Trip to Chicago

Justin was in Houston and Chicago all of last week, and Roman and I decided to go stay with Justin in Chicago for his birthday this weekend! But first, Roman and I detoured to Manteno, IL to visit with my Papa and Grandma on Thursday night.  I had to laugh as I brought in all of our luggage - Roman's pack-n-play, his bumbo seat, his diaper bag, a bag of his food and bottles, a bag of my toiletries, a suitcase of our clothes, my computer bag, and a bag with Justin's birthday presents in it!  You'd think we were moving in with my grandparents!  Roman and I had such a good time...we I had my Grandma's homemade meatloaf Thursday night, then we sat around and visited for a couple of hours.  Friday morning we got up and spent time in my grandparents' basement.  I spent 22 Christmas's in that basement, and going back down there brought back some fun memories...performances on Christmas, stealing peanut M&M's from the gumball machine, seeing a video of Santa climbing out of the fireplace, and sitting at their bar on Christmas and feeling so grown-up as a little kid.  It really was fun trip down memory lane -and I'm so glad we got to spend that time with them!  I won't wait another 7 years to go back to their house!

Friday afternoon Roman and I headed to Berwyn to visit with my Aunt Jayne!  Roman was in the best mood, just laughing away as Aunt Jayne sang "Ol' McDonald" to him!  He also got his first taste of a popsicle - and he couldn't get enough!   Roman and I loved the short-time we spent with my "Buddy" (what Aunt Jayne and I started calling each other when I was 4 and I lived in Florida), but then it was time to head to Chi-town to surprise Justin with our birthday present!

We got to the hotel and gave Justin his gift...an I-pad.  He had been talking about getting one for about 6 months, but I knew he didn't think I'd get him one, so he was so happy and surprised!  We then went to dinner and called it a night!

Saturday, Roman and I headed to Lincoln Park to see Jen (my college roomy and friend since 4th grade). Two other college roomies,  Sarah and her two kids and Emilie and Duke and their daughter Audrey all met up for lunch and to catch up!  It was great to see my old roomies and their kids (and pup Murphy)!   Roman and I took a walk over to Nordstrom  to look around, and then just hung out with Justin that evening!  All and all it was a relaxing weekend in Chicago, and I got a couple of pictures of Roman just being sweet and cute!  I'm mad at myself for not getting pics of Roman with Papa & Grandma, Aunt Jayne, and the IU kiddos, so I just took some solo ones of Mr. Roman!

Loving the soft, plush bed!

He loved standing by himself using the
ottoman that was just his size!

Just playing the in the sunlight shining in our room!