Sweet Home Chicago

We made our first trip back to Chicago since moving away.  Jarod has been a few times but this was my first time.  It was emotional to say the least!  The boys did great in the car.  Jace slept almost the entire way both ways and Jacoby was happy as a clam watching his movies.  When we could see the sky line we pointed it out to Jacoby, and he said "Oh Chicago, I have missed you so much!"  I think we all feel that way.  By the time we got there though both boys were exhausted!  I love this picture of them sleeping next to each other.  I moved them after I took the picture but they fell asleep snuggling with me and I loved every minute of it. 

When we woke up the next morning, the boys watched a show and then we headed out to the suburbs to see the Johnsons'.  Boy have we missed them!  Ty and Jacoby were so excited to see each other and ran the entire time we were there.  It was so good to see Braden.  He was so big!  And it was fun to introduce the little ones.  Steph and I talked from the moment we got there until the moment we left and I am sure we could have talked for many more hours.

I really miss living close to Steph and our amazing conversations.  I miss being able to see her almost everyday and sharing our feelings and thoughts on every issue but hopefully soon we will have that back :)

Jacoby really misses Ty too!  These two boys are wild and I love that Ty can match Jacoby's energy level.  Not many can and they love each other.

Jacers was happy to just hang out!

The next day we went to Lincoln Square to see the Dana's.  It was so fun to see Linds and the kids.  Nella cracks me up, when we left she was a little tom boy and could hang with Jacobes and now she is a little princess and into everything girlie.  It was so cute!  I miss Linds so much!  We were together the first 2 years of our kids lives every day.  She was my support and it was so nice to know that if I needed anything she was just a few doors down.  We went through all the emotions together of being a first time mom and having that meant the world to me.

On Friday, the boys and I drove to our old neighborhood.  I was a disaster!!  Our house is still for sale and I wanted so badly to go and take the sign down and just move back.  I miss Chicago so badly!  I miss our little house but mostly I miss the city.  I miss the vibe, I miss the energy and I miss the amazing friends that I have there.  Our back yard when we were there was Bauler Park.  Jacoby was so excited to go back. 

It was really cold and I cried the entire time, remembering all the fun memories we have there.  We were excited to show Jacers Bauler Park though. 

We hit up all our favorite restaurants and sites while we were there. 

On Saturday, we did our old Saturday routine.  We went on a long walk and went to Nookies for brunch.  It was perfect!  None of us wanted to leave but we made the trek home.  I had a hard time when I got back adjusting to life without my amazing friends and the energy of the city but I know that we are were we are suppose to be right now and I know that eventually we will go back home.  For the first time since leaving Boise, some where else actually feels like home.  I really do like Cincinnati and we love our house but Chicago will always hold a special place in my heart.  It is where I became a mother and where I did the most growing in my life.