Lovely city, lovelier friends.

I spent the weekend in Chicago.

And I soaked up every minute.

There are some weekend trips that are fun, but exhausting. But this one, spending time with amazing girlfriends who make me so happy, was incredibly refreshing from start to finish.

Kirra: passionate, tenderhearted, and a true kindred spirit.

She and Taylor were sweet to pick me up from the airport and welcome me into their home on the first night. Kirra has cultivated such an inviting home and I love it a little too much... just ask my three friends who I dragged there just to see it. :) It was such a treat to catch up with her, do a little sewing, and enjoy the morning over yogurt parfaits.

{Sewing practice.}

Kirra and I did a little walking around the [freezing!] city, visiting some old and new favorite spots.

A new favorite: this flower shop.

And of course, an old favorite, our street.

I looked into the windows of our old apartment and wondered how they've decorated since we were there.

We searched for Pops in his usual spot, but he was nowhere to be found. I'm hoping he was enjoying banana bread on another corner that day.

We also visited our alma mater, and had some trouble even getting in (tight security, sheesh!).

But at last, we enjoyed some Joe's coffee and a warm spot to chat.

Anna: intuitive, caring, and wise.

It seems like Anna and I have so much history together in such a short time. We've shared a lot of big life moments, such as our last semester in a dorm, our engagements (I got to hide behind a bush to photograph hers!), our weddings, and now sorting through life as newlyweds. Even though we don't talk every day, I know we can always pick up where we left off and have enriching conversation.

It was so good to see her.

Ilene: artistic, adventurous, and always encouraging.

This girl has been such a blessing in my life. She has been there since the very, very beginning of "Shawn and Whitney" and has been so encouraging along the way. We share a joy for all things related to arts and crafts, though we never quite get around to the "art date" we always plan because we end up talking the night away (which is fine, too)!

We spent the morning at the best coffee shop in Lincoln Park.

We took pictures of our food.

Because we are bloggers. That is what we do.

And we had a mini photo shoot in the park with Ilene and Ryan, her boy.

They could not be cuter.

I love the laughing pics because they capture their relationship so well. :)

Love you, Lenes. (Shawn does too, and was sad he missed seeing you!)

Camille: a bright soul, opinionated (in the best way), and such a faithful friend.

I was so glad to see the "many faces" of Camille. :)

I was amazed by this new and improved Argo sign. This is my favorite Argo, in case anyone wondered. (I was a bit bummed that every seat was taken, but thankful to sip a Charitea and walk around the city.)

Oh, and I stalked our friend Zito (Shawn's former roommate) who I kept bumping into - he was visiting from Detroit. And no, he didn't know I was taking a picture of him.:)

I enjoyed Chipotle. Twice.

And finally, I said "see you later" to my favorite city. Later, meaning May.

Until then, I will miss this lovely city and even more, I'll miss my lovelier friends.