St. Patty's Day - Chicago Style

For our St. Patty's Day festivities this year we decided to go to Chicago with our friends the Stones.  We headed up there on Saturday, March 12th.  We drove part of the way and then got on a train that took us into downtown Chicago which was nice so we didn't have to deal with driving in the chaotic downtown area or pay like $40 to park all day. (We were without a camera for this trip, so most of the pictures of the day are from Dan and Becca.)

Becca and Scarlett with the friendly train conductor

To start out the day we headed to the Art Institute of Chicago.  I have always wanted to go there ever since I have lived in Illinois and I finally got to go!  Drew was not as excited as I was but, like always, he was a good sport and tried to act interested.  Let me just tell you, the museum did not disappoint!  It is filled with some very famous artwork, including pieces by Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh.  It was so impressive to see these masterpieces in person!   

 I think this was my favorite painting, but it's hard to say for sure.  There were just so many!  It's called "A Sunday on La Grande Jatee" by Georges Seurat.  It's HUGE (6ft x 10ft) and the detail is incredible!

American Gothic by Grant Wood was Drew's favorite

Drew and I in front of a famous Buddha statue

Becca and Dean and Ava and I in front of Chagall's stained glass windows

In case you didn't know, the Chicago river is dyed green every year for the week leading up to St. Patrick's Day, and not just a little bit green, we're talking BRIGHT green.  It's pretty impressive.  After the Art Institute we walked up Michigan Ave and took some pictures on the bridge over the river.

Little Ava was such a trooper even though it was so very cold!

After seeing the river we found a little lounge area at a mall and warmed up and fed the babies.  It was a nice little rest and Dan took some great pictures while we were there.

 Ava couldn't keep her hands off Dean

 Dean wasn't overly thrilled with the affection

Let's just talk about how great this picture is.  Maybe I'm a little biased because it's of my two favorite people in the world, but come on!  Precious!

After our break we walked to the Grand Lux Cafe and had some very yummy dinner including the best dessert in the world - a red velvet cake that Becca ordered that was to DIE for!  If you are ever in the Chicago area and are in need of a good treat, I highly recommend it!

(We had to eat our desserts on the train ride home because we were running a little late)

We had such a great day and now feel like true Illinois residents because we've seen the green Chicago River.  Special thanks to Dan (who I realized we didn't get a picture of) for being our photographer!