Happy Birthday Mom!

I'm still on Cloud 9 from the trip that we pulled off in honor of my dear mother! The week before Halloween, we celebrated my Mom's milestone 50th Birthday. We started planning the surprise in August. We told her 3 days before leaving that most of the family would be leaving for a fun-filled trip to CHICAGO!!! If you know my family at all, you would know that we just don't do things like this. Just to all get on a plane together was weird! We were giddy and it made it extra special! Aaron and Nan have been there for awhile now and it was time that we all made a visit! We were missing Luke terribly, who is working hard as a Missionary in Washington D.C., but he was there in spirit! And sadly, Shane & Wynn weren't able to get the time off of work. That was a big bummer. Lindsay and I arranged for our boys to be taken care of while we were away. To be together without the little babies was...well...a slice of heaven! Were they missed? Of course they were! But we definitely enjoyed the break! So we set off to the see the city! We also had some broadway and opera tickets that we were anxious to use!

Waiting for the train for our 1st full day in the city. Pretty excited!!! :)

Mom and sisters. Doesn't my mom look good? I can only hope to look half as good at 50!

Waiting in line for the Opera. Pumped!

The fam after the surprisingly AMAZING Opera. We saw Faust. We weren't really sure what to expect. All we knew is that none of us had ever been to an opera, it was going to be long, and we wanted to experience it! Oh man. It was so awesome! We were choked up afterward just because of the sheer talent that we had witnessed. The music...amazing. On top of that, the story was captivating, intense, and wonderful. Even Lauren enjoyed it! This ended up being the highlight of the trip for me. It was an enexpected treat!

Union Station at the end of a long day. Don't we look a little worn down?

Swimming at the hotel. We initially went for Dillon, but we all turned into 5-year-old's and played lots of silly games. Thanks for the great idea Dillon!

We got to see Thoroughly Modern Millie. It was SUCH a fun show. If you ever get the chance...GO! It had great music and was absolutely hilarious. We had the giggles throughout the entire show. It was so fun! This is right outside the Theatre.

All the girls!

Getting for the show to start

Lauren on the Fariswheel doing what she does best! :)

The Fariswheel was at Navy Pier. It overlooked the city and Lake Michigan. Awesome.

Random wedding party in the middle of the city...and it was freezing! Weird but kinda fun!

City girls!

Fun statue at Navy Pier...we had to take advantage!

Sunday dinner with the fam + some cousins (so fun to see you)!

Blowing out the birthday candles. Lindsay's birthday was three days later!

I wish we could go again tomorrow (only this time with Shane)! I have the best family and we always have so much fun together. We always stay up way too late chatting and laughing but it's always worth it! Thanks again to Aaron & Nan for showing us such a good time. Natalie was such a great hostess! She made the yummiest food, made sure we were sleeping well, and planned an exciting non-stop itinerary! By the end of the trip, we felt so "cultured!" Hahaha...we're getting there! Thank you to my sweet hubby for letting me have a get-away. All he asked is that I promised to return! I missed you even more than the twinners. And a special thanks to my Mom. You only turn 50 once! You are as beautiful as ever. Love you.