Girls Day Downtown

Carolyn had her very first overnight with Aunt Michelle and Uncle Bryan on Saturday. While she had a ball having her nails painted, eating mac n cheese, and jumping on the bed, I spent the day in downtown Chicago with one of my very best friends. Lisa and I used to be "twins" when we both had short hair and lived in Arizona together. Now she lives in the upper peninsula of Michigan (Yooper) and we live in Grand Rapids, so Chicago was a great meeting place for us.

It's been more than 2 years since we've seen each other, and a lot has changed for both of us. We don't exactly look like "twins" anymore... but it was fun to rekindle a dear friendship and enjoy a great day together. It was kind of a "last blast" for me- what a refreshing experience to take a total break from responsibility for a whole day- especially right before we get to start ALL OVER at the beginning again! I can't wait for Baby Nora's debut, but it sure was nice to just be "me" again for a whole day. :)
After an early check-in at the hotel, we walked to Potbelly's for lunch, then took a cold stroll (with many stops to get warm) up Michigan Avenue.
We went to the Ghirardelli shop for ice cream AND a sundae... delicious! Then we took a cab back to a movie theater close to the hotel and went to a chick flick together.
We enjoyed a relaxing swim at the Sheraton (where we were staying)- and let me tell you there is nothing that feels better to a cruise ship sized pregnant woman than being in the water!! :) I loved it!
We rounded out the day with dinner at PF Chang's and dessert from the Cheesecake Factory. It was a truly wonderful day! I'm thankful for a great friend- and also that Carolyn has such a great auntie and uncle to give her a wonderful day, too. :)