Chicago: Defying Gravity
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008Well, we had another great weekend! The weekend before last was Kristin’s birthday, around October 11th. We didn’t get the chance to really celebrate because she had flown out early that weekend to be with Laura and the ladies at the TrueWoman ‘08 Conference put on by Revive Our Hearts (ROH). She was going to attend the conference for three days and then follow it up with a week of relaxation at her sisters house in Indiana.
I really wanted to do something special for her birthday, so months before when I knew all this would happen I planned an incredible evening of fun and excitement. Yay, go me. :-) Before Kristin left, I had told her that I had made reservations for her and Laura to go out to a nice restaurant for her birthday and that I hoped they would have a really good time. ;-) I was not exactly telling the whole truth . . . I completely surprised her by flying into Chicago on Friday afternoon. Laura and I had arranged for them to drop by the airport and the Lord worked out this cover story regarding ROH that worked flawlessly. :-) When they pulled up Kristin was completely taken back, “Wait, what are you doing here? This is amazing…wow…what are…” I love surprising her like this! :) Boy, that was fun…
We had a little time to kill in the afternoon so we decided to head over to where we were staying that night at IBLP HQ and drop the backs off, which also gave time for the girls to get all fixed up. :-) After everyone had changed into formal clothes for this nice dinner we headed over to the restaurant. I had chosen Il Mulino, it was the best Italian restaurant in Chicago and had incredible reviews. Well anyway, it was a good thing I had planned some extra time in the afternoon, traffic was a little heavy and we made it there just on time. I have been to some really formal functions and great restaurants but never a five star restaurant like this one before. This was guaranteed to be an incredible new experience for all of us! As we walked up the stairs to the restaurant, I felt like a millionaire. hehe I had budgeted the night in, so I had complete freedom to spend the money without having to even think about it . . . good thing I did **wow**. :-) Quite frankly it was the nicest dinner I have ever had. There were eight people who served us, one of which’s job was just to replace our silverware, which he did three or four times. :-) I have never experienced so many new tastes with each bite! It was incredible! There were about five courses and then the entree. Kristin ordered the cannelloni (pasta stuffed with veal, lamb and beef), Laura ordered the tetrazzini, and I ordered the filet mignon and a caesar salad. It was incredible!! I cannot say enough about how good it was! :)
After we got a little ways into the meal I informed Kristin that I had tickets for the three of us to go see “Wicked” on Broadway there in Chicago. She was once again blown away by this new surprise to the evening and I could see the tears welling up in her eyes. I cannot tell you the joy that was in my heart to be able to make a few of her dreams come true that night. Kristin has been waiting to see Wicked for many years and the day finally came. :-) Dreams do come true after all… :-)
After dinner we went and watched the show. When I purchased the tickets I was able to get Row A on the Loge level and the seats were amazing! Wicked was an incredible show! It was the best pop Broadway show I have ever seen. Really it is in a class of it’s own. I would highly recommend seeing it or if you can’t try getting the music which you can find here on Amazon or at least listen to the samples. :-)
The next morning we met up with Amy Bogner a good friend of ours that happened to be taking a class in Chicago at that time. We went out for breakfast and shopping. :-) Yay! So there I was with three beautiful women walking around the historic town of Hinsdale, IL. I got more cracks from store clerks than ever. “My there’s a lot of estrogen isn’t there fellow?” Laura commented in reply, “Oh, don’t feel sorry for him I think he is doing just fine…see that pretty girl…that’s his fiancé.” :-) We had a great time that morning and finished the day off with talking with Amy and Laura at a local chocolate lounge. Ymm! I had a delicious chocolate with fresh berries on top! Ymmmm!
When I booked the flights home, I fixed it so Kristin and I were on the same flight back to Houston even though we both the tickets a month apart. :) Yay! I was so glad it worked out. There was a nice gentleman that gave up his seat so we could both sit together, how cool is that. :) We arrived home safe and sound, exhausted from a great weekend along with many incredible memories that we will each have for the rest of our lives. :) Someday, when we are warn and weary from a long life and bedridden we will have the warm memories of yester-year and all the great adventures! :)
Here are some photos below of the weekends events! :-) What a blast! What a joy getting to spend time with my sweetheart on this amazing journey through life! :)
[ Defying Gravity ]
