Chicago - Part I

Back in June I went to Chicago for a work trip.  I went last year in February and it was cold and snowy so I didn't really get to get out and see anything but this time I was able to see some of the city.  

One of the first things we did was go on a boat ride down the Chicago River.  Ever since seeing the movie Breakup I have wanted to do this.  I didn't realize that Chicago is known for its Architectural tour of their buildings.  They are beautiful and I was lucky to get some great shots as we went down listening to the history of Chicago and about the buildings.

That tall building.. that is the Sears Tower or what is now called the Willis Tower but you ask anyone in the city they call it the Sears Tower.

See the blocks.. People step out on these.. they are 123 stories up in the air.. and I did it!  It was so neat!

Had to get a picture of this yacht with a helicopter..

Vegas Baby! Part 1

Tim and I haven't had a vacation together in a few years.. you may remember our 10 Year Anniversary getaway back in October 2009.. So when figuring out which flight to take to Vegas for a board meeting I had to go to for an organization I'm involved in we decided maybe Tim should go with me.  This all almost didn't happen because his mom is not doing well but we got everyone's blessing to go and have a good time and so we did and I think it was a good trip for the both of us especially him.

So we left on Wednesday and got there around 11:00 and we walked in the hotel laughing about the crazy driver we had.. We told the guy at the desk about it and she said well I'm fixing to make your night.. We have sold out of rooms but we have one room that we usually reserve for certain people.  It is only 2400 sq feet.. Tim looked at him and goes the high rollers?!?! HE WAS RIGHT!!  We got the biggest room they had.. When we walked in the room we realized how lucky we were.. it was gorgeous!!!

The Toilet remote....

This couch went in a circle

The pool...

It was really nice and those are just some of the pictures of the room.. if you would like to see more look here.

Chicago

This week I had a short trip to Chicago.  This was the first time I had ever been there and boy did they welcome me in a good way with SNOW!!  Being from Houston we don't see snow that much let a lone snow that sticks for 3 days.  So let's just say the plane ride was not my favorite part of this trip.  I got there on time but because of the snow we were stuck on the tarmac for an hour and a half.  Not fun and I was hungry but then also!  But I finally made it to the hotel and was able to get something to eat and then also play a little bit in the snow..

Had to make a snowball!

My hotel was across from the NBC tower.  They were suppose to film there the next day for their field trip segment but the snow in the Northeast kept them from coming.

The next day to my surprise there was still snow on the ground! I also realized how close I was to Lake Michigan.  I didn't get any closer than this to it but it was neat to see. 

Friday night we ate at a great restaurant called Gino's East,  Make sure if you go you take your white pen or correction ink so you can write on the wall!  I would suggest the deep dish pizza also.. we had the meaty one and it was SO GOOD! 

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see a lot of the city but I hope to get to go back next year when we have our institute there so I can see more.  

Philly

Went to Philly for a work trip a couple of weeks ago it was a great trip.  This was my first time to be away from the boys for a whole week.  Even though I worked very hard while I was there I did get to see some more of Philly.. you may remember I went in June and got to see a little bit of the town but this time I got to see more of the historical part which was neat.

So one day after we were done working we had a little time before we had to be ready for dinner so we decided to do the trolley which took us all over town..

I don't remember what everything is but I will put it if I remember it..sorry..

This is Joany on the pony - it is supposed to be Joan of Arc

 

They have lot of museams this one is in honor of Ben Franklin.

Do you know who ran up these famous steps below..... think about it...

Did you say Rocky.. you are correct or at least we all think that but we were told that he really only did the last few steps that his stunt double actually ran them.. On the night tour we did we could get out of the bus and actually run the steps.. I didn't do this.. I was a little tired but I was there for support!!

This is Betsy Ross' house.. all I can say is it was small.. I wish I had gotten a better picture of it.. (she is who they say made the first flag.. but they say this may not actually be true).

 

Thursday night we had a great time on this ship.  We were out for 3 hours inbetween Philly and New Jersey.. we had a great time eating, drinking, dancing and playing games.

 

One of the games was where you put a pedimeter on your head and see who could get the most number...guess who got to play that..

 

and WON!!!!  $50 Gift Card.. not to bad!!!

 

This was my partner in crime.. We hung out the whole time and would go back to the room and watch Duck Dynasty and pin on Pinterest.. we had a great time!

 

 

This is City Hall

 

This is Independence Hall.. I went with someone from another company from Houston Saturday morning before I had to go to the airport.. this and the bell was the two things I didn't want to leave not seeing..so when I heard she was going on her own I asked if I could go with.. so glad I did!!

 

Side view

 

The Flag there..

 

This is the room is where the The Declaration of Independence in 1776 and The Articles of Confederation in 1781 were signed.. the chair at the front of the room is the only original thing that was there when these were signed... very neat to be in this room.

Back view of Independence Hall.

 

Liberty Bell..

 

But I have to say the coolest thing that happened while I was there was I received an award for the things I have done to promote education of Division Order Analyst.. This was a total shock to me and I was just so excited to be even thought of for this.

 

It was a great trip but I was so glad to get back home and see my boys!!