A Weekend in the Windy City

Last weekend, we spent three days in the Windy City. Some of our favorite travel bloggers were hosting the Chicago Seminars, so Matt & Nick spent the weekend learning and networking, while I enjoyed catching up with some dear friends in the area.

We flew in early Friday morning on our favorite domestic airline - Southwest.  The boys usually spend the flight updating their ongoing Southwest spreadsheet information (i.e. point redemptions to various destinations), while I read or take advantage of the free T.V. It was a quick flight, but I did make it through two episodes of House Hunters International while the guys drank several cups of coffee before landing.

Reasons To Love Southwest:

1. Low Fares - If the fare goes down in points or dollars, you can get it for the lower price.

2. Refundable Tickets - The flexibility to change or cancel your flight at anytime without being charge a fee.

3. The Companion Pass - Right now, I fly for free with Matt until the end of 2014. We fly on points these days, so $2.50 or $5 per person for taxes is a great deal per flight (fees depend on final destination). 

Thanks to Priceline's "Name Your Price", we paid $9/day for the rental car and received a free upgrade. 

They had to send a picture to the quarterly meeting attendees, marketing Budget Software 3.0. 

Beautiful fall day spent eating and exploring in the city.  First stop - Giordano's for their famous stuffed pizza. 

Followed by a walk down the Magnificent Mile. Yes, we were those tourists who stopped on the Michigan Avenue Bridge for pictures.

And onto Millenium Park where Matt and Nick continued their six-shooter tour that started back in August while in Colorado.

Found the Bean. 

The various banks call their name and attention wherever we go.

While Trader Joe's calls mine. Frugal Travel Tip - Load up on snacks when you get to your destination. :)

Always an eye out for CVS and Vanilla Reloads. Fellow frugal travelers will understand.

And more eating. When the line is outside the door, that is always a good sign in addition to a #3 ranking on Trip Advisor. The only downside to Hot Doug's - Cash Only = no 2x dining points. 

Matt and Nick had a great time attending the different sessions and meeting other frugal travelers throughout the weekend. 

Meanwhile, I enjoyed catching up with a dear friend, Anna, over coffee and catching up and hanging out with our good friends, Kirsten and Jason (and enjoying our theological conversations/debates as well :)). Love you friends! It was so good to see you all. 

I also attended the spouse seminar on Saturday evening hosted by Mommy Points and The Frugal Travel Guy. Enjoyed meeting favorite travel bloggers, talking travel tips, and making new friends.

My husband celebrated his birthday by researching ITA fares. Many adventures to come in year 26. Happy birthday dear!

The weekend went way too quick and before we knew it, we were on a flight bound for home.