So... in January, Don and I were hanging out with our close friends, Jeff and Abby, and somehow we got on the discussion of Les Miserables. Jeff and Abby were absolutely shocked to hear that Don and I had never seen this particular musical. Almost immediately they jumped on the internet and found out where it was playing and decided that we ALL needed to go to Chicago to see it. I, the cheapskate, laughed it off and announced that we would not be flying somewhere to go see a 3 hour musical. Well, Don had other ideas. When Don noticed that it was playing right during our 15th Anniversary he was not going to let me dismiss this idea for a fun getaway! He and Jeff started looking seriously into it and began making plans. He pulled me aside a few days later and told me that we were going and I didn't have any say in the matter. Of course we got in a big fight... totally kidding. I was so excited! We really never do anything spontaneous like this and after all, it was our FIFTEENTH! See how I still have to rationalize spending money? Well, Don booked the nicest hotel I have ever seen (without me knowing, because I would have insisted that we stay some place cheaper). But, then again, it was only for 2 nights so we indulged! It was so beautiful and we could not get over the exceptional service. We felt like royalty.
You can't tell in the picture below, but the mirror in the bathroom is also a TV screen. (It wouldn't show up in the camera.) Super nice bathroom, jetted tub, huge shower.
We had the best time with our friends! Yes, it was our anniversary and we could have chosen to be alone for it, but we seriously had a blast with Jeff and Abby. We hit a few of the Chicago hot spots that people insisted we go to...Giordano's for their famous stuffed pizza, and Anne Sather's for breakfast, including brownie and cinnamon rolls that were to die for! Here's Don getting ready to eat...
Before our big night seeing Les Mis, we went to dinner at Ben Pao and it was probably the best chinese food we had ever had. It was amazing.
So...Les Mis. I LOVED it! I seriously cannot believe I have made it to the ripe old age of 35 without seeing this musical. It was so incredibly moving and beautiful. Now I am addicted to the music and watch the DVD of the 25th anniversary of Les Mis almost every day. I love it so much.
We seriously had the best 3 days! Part of our adventure included hopping in and out of cabs in the freezing cold and devouring the incredible Garret's caramel/cheese popcorn mix. One night we went up to the tip top of the John Hancock Building for drinks (lemonade, of course!) and dessert and the most incredible view of Chicago. We hit the famous Field Museum and saw A TRex movie in 3D.
Below is the actual T Rex skeleton that was found! Crazy.
Our trip was short, but we packed it in and will never forget our time in Chicago. A HUGE thank you to our good friends who so willingly watched our children for us. We couldn't have gone without you!!
