Closing a chapter...

Earlier this month a major chapter of my life closed. This chapter included so many unforgettable memories, long nights spent with my nose in a book, endless fun times on UNL's campus and friends to last a lifetime. I'm happy to say I graduated with my Master's degree in Marketing, Communications and Advertising and said my final farewell to Lincoln, Nebraska on August 10th. Six years of school officially done; I can't believe it! Since I'm already working at my dream job in Chicago, it felt good to seal the deal on my degree. It was also perfect timing for me to go back home to Nebraska to see friends and family. And to top off the weekend, I got to graduate with one of my best friends! Kelynne and I have had quite the summer. We took a trip abroad (more to come on that later), which was beyond amazing!

Cheers to new opportunities, new friends, a new city and new adventures! 

Harley's 21st Doggy Birthday

I realized we may have became "those people" when we threw Harley a 21st doggy birthday party. I mean, you only turn 21 once, right? Either way, Harley turned 21 in doggy years on July 30th and I'd say he had a good day. New toys, treats, a trip to the dog park and doggy beer...does it get any better? Some of your may remember when we found the doggy bear at the Lincoln Park Farmer's Market from this post.

Birthday Loot

Birthday smiles at the end of the night.

Birthday Pancakes a day late...

What's better than birthday pancakes on your birthday? Birthday pancakes the day after your birthday; it's like celebrating your birthday two days in a row! Well, that's how I justified the fact that I was a day late surprising Michael with his birthday pancakes.We'll also forget the fact that some of them were a little burnt. In the past 3 years, I've always made Michael a birthday cake on his birthday, but this year, thanks to Pinterest, I decided to switch things up and make him birthday pancakes. :) 

Maybe it's the little girl in me, but I never want birthdays to become "another day" as you get older. Because of this, I love making my friends and families birthdays a special day. I mean, a person's birthday only happens once a year! I was so excited to celebrate Michael's birthday in Chicago. We went out to the most amazing, romantic place for dinner, called Geja's Cafe in Lincoln Park. It's a fondue place, with not only an amazing menu but a great atmosphere. It was a little pricey, but if you have a special occasion, I highly recommend this place! 

Until next year :) Happy Birthday Michael! 

Hanging out on the rooftop before taking off for dinner.

In front of our apartment.

I'm a sucker for flowers, so we made a pit stop at the Lincoln Park Conservatory before dinner :)

The birthday boy :)

The most amazing food!

Isn't this the cutest place ever?

20 miles later...

Last Saturday afternoon Michael and I grabbed our bikes and hit the Lake Shore Drive trails. This happens to be another hobby of Michael's that has rubbed off on me. Exploring the pedway along Lake Shore Drive is beautiful and one of the best things to do during the summer in Chicago. It runs parallel to Lake Michigan and runs past several of Chicago's best sites and views of the lake. We're fortunate enough to live steps away from the lake and pedway, so this has been something we've taken full advantage of.

Before we knew it we were 10 miles out at the Aquarium. We found the perfect, most serene spot for a picnic that we plan to go back to before summer ends. We also had brunch at Yolk, which I have to say is one of the best breakfast spots around. 20 miles later we were able to bike through 4 neighborhoods and Grant Park where we walked among Giants (see photo below). 

This place deserves a blog post of its own, because I know we'll be back!

106 giants by the name of Agora.

Views of the city 10 miles from home.