We had a pretty good Thanksgiving vacation. Mom and Dad arrived Wednesday night late through the storm, and we were glad they made it safely. Thursday we made the traditional cherry kuckhen and sticky buns. Had a late breakfast downstairs. Then we went over to the Durochers for Thanksgiving dinner. It was yummy. We all brought stuff together and Julie’s parents came too. So we all sat around the big table for a great meal. It was really cool to spend that time together. Durochers are family to us anyway.

We then got a good night sleep. Why? Because Micki, Lissa, and Mom needed to get up early for shopping. They got back around 10, and we gassed up a van to take mom and dad to Chicago! Thought we’d take them on a special adventure. Got a great deal on priceline, and we stayed at the downtown Hilton for $60/night! It was amazing!

We checked in and got orientated. Caught a free shuttle uptown to the Magnificent Mile. Did some shopping. Then took a cab to the Redfish Cafe. The place Micki and I discovered on our trip to Chi-town in the summer/fall. Wanted to take mom and dad. It was really fun. Great food. And Grace got a cool mask and beads. It’s a Louisiana-style place, so they play up the Martigras thing.

Later that night we stopped at the Cheescake Factory for some good grub. There was a nearly 2-hour wait for a table, so we got our cake to go. Fun shopping and walking around.

Saturday we headed back uptown. It was cold and rainy. But we managed. Took a cab to Marshall Fields so Mom could see how cool it is. Saw a really neet Christmas show too. Inside the store. Ate in the basement food court. Craziness. Then did some looking around downtown, Old Navy, etc. Fun. But really crowded. Grace did a great job of hanging in there and pounding the pavement.

We walked about 10-12 blocks (a bit more t han I originall projected) to eat a late lunch at Giordanos. Mom and Dad’s first crack at stuffed Chicago-style pizza. Over an hour wait but worth it. We then headed back home. The Mom and Dad ended up staying until this Thursday, so we got to decorate the Christmas trees in our house with them. Fun to share that tradition.

All in all it was a great time to go on fun adventures, spend time together, relax, see friends, and make some more memories to welcome in the Christmas season. Want to see more? Check out the Thanksgiving/Chicago Web Gallery.