Chickago (Chicago chick style)

Downtown Chicago from the 95th floor at the John Hancock Building

Christmas tree at the Drake Hotel

Nina, Alix and Sara

Mom Kari just returned from Chicago where she spent three amazing days with amazing women in an amazing city. I have been there before and done it before but the city seemed extra fabulous this time. Maybe it is because my days as a mom are a lot easier to spice up with, well just about anything. Don't get me wrong, coming home to my three boys was nothing short of heart filled bliss but I did enjoy a break from "what'll it be ... oatmeal or waffles?" 

I met my St. Olaf College gal pals Nina, Sara and Alix Thursday night and we basically ate, drank, shop, toured, talked and giggled until Sunday morning. We saw the American Girl store when we shopped Michigan Avenue and that was absolutely enlightening as a mom of boys. It is a small city for dolls where you can buy clothing, furniture, books, accessories, pets, hair brushes, shoes and you name it for your American Girl doll(s). There is even a doll salon, a doll hospital and little doll chairs for your doll to eat lunch with you. I would have fainted with excitement if such a thing were available when I was a tyke. We also took a 2-hour tour trolley ride and saw a good part of the city and heard some fun and interesting stories. That particular trip was topped off with drinks and appetizers on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building. The best part was being with the girls just catching up and sharing our lives with each other.

My dear friend Carolyn picked me up from my hotel Sunday a.m. and brought me to her adorable neighborhood just north (I think) of Chicago. We had breakfast at the Kitsch'n, caught up and then she brought me back to her hip condo. There I was honored to meet and get to know her fiancé Chris and their dog Bart. It had been way too long and it was a perfect cherry on top of my trip.

When I came home I was walking from the plane through the airport listening to a man from Boston tell me about the health care presentation he was modifying for the next day when I saw two little blond boys take off running and screaming "mommy!". Needless to say I ditched health care guy and was gleefully tackled by my little guys.