Chicago

Sometimes in life Heavenly Father blesses you with tiny miracles that I like to call coincidences. Back in January of 2013 I went in to the Kennedy Center to book my flight to and from Europe. I didn't really care where my layovers were, I just wanted the best deal I could find. The lady who books the flights put in the dates of my trip and pressed "Search." As she scrolled through the flight options she suddenly said, "Oh this one is a great deal! Only $1,300, one lay-over each way. Oh nevermind, it's because there is an overnight layover in Chicago on the way back. You won't want that." "What? No no no, I would LOVE that!" I said, " My brother lives in Chicago and I never get to see him!" I don't know how I got so lucky to go on study abroad in the first place, and now this little perk? I seriously have been so blessed. I don't mean that in a bragging way. I really mean that in the humblest of ways. I am so blessed and grateful for the opportunities and experiences I've had. So blessed. So grateful. I kept thinking that over and over the entire trip.

Going to Chicago was the perfect stop before returning home to Utah. I had so much fun seeing my brother, Ben, sister-in-law, Jamie, and niece, Charlotte. If I had been there one week later I would have met little Jane, but I guess it wasn't to be! Ben and Jamie were such great hosts! We went to dinner at an amazing Mexican restaurant with some of the best tacos I have ever had. We hung out and talked and had some much needed quality time. I was only there for less than 24 hours, but it was such a blessing to be able to have that time together.

Tea Party with this cutie!

Charlotte has mad camera skillz.

This kid LOVES ice cream.

Satisfied? I think so.

Ben was so nice to take me to the airport at the crack of dawn the next morning. A few hours later I arrived in Salt Lake City where Shawn picked me up! It felt so weird holding his hand as we waited at the bag claim. I kept squeezing it to make sure it was actually real! I hope we never have to go that long without seeing each other again! It would be a billion times harder now. As much as it sucked though, I think it was a good thing for us. We definitely learned a lot and I had some time to really come to grips with how I truly felt about him and where I wanted our relationship to go without the added drama of having friends/roommates telling me what to think or feel. But still...NEVER AGAIN! I'm taking my hubby with me next time I go to a foreign country. Indonesia maybe? I definitely have the travel bug now, so look out world! Here's to the next adventure!