Charming Adventures in Chicago 2016: A Tale of Family, Weddings, and Windy City Wonders

A Cheeky Journey Across the Pond

Ah, the windy city beckoned once more! In May 2016, my partner-in-crime, Michele, and I embarked on a delightful escapade to Chicago for the second time in just two years (see the first trip with the boys in 2014). This time around, it was just the two of us, as our lad Lewis was buried under piles of work obligations, and our other offspring, Joshua, was on the brink of facing his final school exams. Eight days of pure adventure awaited us, and as tradition would have it, we jetted off from Manchester, making a pit stop in Dublin before landing in the land of deep-dish pizza and towering skyscrapers.

Wedding Bells and Family Affairs

Our primary motive for this transatlantic jaunt? To celebrate cousin Julie’s nuptials to her charming beau, Joe. It was a bittersweet occasion, as I had the distinct honor of walking Julie down the aisle. Sadly, her dear old dad, Uncle Graham, had departed this mortal coil the year prior, leaving a void that our family endeavored to fill with love and support.

From Manchester to the Midwest

This time around, we opted for a different lodging setup, settling in at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lisle, just a leisurely mile’s stroll from Julie’s abode. While our days were mostly spent basking in the warm embrace of familial bonds, we did manage to sneak in a few adventures beyond the suburbs. A day trip to Chicago via train was a must, where we reveled in the city’s vibrant energy and iconic sights.

Exploring Nature’s Splendor

One of the highlights of our trip was a serene escapade to The Morton Arboretum, where we wandered amidst towering trees and blossoming blooms, reveling in the beauty of nature’s handiwork. And of course, no trip would be complete without raising a glass (or several) to Julie and Joe’s love story at their wedding bash held at Clara’s Italian Restaurant in Lisle.