Valley Ranch {handcrafted portabella salsa}

Getting a front row seat into a day in the life of butterflies:

And waiting {patiently} for one to land. Aside from the Butterfly Room the Bike Exhibit was quite spectacular.

Kel mentioned Athleta just opened shop a blocks away. Although my first instinct was to sprint out the door right then, I made it my mission to hit it before heading home. Scored some great summer dresses while justifying the 10% Chicago sales tax {ouch!} by not having to pay shipping.