Deployment thoughts, weekend wrap up

4th Annual Chicago Christmas Staycation/Weekend wrap up!

Movin' it with Michelle

This year marks the 4th year we went to the city to celebrate early Christmas.  In years past we’ve stayed at The Palmer House, Knickerbocker, and The Drake and enjoyed each hotel immensely.  This has become a family tradition that is cherished by our family. The Drake holds a special place in our hearts so this year we decided to go all out for the holidays, knowing next year we wouldn’t be together.

2 years ago
2 years ago-we stayed across the street at the Knickerbocker this year.
last year
last year
This year, right before we went to The Lion King
This year, right before we went to The Lion King

I am normally a very frugal person and cringe at the thought of credit card debt.  If I can’t pay cash for it, I don’t buy it.  But this year I decided to let lose a little, and we spoiled the kids rotten with food, seeing The Lion King, and shopping till we dropped on the Mag mile.  I even got a new bag.  #winning I know my husband is trying to make up for next Christmas, and all the time he will be gone.  But I gently reminded him that I’d trade every handbag and present for his safe return.  #allthetears

Isn't she pretty?
Isn’t she pretty?

So there it is….we ate at Season’s 52, The fig and the olive, Quartino’s, mk, and The Purple Pig.  The Chicago food scene is truly amazing.  We even got to tour the kitchen and meet Erick Williams, the Executive Chef of mk.  I can’t say enough about the amazing service, AND food.  We will definitely be back, maybe for my birthday!!!!

purplepigmenu
Purple Pig menu
mkmenu
mk tasting menu w/wine pairings-YUM
figandolivemenu
Fig and Olive menu
so much coolness right here.
so much coolness right here.
Brunch at Fig and Olive
Brunch at Fig and Olive
Desert and mk! Who's droolin'?!
Desert at mk! Who’s droolin’?!
Meat and cheese sampling at Purple Pig
Meat and cheese sampling at Purple Pig

The weekend flew by, but we made memories that will last a lifetime.  I can honestly say that despite this being one of the toughest things we’ve been through, it has made us all that much stronger of a family unit.  He leaves in just 2 months, and the time is flying by far too quickly.  I pray his time away goes by just as fast.

Us just before going in to the Lion King
Us just before going in to the Lion King
I may have secretly snapped this shot. HEHE!
I may have secretly snapped this shot. HEHE!
Because we still believe in Santa
Because we still believe in Santa
The reason I smile...
The reason I smile…
Our car was stuffed to the ceiling with bags, but the memories are what I will hold dear to my heart.
Our car was stuffed to the ceiling with bags, but the memories are what I will hold dear to my heart.

Do you have any family traditions at Christmas time? When you travel do you enjoy trying out new restaurants?

This week I am linking up with Holly and Tricia for the weekly wrap up!

weekly-Wrapup

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!!

❤ Michelle

 

 

Published by Movin' it with Michelle

My name is Michelle and I am a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. I have found a passion for running, cooking, writing, photography and all things that move my love for life! I've ran 3 full marathons, with a PR of 4:25, and 17 half marathons with a PR of 2:00:11 (yup-missed sub 2 by 11 seconds, lol). Thanks for joining me on my journey!

45 thoughts on “4th Annual Chicago Christmas Staycation/Weekend wrap up!”

  2. Oh my gosh, those beautiful family pictures!!! You all look so happy!!! It sounds like you had an AMAZING staycation in Chicago. Isn’t the city incredible? I’ve always wanted to try the Purple Pig and MK after hearing rave reviews about both, and everyone says the Lion King is breathtaking. LOVE the new bag, too! Happy holidays, Michelle!!!

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  4. Everything about this post just made me smile! The amazing time you had as a family, the food and the shopping. This is what makes Christmas so special. I am so glad you linked up with us. Welcome and I do hope you will make it a habit I would love to get to know you and your beautiful family better! I hope you all have an amazing Christmas!!! 🙂

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  5. What a fun adventure. My husband and his brothers just did their annual tea at the Drake. Our friends were just in town visiting us and were bummed they didn’t go to The Lion King. They said it was awesome. I want to dine with you guys on vacation. Yum!

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  7. Always wanted to delve into the culinary scene when we lived in Chicago. My boys were too little and no sitter. I love seeing your meals and such wonderful memories you created.

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    1. We’ve taken our kids to fine dining restaurants since they were both very young! I love it when we are the only ones with kids in a place, and the fact our kids appreciate the food makes it even better!! Thanks so much, and Happy holidays to you and yours!

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  9. It sounds like you had a great weekend! It’s so great that you were able to make so many new memories this year. Also, that purse is awesome!

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  12. You were creepin all up in my hood! But I knew that you needed to have 100% family time, and I am so glad that you got it. I know you will miss your Mr so much, but your family is so strong, and it is such a beautiful thing to behold.

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  13. You have such a beautiful family, Michelle, and it makes me so happy to see all the fun you have with them. I’m glad you’re all enjoying the holidays together, making it extra special. Merry Christmas to you and your family!! ❤ xoxo

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  18. Welcome to the Weekly Wrap Michelle! I’m so happy to see you here. I think this was a perfect thing to do and what special memories you have made. The smiles on everyone’s faces are priceless. I have seen the Lion King and it is amazing! That is an awesome purse and something I need desperately. Remember, we are all here for support. I hope you’ll link again. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family.

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    1. Thank you so much, and thanks for encouraging me to link up. I will definitely try and make a habit of it, and truly appreciate the support. These next couple months will be difficult for sure, but once he leaves and we get into a routine I am sure things will calm down.

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  23. Pingback: 2015 review | Movin' it with Michelle

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