The weekend I turned 25.

Did you know that my husband is the master of surprises?
If not, read this. Then come back. Because he surprised me again.

This time, the occasion was a big birthday of mine. On Thursday evening in the half hour we had together before I left for work, he had me open a gift: It was this purse, and when I looked inside...

Two tickets to Les Miserables. In Chicago. TOMORROW NIGHT!

We were leaving TOMORROW MORNING for Chicago! And we were going to spend the rest of the weekend (until Sunday night) in our very favorite, very snowy city. Could it get any better? (He really did have me fooled... I was scheduled to work the entire weekend...)

So we just got back a few minutes ago and I can honestly say it couldn't get any better. It was absolutely the perfect weekend.

View from our hotel room

Another view from our hotel room

Some highlights...
Dinner at Wildfire. This place was phenomenal, especially because of their gluten-free menu.

Gluten-intolerant Chicago friends: you have to go! As soon as our waitress saw my gluten-free menu, she brought me my own loaf of gluten-free bread. WHAT?! That was a first. We also had spinach artichoke dip with pita-like gluten-free bread, steak, roasted veggies, and a flourless chocolate molten cake for dessert. I'm drooling just remembering it.

Les Miserables! This musical has been a lifelong love for me, and seeing it Chicago with my precious husband made it even sweeter (is that possible?). I was crying by the second song. If you've never seen it or read the book, I highly recommend it. It's the most beautiful picture of grace and redemption you can imagine.

Lots and lots of Argo tea. It's just a must when I'm in Chicago.



My first gluten-free cupcake! A Sprinkles cupcake, which made it even better.


Seeing our dear friends Kirra and Taylor. This is always, always a highlight for us. And with our record right now, we've seen them about every 3 months since we've moved (and we'd like to keep it that way). :) Kirra and I were sporting our twin coats. Twin coats that look like sausages. :) We promise we're not as puffy as we look!

Sleeping in until 9am. 

Not working. 

Seeing Shawn alllll weekend long. 

Two slow, yummy brunches at hole-in-the-wall restaurants downtown.

Movies in our hotel room. Have you seen this? It's adorable! 

SNOW! And lots of it! 

Michigan Avenue with Christmas lights still up.

Have I gushed enough?
I think so.
And I think it's time to snap back to reality: homework, laundry, you know... normalcy. :)
This trip sure was a blessing and a refreshment to my soul.




Thank you, my love!