Chicago or bust!

the last time I did the "_____ or bust" I busted, but this time, it rocked! Had a fabulous time in Chicago, and only wish I could have had a day or two longer there- a beautiful city, with tons of character, and OMGosh the shopping is rockstar awesome! To top it all off, I met some FABULOUS ladies from all around, and I am SO glad I decided to take the trip! I was a little homesick- missed my kiddos, but overall, a great time was had... and just to SHOW you, in case you're interested in 5,000 pictures, you can look-



here,

here,

here,

and here.

(that's what happens when 15 scrapbookers get together. I'm pretty sure I was the only one that didn't bring a camera)



I know everyone's wondering about meeting 13 people you've never met in person before, so I'll touch on the key points of the trip...



everyone was pretty much exactly as I thought they'd be, save for a few, little itsy bitsy life altering moments.



one can never buy too much at Costco, or Sam's, wherever it was that Carmen went shopping before this trip. Thanks Carmen! Nothing says fabulous like a Diet Coke and a huge muffin in the morning.



It really is a windy city.



Sometimes, even when someone has two maps, they can still walk 20 blocks too many.



No matter how old you are, you get enough girls together, drama will happen.



I wish I would have thought of the damn American Girl store. those people are making a killing.



Brandy has a cute snore. I've spent the night with her plenty, but this was the first time I actually was awake enough to hear it. I think between the two of us we might have slept a full hour the whole time.



Those bike taxi dudes are scary. I saw my life flash before my eyes.



Chicago has THE worst traffic EVER. And lots of ambulances.



Laura is a drug dealer. and a lifesaver.



People don't type cuss words anywhere close to as much as they let them fly (I will omit, this is myself included(hanging head in shame))



You also can't hear those great accents (Carrie and Susan- LOVE them!)



I'm so glad I did not have to ride the elevator in the Sears tower. You have no idea how relieved I was.



Those cupcakes.... nah. Pass. The chai latte across the street? Bonus!



Puppy chow rocks. And the recipe is on the BOX. Same with scotcheroos. On the BOX.



It's really cool to get Krystn as a Secret Sister. And then give her a huge hug. Twice. She likes that.



I instantly knew Lisa and Bre would be awesome roomies when they had flasks waiting for Brandy and I when we got there. Pretty hard to top that coolness, so good thing we didn't try.



I gotta tell ya... Chicago deep dish.... eh. Good, but I like New York thin crust. Sorry.....



You can still bounce on metal couches. Promise. Saw it with my own eyes.



AND, I definitely want to do a trip, with ALL of these great fabulous peeps, again!! SOON!