~ Chicagoland ~

When possums are playing possum, they are really not "playing," they actually pass out due to sheer terror. This has nothing to do with what we did this weekend...just an interesting factoid.

Once upon a time, Kyle was flying all over the place for all of these interviews for an internship this summer. I know, I know, didn't he just start the program? Yes, he did, but because his field is in such high demand, they start recruiting immediately! This is why we were in the Conrad Hilton in Chicago last weekend. And how, you might ask, did we pay for a 5 star hotel on a student's budget? Simple: we didn't. Thanks Wrigley! We had an delightful time in the "Windy City!"

Look how cute he is! I think he is well pleased with this situation...Let the Chicago fun begin!

Nothing like a proper tea! Our favorite past time is definitely having some nice Mint Medley herbal tea together. So civilized. Lol, even if we do often pair it up with an all-fruit Popsicle!

The Grand Lux Cafe: owned by the same company that owns Cheesecake Factory, but nicer and better food. Had I known it was the same management as Cheesecake, I probably wouldn't have gone. I loathe it for its cheap, buttery nonsense. But it was surprisingly descent and had mediocre desserts!

This picture is rather Nancy Drew...I always loved her mysteries (quite an adolescent addiction, actually).

Going down... I had to make sure to restrain myself from getting off every time the elevator door opened. I just assumed that whenever the doors open, it must be my stop since I was the first person on...doesn't seem to pick favorites, just by floor number. How rude. I suppose I'm not very good with elevators, though I use one almost every week to get to Trader Joe's (one floor up...I think this is why it took me 4 tries to get to the hotel gym). I can't believe I'm actually fessing up to it really.

One last pose before we hit the road, all bundled up, to window shop and check out the Lights Festival. I love Christmas, and that's an understatement. I cannot tell you how excited I was when the radio stations started playing music for the Holidays! Off to chop down our tree in a couple days...no need to fear, we won't leave a carbon print. It'll be quick and painless. Promise.

Last stop: the Chicago Temple. It was much smaller than any I'd been in, which doesn't say much, but very lovely. Too bad the ice was starting to kick in (we still have some remaining snow outside from last weekend's snow storm) so they had to turn the water fountains off. The one behind me is supposed to be really cool!

I wouldn't say it was particularly windy for the "Windy City," but then again, I did live in Rexburg, so there's really no comparison. I guess we'll just have to find out this summer. Kyle accepted the offer at Wrigley for a 3 month internship! After such schmoozing, how could he ever refuse? Plus, they really are an awesome company with great people and he already feels right at home.

Wrigley here we come!