I was able to spend 36 hours in Chicago with my little family.
Even more specifically this man.
This Lego building, goofy face making, Coke drinking, pizza eating, little kid carrying, ice skater watching, best smelling, most comfortable man in my entire world. How I ended up with him, I don’t know. But I go to bed every night holding his hand thankful that I did.
And the pizza. Chicago and the pizza. Yes. Yes please.
We were surrounded by hundreds of thousands of people. But these two were the only ones I noticed. The big one that loves to swim, watch ESPN and eat omelets and the little one who had all her dreams come true when we let her hail and ride in her very first tacky. (What the rest of us call a Taxi, but I’m not about to correct her.)
Being away from the distractions of real life with these two, even if just for a few hours, allowed my tired, weary soul to rest. Like a nap but with better views and way better food. My heart is full, and even more importantly it is rested.
I am blessed.
Related posts:





















Comments off.
By Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] on 12.21.10 10:27 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @alotofnothing
Having a husband to love and kids we like is kind of all we need.
By Jenn on 12.21.10 10:28 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @TheresYrKarma
Addie is getting more beautiful BY THE DAY. You guys are gonna have fun beating the boys off with a stick in a decade or so!
Glad to hear your refreshed.
Jenn Reply:
December 21st, 2010 at 10:29 pm
@Jenn, ugh. YOU’RE. Only ‘cuz I’m a writer and I know better.
By designHer Momma on 12.21.10 10:28 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @designhermomma
love it! love it! love it! Resting, with the ones you love, is priceless.
xoxoxox
By Colleen on 12.21.10 10:31 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @amadisonmom
What an amazing 36 hours!!!
By mommabird2345 on 12.21.10 10:45 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @mommabird2345
So sweet. Glad you had fun.
By Ohh, Betsy! on 12.21.10 10:49 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @ohhbetsy
What a great post. So, so lovely.
By Jen on 12.21.10 11:04 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @pollard_jen
Seriously, Casey, could you child be any cuter?
Go glad you had a great time!
By Kim on 12.21.10 11:04 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @kimorlandini
I bought Legos at the same place. I heart Chicago. I heart you.
By Kim on 12.21.10 11:09 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @Kwillis
Oh Chicago pizza.
Glad you had a wonderful time with your sweet family!
By Angie on 12.21.10 11:16 pm | Permalink
We are 45 mi north of the city…so seeing your photos was almost like being there! Thanks for sharing.
By Just Shireen on 12.22.10 1:04 am | Permalink
Twitter: @JustShireen
Love.
By Lauraszoo on 12.22.10 1:35 am | Permalink
Yay! I’m glad you got a break! Sometimes a “change of scenery” can make a huge difference. But…I’m glad you are back, missed ya!
By Emily on 12.22.10 1:46 am | Permalink
Twitter: @emihill
Those little breaks are priceless..as is Moosh’s penguin cap!
By Annis on 12.22.10 3:04 am | Permalink
Twitter: @annisnelson
Casey,these pictures are beautiful, as are the words that go with them. Reading your blog strengthens me in so many different ways. You’ve given me solidarity through depression, reassurance as I nanny small children that no, I’m not the only one who has thought about bungee cabling the door closed from time to time and now you’ve given me hope to endure singlehood, to not settle for anything less than the blessing your husband obviously is to you.
Side note, I am slightly in love with your lipstick. Would you happen to remember which it was?
Casey Reply:
December 24th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
@Annis, Oh thank you Annis, and to tell the truth, I have actually bungee cabled a door shut once.
And Cody was exactly everything I didn’t want in a husband, or a boyfriend, or a man in general, aside from him being a boy, but oh man, he’s so worth it. I wish you the same.
And as far as the lipstick, it’s L’oreal Color Riche in True Red with MAC lipliner in brick, seriously the best red lipstick ever. (Thank you!)
By Krista on 12.22.10 3:42 am | Permalink
Twitter: @marriedlife
Aw-some!
Love the “tacky” which is totally appropriate since she’s wearing a penguin hat. We have a book called Tacky the Penguin. Very cute and fun, you should check it out!
Casey Reply:
December 24th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
@Krista, Already added to the wishlist, perfection.
By ClassyFabSarah on 12.22.10 5:35 am | Permalink
Twitter: @ClassyFabSarah
If your next baby is just as cute as your first… Cody is going to be in biig trouble someday. My best friend’s dad used to, no joke, clean his guns in the living room on Friday nights. So, Cody should probably get a gun.
Oh wait, I’m sorry, this was a post about… Chicago? Family?
But seriously, you all are a gorgeous family. Addie’s face in the bean picture is adorable.
Casey Reply:
December 24th, 2010 at 10:22 pm
@ClassyFabSarah, Doesn’t she look so little? And goofy? I love it.
By Jenny on 12.22.10 9:07 am | Permalink
I am glad that your Chicago trip recharged your batteries. I love that city! Were you making crafts at the Field Museum? It looks familiar.
Casey Reply:
December 24th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
@Jenny, Making Lego people at the Lego store on Michigan. I nearly boiled to death but it was worth it.
By Rhonda on 12.22.10 11:11 am | Permalink
Merry Christmas Casey to you and your family. I enjoy reading your blog, and admire you for your honesty. I never post, but always check in to see how you are doing. I am so happy that you were finally able to conceive again. May God continue to bless your family and stay with you in your times of need and always.
Casey Reply:
December 24th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
@Rhonda, Thank you Rhonda, and Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.
By Jenny on 12.22.10 11:26 am | Permalink
Merry Christmas to you and yours! You look beautiful! Glad you were able to escape for a few wonderfully amazing hours! Are you going “home” for Christmas?
Casey Reply:
December 24th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
@Jenny, Staying at our home. But man, I could go for a good trip home home.
By Lizzy on 12.22.10 1:57 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @runningperson
Perfect!
By Katie on 12.22.10 2:23 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @ksluiter
love a good whirlwind to Chicago…so glad you and your little family were able to have such big fun!
By punkinmama on 12.22.10 4:23 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @punkinmama
Sounds pretty much perfect. Glad you had a wonderful time, despite the not so wonderful drive back.
By domestic extraordinaire on 12.22.10 6:38 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @DExtraordinaire
Sounds like a great 36 hours. Love the photos and you.
By Issa on 12.22.10 7:26 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @Issascrazyworld
Oh I’m so glad that you got away for a few days. A tacky. Love her.
I hope you all have a fabulous holiday.
By Brenna on 12.24.10 1:08 am | Permalink
Twitter: @clementinenw
Love the photos! I would love to visit Chicago someday… if only for the pizza!
By Tony on 12.24.10 11:12 pm | Permalink
What a beautiful family.
Hey Casey, I hope you and your family have a great Holiday.
Tony
By givejonadollar on 12.25.10 11:16 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @givejonadollar
Greetings fellow hoosier! I don’t find too many blogs from Indiana so this was a nice find.
The pictures look great above and Chicago is a heck of a place. Sure beats Indy or Lafayette anyday.
By Hannah Braboy on 12.27.10 11:03 am | Permalink
Twitter: @HannahBraboy
Chicago looks wonderfully beeyouteeful!
By Rachel on 12.29.10 10:23 pm | Permalink
Twitter: @sthrnfairytale
nothing more than sending love to you and your wonderful family.
from my heart, to yours.
my family, to yours.
I will hug you in a month.