The Windy City

Sam and I took a trip to Chicago to celebrate our 1 year anniversary and we had such a great time! We stayed with some friends, ate delicious food and explored the city. We decided to drive there so we packed up our car, got some books on tape and were on our way. I love road trips and being able to just spend one-on-one time with Sam. Chicago is big and traffic is crazy, so we walked almost everywhere. 

Chicago is a beautiful city with lots of parks, museums, architecture and things to do. I think it would be a great place to take our kids in the future. It was hard to pick only a few things to do while we were there because there were so many interesting places. 

We went to the Shedd Aquarium and were able to stick our hands in a pool of swimming stingrays and touch them. I was nervous at first but they seemed really gentle (and their barbs were removed).

This was the highlight at the aquarium for sure!

We met Sue the T-Rex (the largest and most well preserved T-Rex ever found) in the Field Museum. 

We went to the Museum of Science and Industry and saw a lot of things. From Tesla coils and experiencing 80 mph winds to how cows are milked and seeing the German submarine (U-505) captured by the US during WWII. 

My first deep-dish pizza. All I can say is WOW!

We saw lots of great architecture too!

Then we went to the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower and stood out on the SkyDeck. It was so high! My heart was beating so fast when we stood on the glass and looked all the way down!

At the Art Institute of Chicago we saw American Gothic, works by VanGough, and Monet, just to name a few. 

Here I am in front of the Bean with my best friend in the whole world!

And what could be better than stopping for a treat here? Yum!

We saved the best for last by stopping in Nauvoo, Illinois on the way home. 

The temple is so beautiful. 

Then we walked along Parley Street on The Trail of Hope at dusk. 

It leads to the banks of the Mississippi River, which the Saints had to cross when they had to leave.

It must have been daunting for them to leave everything behind and begin their journey with only a few belongings. Yet they had such great faith and hope and that Heavenly Father had even greater blessings in store for them in the future. It made me think of how we all have a wide Mississippi River in front of us at some point, but we can cross it with Heavenly Father's help. 

The future is as bright as your faith.