C H I C A G O - D A Y 2

preface: day two in the city...I wandered. Yuppp. I had a few hours to myself (while waiting for nati to fly in) and I had a huge city to explore. I was pretty stoked to be wandering around solo. I could pretend like I lived in the city, I could walk at my own pace, I could stay in a store as long as I wanted...and I had no idea where I would end up. I heard a quote once that said something along the lines of.. "you're only lost if you care where you're going"...and day 2 in the city...I did not care where I went or how long it took. I just wandered. Stumbled upon the bean, the best banana bread pudding in the world...and the largest Macy's I've ever seen. 

pretty solid day, i'd say. 

 "cloud gate" is a really genius piece of art. I think what makes it so memorable is that it's interactive. People starting at themselves in it, taking photos, standing under it...people love that they can be creative with the bean. 

 outdoor concert hall. 

 Macy's

 BOMB.COM

 Gino's East...WHOAAAAA....

 stranger danger

 Finally got our taste of real Chicago deep dish. YOWZAHHH

after I wandered for a few hours...I met up with Nati and Anneke and we headed to Gino's East pizza :)

Being in a city like Chicago...eating deep dish...wish my two beautiful friends...doesnt get much better than that!!!

C H I C A G O - D A Y 1.

 best part about getting a window seat.

Clear skies in Chi-city

 yummmmm. 

 Views from the Willis Tower. 

 they call these buildings the "corn cobs" 

 had to get our fix of Garrett's popcorn. 

WHOAAA I really reaaaaallly like Chicago. 

I feel like people say that a lot. That they reaaaaalllyyy like something. 

But in all honestly, I think a little peace of my heart fell in love with this beautiful city. 

The buildings are uhhhh-mazing. The food is ridiculous. The people are nice. 

The weather is crazy (hot hot hot in the summer). And i'm pretty sure you can never be bored here.

Day 1 was well spent. Flew in, walked to the Willis (Skytower) building with Dad... snacked on insanely good popcorn...ate dinner with Auntie Kathy...watched the NBA finals..and crashed knowing that the next day would be just as good. 

ahhh...nothing like a good 'ol adventure in a brand new city.

"I'm in love with cities i've never been to and people i've never met"(anonymous) 

back from the CHI.

AHHHH.....just flew in from the beautiful Chicago, IL. This weekend rocked my socks and I think a bit of me fell in love with this incredible city. I love the buildings, the shops, never-ending lists of restaurants to try, mid-west fashion...and how the water comes right up to the city line. But above all of that...I loved spending some time with my Dad, and with two of my favorite chicks - Natijane and Anneke. Needless to say...I feel completely blessed and refreshed and adventurous...and I'm already brainstorming when I can go back :)

more photos coming soon...(I have a lot)

...aaaaand we're off!

Gah! this week is a bit crazy...interning today and tomorrow 

AND THEN...CHICAGO HERE WEEE COMMEEEEEE. 

So here are three reasons why I (already) love Chicago...

 1. the incredible "Cloud Gate" by Anish Kapoor. Now to many of us...this sculpture is known as "the bean" but truuue fans know its really called "cloud gate"...but regardless, this beast of a sculpture has become one of the most famous attractions in Chicago...and I can't wait to see it with my own eyes!

2. now we all know that CHI CITAYYY wouldnt be the same without some MJ. I would love to do the typical tourist pose in front of the Jordan statue...but I hear it's a bit out of the way...so I might have to just settle with buying some bulls merchandise or something. All I know is...I cant wait to be in the same city that MJ once dominated and D rose resides. (basketball lingo for you non-bball fans. sorry) 

3.... and I saved the BEST for LAST :) reason number 3 why I (already) love Chicago is because of my girl..ANNEKE!! we met freshman year in basketball class and have been friends ever since...and she is a Chicagoian born and raised! I can't wait to see her hometown...meet her huge (she is one of 9 kids) family...and just spend quality time with my future roommate! Oh...did I mention that Natijane is ALSO coming? WIN WIN. 

so pumped.

can't wait.

did I mention i'm excited?

okay. 

Dad.

Yesterday was a day well spent. We woke up and made some breakfast for Dad, he opened gifts, and then we all headed off to church. We spent the day relaxing and watching golf...and then had a homemade sushi dinner in the company of all our family. When I stop and think about it...I am surrounded by so many incredible fathers. To my Dad...to Gpa K and Gpa H...to my bro...to all of my uncles and cousins...I have truly been blessed by their presence in my life. So THANKFUL for them...LOVE YOU DAD...and LOVE YOU DADS!