Colin Gets Married to Jen (Finally) in Chicago

 After a quick stop at home for 2 days we headed back into Wisconsin.

My brother was getting married to Jen in Chicago! It's been a couple of months with ups and downs. Theo was born, my dad passed away and now my broham was getting married to his soulmate. If only dad could have been here this weekend.

I thought for sure he would have been there.

Cancer sucks.

On the way we stopped to eat at the Norske Nook in Osseo. After I fed Theo he would not stop screaming. He usually behaves pretty well at restaurants. We tried changing his diaper, burping and rocking him. We rushed out of their quickly and after I buckled him into his car seat he let out a few loud farts and calmed down.

Good thing Meadow is generally well behaved.

After staying the night with my mom and deciding on renting a minivan we arrived in the windy city. 

We decided to share a room at the Blackstone with my mom to save money.

This is the same hotel we stayed at for Katrina's wedding, pre-children.

 Since we arrived at the hotel Theo wasn't having it again.

Theo and Meadow did like the bathroom.

We didn't do much of anything outside of getting settled in. We ordered some Lou Malnati's for delivery and precariously ate Chicago-style pizza in our beds or wherever we could.

The whole time I thought Scott was saying illuminati. 

The next morning we went out in search of breakfast. I just don't get fancy hotels. You pay twice the price, there's no breakfast, no pool and anything extra costs more money.

I also miss a good continental breakfast and a pool would be nice, but Chicago!

We walked all the way past Millenium Park along Michigan Avenue to check out Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe. Unfortunately they had a 2 hour wait.

So, we braved the shadier and colder Wabash Avenue to find another place.

I was hoping with the wedding being in April it would be a lot warmer out.

BTW, this camera store still develops film!

We happened upon Goddess and the Baker. Breakfast at last. There was no room to sit down, so we brought it back to the Blackstone.

I love this city. If we ever move out of Minneapolis it will be to Chicago or New Orleans.

That's never happening. Brooke loves Minneapolis too much.

Breakfast at last.

We also received a welcome bag for our stay. It included a Chicago coloring book for Meadow.

A few hours later my sister and the rest of the Wrobleskis showed up. Their room wasn't ready so we hung out with the kiddos in ours.

The kids commenced to have a jumping competition.

Little Cameron now wears glasses too. 

For not seeing each other much these kids are best friends.

Then my brother showed up with his big beard and big coat. I think he was excited to meet little Theo.

We then waited around to meet Jen's parents.

We all met in the lobby to meet my brothers soon-to-be in-laws.

The kids had fun with their little games.

This hotel is over 100 years old and has hosted every president from Teddy Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter. As well as the Astors, Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. 

Fussy pants had enough with meeting everyone.

And then we met Joyce and Bruce. I think the families hit it off right away.

Aunt Carol was in town too. She stopped by my sister's room.

Somehow Katrina and Dennis ended up in a much larger room.

We left Meadow with the Wrobleskis and looked for somewhere to eat.

Chicago-style Italian beef sounded appropriate. So, Al's Beef it was. It's home to the best sandwich in America apparently. It got the sausage and beef combo. Brooke got a Maxwell St. Polish sausage. It was filling.

A few hours later we all met up at the Chicago Athletic Club. It was a bit chaotic, but full of amazing architectural details. I guess Cameron wasn't impressed.

We sat around for a bit and eventually took over a corner of the game room.

My sister and her family had left and the bocce ball was booked for the night, but we still made a night of it.

The next morning after we picked up breakfast we watched DC Super Hero Girls, Meadow's favorite.

This time we had breakfast at BeezZee Fresh Food. I was really getting sick of eating out, at least this place had some healthier options. Meadow also decided she wasn't going to talk or open her eyes at all during breakfast. It wasn't until we turned on her favorite show that she perked up.

She loves her brother.

Theo just puts up with it.

Theo was less than interested in the show or snuggling.

Scott had to take some photographs and the wedding wasn't until much later so Meadow and I headed out for a walk.

 We ventured over to Millennium Park to see the bean and go to Maggie Daley playground.

Meanwhile, I stopped by Jen's brothers room and snagged the thin crust variant of Lou Malnati's.

It was photo time, which means I had a job to do.

Jenn and Colin were dressed super-cool.

I loved her dress.

Jen and her parents picked out the English Room for photographs.

So classy.

It was perfect for shots with the rents and a few portraits.

Then we tried the lobby.

And took a few in their penthouse suite. Fancy.

 On a recent visit to Once Upon a Child I happened upon this little outfit. It was so silly we had to get it for the wedding. But I must say he does look very handsome. 

 Meadow even let me curl her hair.

So cute. 

The wedding and dinner took place a mile or so north at Avec. I think they were ready to make this official.

I liked the small non traditional wedding they had. A full course dinner eating family style.

Red Velvet. You know Brooke was happy.

Chyeah!

My sister came down with strep throat a few days before the wedding, but had bounced back by the wedding day. What a tough mama.

Theo was handed off as soon as we arrived. 

Between my cousin Jenny, my aunt and few others we got some time away from Theo. 

I like that we got a chance to meet everyone in attendance.

This was really happening! 

And the rings.

And it's official. Congrats broham and Jen.

This was a pretty snazzy affair with a few appetizers during the cocktail hour.

The bartender even came up with a mocktail for Meadow. 

Then we had a seven course meal touring the cuisines of the Mediterranean. Yes!

The paella was good.

One last photo for the night.

Even Theo congratulated Uncle Colin.

Had we not had Theo we could have joined them for drinks afterwards. 

It was time to say goodbye to Chicago, but first we had to stop by Burrito House.

Theo's first Burrito House. I remember when Scott first introduced us to this place to me 11 years ago.

This is what I'm talking about. See you soon Chicago. Can't wait to hang with the newlyweds soon.