Anniversary Getaway Troubles In Chicago

Disclosure: I received some sort of payment (product, cash, gift card, affiliated link) in exchange for this post. 
All opinions are 100% my own.

Have you ever had one of those trips you have mostly planned out, you are excited for, and it's going to be just your Husband and you? Then everything goes possibly wrong that can? That is exactly what happened last Monday- Wednesday when we made a trip to Chicago.  Don't get me wrong the trip was still enjoyable and relaxing

We headed out late on the road than the original plan. That should have been a clue right? After we were officially situated and out on the strait and narrow road to Chicago all well going smoothly. We were escaping Gran Rapids so my Husband could attend two days of Audi school for his work. I tagged along to spend the time that he was not in school with him as our Anniversary getaway. Perfect timing. No kids although I couldn't help myself but think about them constantly. Must be a parent thing. I was able to have some me time and relax while he was in class. Just what I needed to be the best Mother and Wife I can possibly be. Lastly, we was able to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary.
Once we finally arrived at our hotel after almost a long 4.5 hour drive and getting stuck in the famous Chicago traffic, we quickly learned out out of town stay was not going to be all roses.

We learned that the hotel had messed up our reservations leaving us stranded with all the hotels booked solid around us. Thankfully we were still able to get into the same hotel in the end. Phew...because I was not about to sleep in the car. Not that I'm not adventurous, I had enough of being in the car by this point.

Although as silly as it sounds while standing at the check in/out counter of the hotel I couldn't help myself but think of the positive things I have packed. One being my Snackeez cup.  It is perfect for traveling and having on hand anywhere you go. I brought it with us knowing I could fill it up with a drink and on top add some fruit or a snack. Perfect right?! Not only are they great for adults they are amazing for kids as well. I love using this handy tool for my Daughters. Not to mention they love it and sometimes argue over who is going to use it. I may just have to buy two more. To me that's a pretty good sign this is a great product for parents on the go.
Once everything was finally situated we were able to start our getaway. School/ Anniversary getaway that is. 
Here are some highlights from our Chicago getaway.
  1. Before we arrived our hotel we got lost..yes lost. The hotel address on the GPS did not bring us to the hotel. But it did bring us through a neat city called, Hoffman Estates. Of course I was so excited and joked that Illinois named a city after us. It was so beautiful. I could see myself living there...if only I could afford the homes. 
  2. I learned every time you make a wrong turn and have to turn around, be warned you are going to add on at least another 15 minutes to your driving time because of traffic. There are a lot more people and cars. Do not make a wrong turn.
  3. We choose to go to Panera once while down there. I wanted something with cream cheese. They literally looked at me as if I were from a different country and said, "you mean cheese?' I repeated myself again and so did they. Finally I gave up and said, "yes with the cheese." Ha ha!
  4. I was able to get use to the drivers down there quickly. I actually liked how everyone got from point A to point B. Once I came from home I felt like It took forever like being stuck behind a turtle driving to the store, turning at a light, etc. 
  5. We stopped at the famous Cracker Barrel on the way home. I couldn't help but challenge my Husband to their famous game on the table. I won. I am very competitive. 
  6. The local Starbucks in the suburbs were always out of what I wanted to order. Plus they always seemed cheaper than the Starbucks here at home. They seemed smaller. I really wanted my Starbucks from home badly. No offense.
  7. The drive home took 5 hours. Traffic was horrendous. But that is typical Chicago for you. Traffic starts there about 3PM. 
I enjoyed myself and our getaway but was sure happy to be home to my girls!

Where have you traveled to for your Anniversary getaway in the past? 


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