news from the north: I'm 40 - the big 4-0

Carleen and I celebrated our 40th birthday this past Wednesday. To celebrate this momentous occasion we decided it was time to do a girl trip. We've talked about it since we graduated from high school - yes, way back then - and we've talked and talked and just never did anything about it. There's something about turning 40 (I CAN say it) that makes you realize that life doesn't slow down for you, it just keeps spinning faster and faster. So, with our other sister, we decided to book a weekend trip to Chicago. Just girls, no children, no husbands, just girls.

We landed at Midway around noon on Thursday and we hit the ground running. We ate and walked and shopped and talked. We took a skyline tour at night out on a boat, we visited Navy Pier and Wrigley Field, we took in the annual air show on North Beach where the Blue Angels showed their stuff.

We ate some of the best food I've ever eaten. An awesome steak, and Chicago style pizza and hot dogs,and some goulash at a cool little German joint that played great 80s music in our honor (or at least I like to think so).

We didn't get to any of the museums or art galleries or the top of Sears Tower (now called Willis Tower - like that'll stick!). So, I guess it means we just have to make another trip there. I would love to take the family, there are so many things to see and do!

We did have a great time! Thanks, sisters!

On the "L" subway right after we arrived. We took the L from Midway and got close to our hotel. Then, we got a little lost and noticed we were getting some strange looks from other passengers. Did you know that you can get DNA testing on your children so you can actually KNOW who the daddy is? I am such a small town girl - the thought never occurred to me until I read that poster on the subway. Any who, we headed up to the street and caught a taxi to our final destination a few blocks away.