For all of the present suggestions and Birthday wishes!
Gracie had a fantastic birthday.
In fact, she has been thoroughly enjoying her time in Chicago overall.
For her Birthday we took her to the Lincoln Park Zoo, and then to our favorite bakery in the WORLD Sweet Mandy B’s and let her go to town on some cake.
She legit freaked out over chocolate. Spazz attack. It was hilarious and amazing.
Then we let her play all afternoon in nuffin ‘cept her skivvies. Little girl prefers to be in lebuff. I prefer it too, honestly, but Daddy doesn’t approve. For dinner we went to Gemini Bistro and Gracie enjoyed fries, mac and cheese, and some more cake. Not a vegetable in sight. But that’s ok, it was her birthday!
She was not such a fan of the cheese cake, but she made out of dinner with a balloon which was pretty much everything in her book.
But then this morning she woke up a big girl and didn’t want no mo hugs from her mommy and daddy.
Jus kiddin, it was probably just the post birthday blues.
Other things we have been doing with our time in Chicago?
Aquarium.
Beach.
Lots of long walks… We went and knocked on the door of Clifford, The Big Red House and got to meet the new owners. And we took a tour of the house. Yes I am shameless. I had to make sure it was in good hands! And it is, the new family is SO sweet and while they have made some changes to make it more them, a lot of the big (wonderful) things are the same and it was good closure to see someone happy in that home. And they have a brand new baby! It’s like they picked up where we had to leave off, it all felt very meant to be.
We have had picnics in the park. Chicago is pretty.
Cubs game…
Where we only lasted 2 innings. Notice how pleased Pete looks about that. Tip, if you are taking a baby/child to Wrigley it is probably better to sit along the cubs dugout side, the visitors side is in direct sunlight and Gracie couldn’t take the heat so we got out of the kitchen.
We have had a great time catching up with friends&fam here but I am ready to head back to Texas and back to real life. Thank you again for all of the birthday wishes, we had so much fun imagining what Gracie’s perfect day would be and making that happen, I can’t wait until she can tell us what her birthday bliss is.
And because you are all so lovely, imma tell you my secrets Monday and Tuesday next week! Yes. They are that large that I think they each deserve their own day. I’m excited to not have to be so sneaky with you guys!
See you all here Monday morning.
K?
Looks like a wonderful birthday and a great trip – thank you for sharing!!
And…can’t wait to hear those secrets
What is your favorite bakery you visited?!
I told you up there, silly! Sweet Mandy B’s, on Webster in Lincoln Park. It is the best best best. The icing, I am nearly certain, has addictive narcotics in it. GO! xoxo
hahaha blind over here, thank you!!
Nice eyelashes gracie!
Gracie is the CUTEST. I mean seriously, she couldn’t get any cuter. So glad she had a great birthday! And how have I lived in Chicago for three years and never been to Sweet Mandy B’s?!? I may just have to go today! xo
She is such a beautiful little girl! The picture at the beach is so sweet!
All my friends were chatting about you the other night at a dinner party, and how they “knew you better” because they went to Texas with you. I told him I ACTUALLY knew you. They got so jellie.
Happy Birthday Gracie!
Looks like an awesome trip!
I love that you met Clifford’s new owners. That’s so cool (and gutsy)!
I’m headed off for a vacay in Newport, RI next week where I hope to unplug as much as possible (mostly from work, but maybe from some general Internets stuff too), BUT I will definitely make an exception to check in on Monday and Tuesday to hear about your secrets!
What a fun trip! And happy birthday to your sweet Gracie! It looks like she enjoyed her day!
Can’t wait til Monday!
Looks like you have been hitting everything great in Chicago this time of year! I also had Sweet Mandy B’s yesterday… YUMMY!!! My favorite as well- luckily our dry cleaners is right there so I love taking/picking up the cleaners and getting to stop in Sweet Mandy Bs. Happy Birthday to Gracie!
such.a.cutie.
Glad she had a fantastic birthday! Love those cake pictures. Makes me want to head to Sweet Many B’s and pull a Gracie and just go at it. Yum!
I’m so glad a nice happy family live in Clifford. Spreading the happy love around. Yay!
I didn’t know I could love Gracie any more than I already do until I saw her expression eating chocolate… she’s my kind of girl!!
I mean honestly, what 1 year old doesn’t prefer to run around in the nude?? She’s such a cutie!! Happy Birthday Gracie!!
Sweet Mandy B’s is the BEST!!!!!! I don’t live in Chicago anymore
But their iced molasses cookie is my favorite thing in the world. I hope you’ve tried that one!
Happy birthday little doll! (Funny, thats how I look when I eat cake hahaha.)
She looks insanely happy, keep up being a good momma!
Happy Birthday Gracie. It’s clear she had a blast and lots of yummy treats, just how a birthday should be.
Looking forward to the news you’re going to be sharing.
What a happy time! Your hair is so long & straight – I love it!
She is so precious!
I think its really nice you visited the old house! Im sure the new owners appreciated too
Isn’t Chicago the best city in the world? Looks like you had a great time! xoxo
Such a sweet precious little girl!
I knew that was sweet mandy b’s the second I saw that first photo! I’m glad you enjoyed another Chicago trip. Congrats on your first year of parenting – it’s been so fun to watch you both on this journey, especially knowing how difficult a start it was. She is a beautiful little lady and I’m so excited to watch your family and homes grow over the years!
Gracie is so beautiful, you are so blessed & happy belated 1st birthday! I hope you all had a great trip!