Burns Thinks

We Built a Fort - Labor Day Edition

7:29 PM

Obviously the last few weeks have been busy, busy, busy.

So for Labor Day weekend we stacked up our cushions and hung our sheets to build a fort in lieu of swimming and grilling. We spent basically the entire weekend huddled up in our favorite blankets pretending that life wasn’t happening. We cooked, had too much coffee, and watched loads of TV: think movies and a Criminal Minds marathon.

It was weekend well spent that ended way too soon.

So. Much. Love.

travel

Chicago Vacation - 4/4

9:08 AM

Our last day in Chicago was quite possibly the best day of our vacation. With no particular reason, the day just went smoothly. We had no plans. We had no tours. Just me and Big A and the Windy city.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous that day and we spent a significant amount of time outside enjoying it.

Some highlights:

Hands down, the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had for breakfast.

We played 2 games of mini golf at 2 different places. I lost both times. (apparently a high score is bad?)

We rode the Ferris Wheel on Navy Pier even though the two of us were terrified.

Lake Michigan seriously looks like the ocean.

We visited the John Hancock Tower and enjoyed it’s incredible views for a few hours.

We played games, had beer, and ate about 10 small plates for dinner at a wonderful place called For The Win.

Like I said, nothing special. Just a beautiful and relaxing day. The perfect end to the perfect vacation.

(after we left Chicago we went through St. Louis and met my brother-in-law and sister at the City Museum which apparently is a rigorous workout and obstacle course location. We didn't take many pictures, but this one is my fave :))

travel

Chicago Vacation - 3/4

9:09 AM

I have rewritten this post about 10 or 15 times and I’m still not sure that I like the words that I’ve written.

In some ways, I’d like to say that our third day of vacation was bad but in other ways, I’d like to say that our third day of vacation was a blessing.

The day started strong. We went sightseeing, had 2 scheduled tours, and a fancy date night planned. But the strong slowly got weak. I left my phone in the cab, we used 3 hours trying to find it, and I got sick at our fancy date night.

But just like all rain clouds, there was a silver lining and all was well by the next morning.

Some highlights of an unusual day:

We went to the Field Museum which is by far the coolest museum I’ve ever been to. We only intended on seeing the dinosaur exhibit but ended up staying 3 hours immersed entirely in an exhibit about evolution. It was incredible, educational, and inspiring.

We were so busy this day that we didn’t have time for lunch.

We went on an architecture river cruise, which proved to be very interesting and a beautiful way to see the city. Note to self: go on a dinner cruise on my next visit.

I left my phone in a cab and learned how to track it via Google.

We went on a walking tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation – The Evolution of Skyscrapers.

Although we had Al’s Beef a few nights before, we ate the competition for a late snack: Portillo's (Al's Beef is better).

We had dinner reservations at Bavette’s. It was delicious and the restaurant had a speakeasy swanky vibe. Our waiter also pretended he had a British accent. #didntgetanextratipforthat

travel

Chicago Vacation - 2/4

10:49 AM

The second day in our dream city was even better than the first. Frank Lloyd Wright put our feelings to words best: Eventually, I think Chicago will be the most beautiful great city left in the world.

Although there was a 50% chance of rain every single day we were there, the rain managed to hold off and let the sunshine and the blue skies through while were out and about. Every day was a beautiful day and we certainly made the effort to make the most of it.

Some Highlights:

Our day started with us sitting in front a business plaza while Big A wrapped my feet in gauze and tape. Bless him and all the people walking by.

I rode my first double-decker bus.

We went to the Willis (Sears) Tower and stood over Chicago in the Skydeck, where I learned that Big A is truly and sincerely afraid of heights. (Side Note: later in the week went to the John Hancock Tower which had infinitely better views and quality. If you’re visiting Chicago I would recommend the John Hancock Tower over the Willis Tower.)

I tried Yucca Fries and only ordered them because I thought Yucca was a seasoning.

I saw my first aquatic show and heard the sound of a beluga whale for the very first time.

After we wandered around the aquarium for (hours) we walked three miles along Lake Michigan and through Millennium Park talking. It was by far my favorite part of the trip.

We had dinner at Al’s beef.

We went to a candy store after dinner and bought $47.00 dollars worth of candy before getting poured on by the rain.

travel

Chicago Vacation - 1/4

12:54 PM

Chicago was a bit of a dream vacation.

There were highs and lows, but above all this trip was a milestone in many different regards. A milestone in our relationship, a milestone in our minds, and a milestone in our hearts. Needless to say, we fell in love with the city. It was beautiful and incredible in so many ways and I’m so happy that we made the trek (driving from Dallas) to see the Windy City in all it’s gorgeous summer beauty.

On our first day, we made a trip out to the suburbs to see the Frank Lloyd Wright home and Studio and to visit the Brookfield Zoo. We had bigger plans for the day, but every day our plans slipped right through our fingers and we molded with what the day brought.

Some highlights:

Frank Lloyd Wright is old. Like really old. Like his house was built in the 1900s old. I had no idea. A quaint home and incredible studio. But old.

Pizza from Giordano’s takes 45 minutes to make and it’s 2 inches thick and tastes like a goddess made it.

The Brookfield Zoo is a zoo built by the Chicago Zoological Society and may be one of the best zoos I’ve ever visited. Big A saw his first Polar Bear and I saw my first Grizzly.

The Brookfield Zoo sold Blue Raspberry ICEE’s in 1 foot tall cups and we bought 2.

I got blisters on my feet on the first day that caused me problems all week, but nothing stopped me from enjoying vacation.

I slept so hard that night that I didn’t wake up until 9 the next day.

More to come!

datenight

date night: playbill version

9:12 AM

Typically my weekends the last few months have been full of good times and happiness, but last weekend was full of some things that made it just little more special than my usual getaways in Dallas.