The Great Adventure of 2019

Dane and I just returned from an amazing five days and four nights away. It was like going on a second honeymoon! I have shared pictures and videos if you want to jump over to Instagram and take a peek! https://www.instagram.com/andreapaceolsen

This trip originated with a desire to watch our son play football in South Bend on Saturday. Then we realized that we could mark two things off our bucket list at once if we flew in and out of Chicago and planned a couple extra days there.

Watching a game in South Bend, Indiana, was on Dane’s bucket list (I suppose it is on most football fanatics list) and I have wanted to return to Chicago since my last visit eleven years ago.

The cherry on top came when we talked with our daughter and her husband who live in Wisconsin and they agreed to join us for the game!

Our great adventure of 2019 went like this: We flew into Chicago on Thursday afternoon, Ben and Cassidy picked us up Friday afternoon and we rode with them to Michigan City in order to stay at the same hotel as the Navy football team. We were able to spend close to an hour visiting with Perry before bed that night. The next morning it was on to South Bend where we were blessed to see Perry throw his first collegiate touchdown pass against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. The Navy loss was softened tremendously by that pass as well as his second carry for a touchdown. After loving on him after the game the four of us headed back to Chicago where Cassidy and Ben dropped us off for two more nights!

The time with Cass and Ben was priceless as well! We always seem to make great memories with them – in this case, it involved sitting for hours in the cold with our feet literally resting in the snow.

Dane was wonderful to let me plan our time in Chicago. (Quick shout out to my brother who helped enormously from his years living in the Windy City.) Here are some things that we were able to do while there:

• Gorge on Chicago’s famous stuffed deep dish pizza at Giordano’s

• Worship at Moody Bible Church (Maybe you have heard of D.L. Moody)

• Stumble upon a synchronized ice skating team practice at Millennium park

• Take a photo at the bean (like every other tourist)

• Enjoy the beauty of the Art Institute of Chicago (and a few strange pieces as well)

• Dine at The Walnut Room in Macy’s on State Street (where I met the Queen Fairy of Christmas Wishes – I would have LOVED that job!)

• Experience the authentic German-style Christkindlmarket on its opening weekend

• Fill up on Garret popcorn (I highly recommend the garrett mix)

• Visit a replica set of Friends – seriously, I sat on the orange couch in Central Perk

• Watched A Christmas Carol in Goodman Theater (It was fantastic!)

All this while clocking between 15,000 and 18,000 steps per day!

It was amazing to have this time together away from the daily grind at home. I don’t think that I have mentioned this in previous posts, but Dane’s parents recently moved in with us. His dad is 96 and his mom is 89. Our opportunity for time spent alone is very limited. It has been an adjustment, but we are so happy to be able to spend this time with them.

Every marriage seminar or article written about successful marriage practices includes a need to find time to date your spouse. I understand first hand how hard it can be to find quality time with your husband. On the rare occasion that you are able, take another honeymoon– you won’t regret it.

We definitely packed our days full to overflowing but that is the way we like it! You may choose to enjoy quiet lazy days together away from the hustle and bustle of life. Either way, plan something! Life goes by so quickly, don’t let another week go by without a date or another year without a trip!

Until next time, step gracefully!