I'm often amazed by travel. Our trip to Chicago was no exception. I think the best thing about the city is how unintimidating it is. I've done quite a bit of traveling, and Chicago just felt safe. Maybe that's because it's super touristy, but I love that it caters towards that crowd without losing its authenticity. We packed A LOT into 4 days. And I fully intend on returning, because there is still so much we missed.

Day 1: After arriving in Chicago, we checked into our hotel and discovered it was AWESOME. We stayed at the Congress Plaza Hotel, right across the street from Grant Park and could see Buckingham Fountain from our room. We were pleasantly surprised. Apparently, the hotel was built in 1893. It had a really cool historic charm. After the trip I discovered it is apparently considered one of the most haunted places in Chicago.

We spent the afternoon in Millinneum Park and had a picnic lunch by "the bean" and followed that with some time at The Art Institute of Chicago.

That evening we had dinner at Orso's in old town. Then, we went to a show at Second City. It was HILARIOUS. Second City has some pretty famous alumni, including Dan Akroyd, the Belushi brothers, Mike Myers, Chris Farley, Steve Carrell, and Tina Fey (just to name a few).

Day 2: We started the day with a River Architecture Tour. It was put on by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. It just so happened to be one of the days that they raise the bridges for the sailboats to come in to dock. Such a cool sight!

After the river tour we headed to Wrigley Field and had a tour there. I loved how the stadium was just in the middle of a neighborhood and, of course, that they have maintained it's historicness, down to the mechanical scoreboard. Too cool! I probably quoted Sandlot a little too often, but that's OK. "Some lady....Ruth....Baby Ruth."

We headed to Navy Pier for lunch. We ate outside and rode the famous ferris wheel.

When the sun started to set we made our way to the Willis Tower. In my opinion, it is beyond silly that they do not call it the Sears Tower anymore. We watched the sunset and admired the city lights after it turned dark.

Following a long walk home (because the bus we needed didn't seem to want to come), we crashed at the hotel, too tired to even eat dinner.

Day 3: OUR ANNIVERSARY!! We relaxed a bit more. We did a self-guided walking tour of the Gold Coast and some shopping on the Magnificent Mile. I splurged on a Coach handbag and leather gloves, and Adam splurged on a couple Ralph Lauren sweaters.

That night we went to dinner at North Pond. It was probably the best meal I've ever eaten. The courses were comparable to things you see on Top Chef. It was a wonderful way to celebrate a wonderful year.

Day 4: Our last day. We checked out of the hotel and did some final sight-seeing. We visited the Field Natural History Museum and the Shedd Aquarium before having to head back to the airport. The best parts being Sue the T-Rex and, of course, the penguins.

And as if the trip hadn't already been perfect enough, we ran across this on the bridge to Michigan Ave. leaving the Aquarium.

A perfect ending for a perfect trip.

Adam and I have been married almost one whole year. I can't believe how quickly time has gone by. We'll be celebrating our one-year in Chicago! I can't wait to experience a new city. Travel makes me giddy. I don't think any trip will live up to our honeymoon, but as long as I'm with Adam, I know I'll have the time of my life.

What's happened in one year? We're still living in our fabulous apartment in Overland Park with Buddy. Buddy likes it here. We've slowly started to make it our own. We've upgraded our living room TV and got a fabulous master bedroom set. My current project is our guest bedroom. It's a work in progress. Adam's still working for Perceptive Software. I think it's safe to say that he loves his job. He's lucky to work for such a great company. But I truthfully think he's too smart for what he does. =) I'm still working for First Management, but I've been promoted a couple times. The drive to Lawrence is starting to wear on me...but just a little.

Life is grand. Our main focus right now is to just enjoy each other. It seems like a lot of our friends and family are going through dramatic changes. And I have to say we're in no hurry to do the same, but that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Adam and I are very compatible in that we both think about things a little too thoroughly before acting. Basically we just want to relish our time as 20-somethings that finally have a little expendible income, and so far that time has been wonderful.