The Aquila Homestead: Wisconsin and Chicago

A little over a week ago Marc and I chose to take advantage of a business trip he had to Milwaukee by extending it and visiting some of our friends located in Wisconsin. We left on Saturday and flew from New Hampshire to Chicago and then drove up to Green Bay, Wisconsin. This was the first time to Green Bay for both of us and it didn't disappoint.

While in Green Bay we stayed with our friends Jennifer and Brandon. On Saturday night they took us to Lambeau Field for dinner at Curly's Pub. We were impressed with how accessible the stadium was both outside for parking and once you entered the atrium inside. I can only imagine what it's like on game day when the stadium is full of packers fans sporting their gear.

On Sunday we had a full day of watching football, catching up and relaxing with Jen and Brandon. I have to say Jen is one of the best hostesses. Not only did she have a bar of chocolate waiting for "the baby" but she also cooked us some delicious food while we were there. Homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast, firecracker shrimp for appetizers and chicken with salad and truffled potatoes for dinner. To top it all off we had some pear cranberry crisp for dessert.

After watching the snow fall all day Marc and I decided it was probably best for us to make our way down to Milwaukee on Sunday evening instead of early Monday morning, so at half time during the packers game we loaded up and headed out. But not before Jen could deck me out in Packers gear for a photo.

It was so great to see Jen and Brandon but bittersweet that it was such a short trip. Next time we see them will be for their wedding in June and we'll have a little baby girl following us around.

On Monday, while Marc was busy working away in Milwaukee, I was lucky enough to meet up with one of my previous coworkers from Virginia. Jackie and I have kept touch via Facebook and it was so lovely to have a chance to see her in person and catch up. Seeing her again reminded me of what an amazing, caring and thoughtful individual she is and why I enjoyed having her as a coworker and friend in Alexandria. She also brought us the sweetest outfits for our baby girl which was completely unexpected.

Monday night we headed out of Milwaukee and into Chicago where we met up with some of Marc's coworkers. In case you didn't know the office he works out of here in Vermont is the main office but they have other offices in both Burlington and Chicago. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Sushi Samba and then a nice evening walk through downtown Chicago. From dinner back to the hotel we walked across the river and took in some of the city's architecture and art.

This was my first trip to Chicago, outside of the airport, and it was so much fun. Not only did we walk around and admire the Christmas lights at night but I also spent some time at the Millenium Park where I finally saw the Cloud Gate in person and I wandered along the shore of Lake Michigan.

The Cloud Gate - can you find me in the reflection? (I'm wearing green)

The Shore of Lake Michigan - don't let the sunshine fool you.
It was cold and windy.

I have to admit though the highlight of Chicago was when we were upgraded to a suite at the Palmer Hilton Hotel. Being our last trip pre-baby it was very nice to have such a luxurious room with not only two bathrooms but also a dining room, wet bar and living room. It was almost like we had planned one last hurrah for just the two of us.