Our long weekend started early Thursday morning with a direct flight from San Diego to Chicago.

Once in flight, I opted for the breakfast with fruit, yogurt and croissant. I refrained from that little bowl of granola, although it looked good.

The hubs had the biscuits and gravy with eggs, cheese and chorizo. It looks so yummy! Especially his cinnamon roll.

What an exciting weekend trip!

The hubs rested his eyes, while I messed around.

I have such a love for checking out the beautiful scenery below. I also feel quite lucky that the hubs insists I get the window seat.

I particularly enjoyed the mini cup holders on this flight.

We zipped thru the prettiest puffy clouds.

And made our way to Chicago in no time. We used Uber for the first time too! We were Uber pros by the end of our stay. What a positive experience.

We arrived at our hotel (The Ambassador) in pretty good time, considering there were some traffic issues.

Since we had an early breakfast, by 4:30 (Chicago time) we were ready for a little something to eat.

So we decided on this restaurant, just inside the lobby of our hotel.

I had a green salad with grilled chicken, this hit the spot. The hubs was happy with a burger and fries.

Friday morning, we found 3rd Coast Cafe on Yelp with great reviews. Turns out, we dined there 3 times over the weekend. The coffee is the BEST!

Not only do they take pride in their food, they too have a passion for art. The art on the walls is ever changing as the fine works of art are for sale. With each sale, a spot is opened for new art.

Friday night, we had a wedding rehearsal, the big reason for our Chicago trip.

My stepdaughter and her beloved fiancé.

The ceremony was so beautiful. Yes, I cried, at the ceremony and reception. What precious memories.

The bridal party took the trolley around Chicago for some cool shots. These shots were taken from one of their friends. We have about a 3-4 week wait on photos from the photographer.

At the reception, we were served…

First Course – Gem Salad

avocado mousse, seasonal vegetables, fine herbs vinaigrette.

Second Course – Slow Roasted Pork Belly

red wine-braised red cabbage, bacon, spicy dill, pickled apple

Main Course – guests selection

Grilled Alaskan Salmon – white bean emulsion, Spanish chorizo

Braised Short Rib – mashed potatoes, tai-colored carrots, red wine jus

Butternut Squash Cavatelli – roasted vegetables, sage brown butter sauce

I chose the Grilled Alaskan Salmon, it was amazing!

And of course, Wedding Cake for dessert. A choice of chocolate or vanilla with chocolate ganache.

Sunday, the hubs and I met with the parents of the groom and visited with the newlyweds in their new home in Chicago, just 1 block away from the Wrigley Field. So I had to shoot this as we passed by on foot.

We had a late lunch and said our goodbyes, as the newlyweds had their honeymoon flight to Barcelona, Sunday night.

Sunday night, the hubs met his sister and brother-in-law in the lobby to work a bit on their ancestry. What a beautiful place to visit. The area over on the right, is a nice large area with lovely spaces to visit by a grand fireplace. I was a little sad when the security asked me to stop taking pictures in the hotel.

Monday, what a glorious day after the cool snap we experienced. It was also the day to come home. I snapped this from the Uber, just across the street from our hotel as we pulled away.

Another shot from the Uber, autumn is here.

Farewell Chicago, we had a delightful stay.

Once at the airport, I fell for the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. This will more than likely be my last Starbucks treat between now and Christmas. I still need my other annual holiday flavor during the season. I splurged on the large (I don’t mess around) and I enjoyed to the last pumpkin sip.

We had a direct flight back to San Diego. I must say, there is something to be said about direct flights.

I was in my world with the real camera.

I had a nice little salad while in the friendly skies.

A clear sign we are close to home.

One of my favorite shots as we were getting close.

The San Diego Coronado Bridge, a true sign we are home.

Downtown San Diego

As we stood at the curb, waiting on our ride to the parking garage, I just had to take this picture. The perfect welcome, is palm trees and low 70 temps.

It’s so good to be home sweet home and resting after the major flurry of fun events.

I took the camera thinking I would take more images with family and friends. Turns out, I decided to leave it behind, in the hotel room for most of the trip. I tend to get a little too carried away with a camera and miss so much of the moment. I’m happy to wait on the images from the photographer. I plan to share more when the photographer finishes the work.

Blessings – Debbie