Chicago {Part 1}

I have had the best time over the last few days. My family went to Chicago on the 27th, and we got home yesterday (the 29th). It was SO much fun, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Like all of our family vacations, we had to stop at Cracker Barrel for breakfast on the way. I tried one of their new dishes - Cinnamon Streusel French Toast. It was really good!

The drive went by pretty quick. There was lots of snow, and these windmills always freak me out. There are TONS of them on the way to Chicago, and I personally think they look like something out of a horror movie - ha!

When we got there we checked into our hotel, the Palmer House. We had stayed there before (years ago), and I just think it's the cutest and neatest hotel.

Then had to get deep dish pizza asap. Giordano's is our personal Chicago pizza favorite!

Deep dish is my favorite kind of pizza.....

Then since our hotel was so close to Millennium Park, we walked around there next.

The bean!

Reflections in the bean.....

Then it was time for Michigan Avenue shopping......my favorite!

I love the city all decorated for Christmas!

This Burberry was huge!

I just think it's so fun walking up and down the Magnificent Mile. We obviously had to pop into Macy's at Water Tower Place!

And after more shopping, it was time to refuel at Ghirardelli's!

Chocolate ice cream with caramel on top - yum!

We then started making our way back to our hotel by walking and shopping on the other side of Michigan. I loved all the lights!

When we made it back to the hotel, my mom and I dropped off our bags and then set out to explore the hotel and take lots of pictures.

The "lobby" area by the elevators on our floor

In the elevator

Lobby floor elevator area

The main lobby Christmas tree

I love this lobby!

Practicing piano........ ;)

One of the ballrooms.......How neat would this be for a wedding reception?

There was even a Starbucks in the bottom of our hotel - perfection!

Front entry way

This fireplace was actually made out of gingerbread, icing, and chocolate - so neat!

I loved the ceilings too!

And that was our first day in Chicago! I'll post more on it later, although that might not be until Friday. I have lots of posts planned over the next week, so look for lots of updating!

Hope you all have had a great post-Christmas weekend.