Deployment thoughts, weekend wrap up

4th Annual Chicago Christmas Staycation/Weekend wrap up!

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