Hey mamas,

I'm doing my first trip sans hubby and Alexandra. I'm excited and nervous to be going so far from home and away from them both, but also REALLY looking forward to some ME time. Has anyone else felt that way?

In addition, who lives in Chi-town?? BWell right? Any good recommendations on what not to miss and where to eat??

thanks!!

sme, I totally get how you feel and my boys are not even as old as Alexandra. I took a trip to Hungary back in October when the boys were only 6 months old. I was devastated to be away from them but I was also really happy to have a little time in a small room alone without anyone grabbing my attention. Even the time on the plane was a bit freeing.

BWell is definitely in Chicago. I'm not sure how often she peeks in here. I want to say there was someone else as well, but I can't remember who. I love Chicago. Are you staying downtown? If you have time and money for a fancy meal, the Rick Bayless restaurant, Topolobompo, is amazing (Mexican). If you have time, the Shedd Aquarium and Chicago Institute of Art are both amazing. And...of course...Millennium Park is fun, especially in nice weather. If you are staying near north, there is a chocolate/cheese/wine bar that I love in the Intercontinental hotel called Eno. Apparently, its actually part of a "chain" but I didn't know that until looking it up just now.

Now...bring your next trip to Minneapolis!

Have fun!
http://www.enowinerooms.com/hotspots/intercontinental-chicago
http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/topolobampo/

Carrie-

Thanks so much for responding. I'm comforted by the fact that you felt the same as I do , and both you and the boys survived your time away! I think it will be good for us as a family, and certainly for my sanity!:) Thank you also for the recommendations, we are staying downtown in the financial and theatre district, near the Chicago Loop?

Would love to visit Minneapolis, I've heard it's an awesome town to visit.. I'll let you know when we do ! :)

The boys survived! S and I even took a day/night away from them last month together. It was for her birthday. We missed them but enjoyed the time together. I meant to mention in my last message that even though they were very small that Skype helped us a lot when I was away. I'm not sure with Alexandra's age whether it would help or hurt but definitely something to keep in the back pocket. I will definitely be using it when I go to San Diego for a conference next month. Have fun!

Ali's dad was in Colorado for 2 weeks on active duty, and we did use a Google Hangouts and she LOVED it.. it was the highlight of our evening getting to see/talk to him. Oh enjoy San Diego!! Another city on my bucket list! My best to S and snuggle those boys for me!!
Remembering Alice!

xoxo