Day 358 - Christmas Eve at our house & Dinner at Sullivans

No more trips back to Nebraska after Thanksgiving . . . that's how Q & I decided to handle travel since I am oh-so pregnant with twins. So tonight we had our first ever on-our-own Christmas Eve. We decided to go to Sullivan's steak house (another first, although I have been tot he one on Omaha) anyway. We had a really nice dinner

(that wine glass in front of me is Quinn's - duh!)

Our meals were delicious and the service was great too

After dinner we did get some family time in. We went to Quinn's brother house to visit a bit and have some dessert (yummy cannoli's).

We headed home to relax a bit before going to midnight mass at our church. We often do midnight mass back in Omaha with my family, but always have to get there early so we can all sit together, so we decided to head to our mass early too - just in case, even though it was just the 2 of us . . . and so we got lots of extra prayers in :) The procession into mass was abloutely precious and brought me to tears. A sweet little girl, about 4 years old and with special needs walked in with Father, carrying the baby Jesus that she placed into the crib scene in front of the church. What a perfect way to start the celebration of the greatest gift - Jesus's birth!

Day 349 - Pierponts

Tonight Quinn and I went to dinner to Pierpont's. It's a great restaurant at Union Station and I thought it would be a perfect spot to get in the holiday spirit, plus we had a Groupon to use.

They had a special promotion on their menu for a salad, small plate, entree and dessert so we each did that - it was a lost of food, but everything was so delicious and it was the perfect way to get to try lots of different items


Our waitress was so sweet and when she found out we were pregnant with twins she put candles in our dessert for us :)

We had a wonderful night out!

Day 328 - Lunch at Kona and 30 Weeks Pregnant

We made it to Omaha last night and I worked a half day out of the office here this morning so that I could meet with my boss and get our game plan for my maternity leave.

The whole office closed down at noon today and my team headed to Kona Grill for a lunch and some team bonding, which was really nice since I am usually the only one from the group who works in our Kansas City office. Plus the meal was great, i had been to Kona before, but this was my first time for lunch and they had a great menu offer called Kona's Perfect pairings.

Everything so yummy!

Other Firsts: Today we are 30 weeks pregnant!!

Day 326 - George W. Bush Book Signing

Tonight Quinn and I attended our first ever book signing. It was actually called a 'conversation with George W. Bush' so it was really like watching a live interview.

With every ticket you got an autographed copy of the book Decision Points and each ticket was only the cost of the book, so it was a good deal.

The actual interview was actually very interesting and Quinn and I were both surprised at how light the security was when we arrived, although up by the stage and around the former president it seemed pretty serious.

This was a neat way to learn more about this book and to get to see a former president of the United States in person. I will definitely keep a look out for similar opportunities in the future with other authors.

Other Firsts: The event was at a church down on the plaza, so afterwards we stopped over to the restaurant Noodles & Company for a quick dinner. It was really yummy & I'm glad we tried it. Plus it's a chain restaurant and I know there are other locations that will be easy for us to get to too - so I'm sure we'll be back!

Day 322 - Accurso's

Tonight we went out to dinner and decided to try something new and decided on Accurso's. It's an Italian restaurant with a pretty typically menu, so there were plety of familiar options to choose from.

The atmosphere was nice & clean and they had live music which was fun too, but the overall vibe was lacking something - a good place for a quick dinner, but definitely not a new favorite.

They had some great dinner specials, which was a good deal and we started with their caprese salad which was tasty

A good little restaurant at a nice price - they do have a neat patio, so maybe we will head back in the spring to enjoy some wine :)

Day 318 - La Bogeda

One of our favorite restaurants, La Bodega recently opened a new location and tongiht we decide to check it out.

It was a great nigh tout. The new location has the same vibe as the original, but is not as rustic (which is too bad, but considering there the new one is, it's probably better this way for their business)

Our service was a little off, but the food was delicious. (we attempted to take some pictures on our phones, but it was too dark inside to get anything worth sharing)

Other First: This morning we were still up in Omaha and went to mass with my parents. They were on the schedule to carry up the gifts so Quinn an did that with them which was special.

Day 310 - First Baby Shower (and Johnny's BBQ)

Tonight we had our first baby shower. It was actually called a Baby Party and a party it was!! Quinn's siblings all hosted it for us here and Kansas City and it was so much fun. We invited guys & gals which was great so Quinn could be a part of all the baby goodness. Plus my parents and some Quinn's immediate family all came down from Omaha which made the evening extra special.


Our friends & family were so thoughtful & generous in helping us to prepare for our little bundles of joy. Thank you all!!






The night ended with a dance party in the kitchen . . . by far the coolest baby party I've ever been a part of :) I even got a nice leg massage from my momma & friend Anne at the end of the night.

Other Firsts: Before the shower my parents, Quinn & I went to dinner at Johnny's BBQ. My parents actually saw it featured on the food network last night so it was fun to go there with them and try out the BBQ. In general barbecue isn't my favorite, but tonight my mom & shared a rack of ribs and everything was pretty darn good.

Such a fun night!

Day 296 - Yogurtini

Today we stopped by a great little yogurt place (these types of stores are popping up like crazy!!) called Yogurtini - love the name!)

I tried the Blueberry Tartini & Vanilla both were excellent.

Of all the new yogurt places popping up, this one has been one of my favorites. It was clean organized inside and the yogurt and topping selection was impressive.

I will certainly head back soon!

Day 290 - Cascone's Restaurant

Today I attended a bridal shower lunch for one of Quinn's cousins, Nolan and his bride to be Amanda. It was held at Cascones, an Italian restaurant that I had never been to until this afternoon. I had the lasagna which was really good.

It was a nice shower and the food was yummy. Next time Quinn and I are thinking Italian for dinner we may just have to head back and try more of Cascones menu out.

Other Firsts: Quinn and I began our second wedding anniversary celebration tonight with dinner at the Capital Grille, the restaurant wasn't a first, but the confetti on our table was :)

Day 275 - Amore

Quinn and I woke up pretty early today, to make the best of this gorgeous Saturday.

We ran a bunch of errands and made a stop at Amore Chocolate Pizza Company to try out this unique little shop.

I ordered cup of hot chocolate and was very impressed with how it was made. They used real chocolate. I could see how the lady making it scooped chucks of chocolate from a large, glass container and added it to my cup - yummy!

The hot chocolate was very tasty and great for this fall-like day out :)

Day 269 - Mass at Loyola & Brunch at Eatt (Bye-bye Chicago)

We are heading back home this afternoon, but still managed to pack a few things into our morning. We went out to Loyola University to go to mass with Nick and check out his dorm.

Then we had brunch at Eatt. My waffle was delicious!

Now back to reality . . .

Day 268 - Billy Goats, Uncle Julio's & the Purple Pig (more Chicago)

Today was so much fun!! I am exhausted now, but it was so worth it.

This morning I woke up early for a prenatal massage that was wonderful and then Quinn and I worked out a bit. By the time we got back to the room and ready for the day it was lunch time.

We headed to the originally Billy Goat Tavern


The burgers were actually really great! And even though I tried to order a single and was told it had to be a double, I am glad - I had no trouble finishing the entire burger

They noticed I am pregnant and gave me a special hat to wear

Another satisfied customer :)

After lunch we were all fueled up and ready for some serious shopping! First stop - the Land of Nod. With the babies on the way I really wanted to see this store in person while we were in Chicago. We didn't end up buying anything here - but everything was so cute!

While trying out a glider, Quinn had me toss him a couple stuffed footballs so he could 'practice' :)

After lots of walking & running around we decided it was snack time and went to Uncle Julio's where Quinn and I shared some tasty nachos


We followed lunch with more shopping & walking and then headed back to the hotel where I was ready to crash, but instead we rallied - My mom, Quinn and I headed to the hotel bar for drinks, expecting a quite little bar, but basically ending up at a club. Eventually Michelle and some friends met up with my mom and Quinn and set out yet again for a late dinner.

We went to the Purple Pig and had a really nice time. On our walk there we noticed this construction sign for Q&C Enterprises . . . I guess we will need a more original name when start our own business ;)



Good night!!

Day 267 - Trump Tower, Pizzeria Duo & Berry Chill Yogurt (Chicago)

After a morning of business meetings in Chicago, I so ready to get out & enjoy the city.

My parents , sister Michelle and I started with a wonderful lunch at Volare. I had actually been here 2 other times before and loved it! and today was even better than the last couple of visits. After lunch we relocated hotels and checked into our suit at the Trump Tower - fancy!!


(We had to wait much longer than we would of liked, but the 4 of us made the best of our time and actually ended up having some fun while we waited for our room to get ready).

Once up in the room, it was so fun to explore our 'home' for the weekend

Check out this view

Earlier in the week, my mom got an email about their pillow menu (fancy) so she decided to try one of each, well we ended up with one for each of us :)

There was a selection of fancy water . . . $25/bottle - no thanks!

Here's the room Quinn and I shared . . . not too shabby!

We even got a fancy tray of chocolates & fruit :)

Quinn flew in to meet us this afternoon - Yipee!! He has been out of work this week, so I haven't seen him since I took him to the airport on Monday morning. Now the Chicago fun can really begin :)

We had dinner at Pizzeria Due Everything was so yummy!

After dinner we walked around a bit and tried a frozen yogurt place, Berry Chill

It was pretty good - nothing too amazing.

The inside of the shop was bright & modern looking

I ordered the mango yogurt with raspberries

Oh and Nick met up with us earlier in the night, back at our hotel, and was with us for dinner & yogurt - hooray!

It was a fun-filled Chicago day!