So the other day when The Orpheum Theatre asked their Facebook fans to list their favorite Doc Brown quote, my fingers were typing before I even knew what I was doing.

I only realized after I got a message a few hours later from The Orpheum that I had even entered a contest!  Typing “It’s your KIDS, Marty! Something’s gotta be done about your KIDS!” won us two tickets to see Back to the Future on the big screen!  My husband and I were beside ourselves.  Even though we have probably seen that movie thousands of times on the trusty VCR, neither of us had ever seen it in a theater, considering we were only toddlers when it came out.

We made a night of it, I donned my Delorean t-shirt (yes, I have one.  Biggest nerd ever) and it was AWESOME.  Best date EVER.

Pardon the iPhone pics.  In all the excitement we forgot to bring the big camera.  Not sure I could have focused on taking photos anyway!

Every year we take her out to the front yard, where we can see the city fireworks. This year we goofed and missed the city’s show by ten minutes, but our neighbors were happy to oblige Holly with a show of their own:

She isn’t scared of them, doesn’t try to chase them, she just stands there and enjoys the show. So stinkin’ cute.

The flag is flying, the smoker is ready for ribs, and I am about to attempt to make my aunt’s famous baked beans. We are ready.  Be safe, and have fun this 4th, everyone!

Holly says bring on the fireworks!

As Katie says:  “Do not mess with my schedule.”

Man, I love birdcage veils!

I love seeing everyone’s faces when those doors open:

We were on our way to get bride/groom portraits when it was decided that a Coke break was in order:

Check out the butterfly!

This is one of my favorite photos, ever I think.  Look at all that chaos in the background.  Kids are awesome.

Emily and Chad, thank you so much for letting me capture your big day!  I had so much fun.

P.S. A huge thanks also goes to Melissa for assisting!

We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel, which was pretty awesome. Do not, however, order the room service.

THIS cost me $24. They are lucky I was still carsick from the ride over…Nasty. Bread so stale I almost broke a tooth.

The first place we visited was Kuma’s Corner to enjoy some of their awesome burgers:

I tell Josh this is his “Entourage” picture:

Josh got this shot while standing in one of the crazy glass boxes on the 103rd floor of the Sears (Willis) Tower:

The Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier:

This thing is so high up!

So, I’m not scared at all! Or, whatever. I’m breezy.

Josh says: “The Married With Children fountain.”  I wasn’t allowed to watch such filth as a child, so I am ignorant to the pop culture relevance

Row 1:  (1) My view from the airport shuttle as we drove into the city (before I got carsick, bleh!), (2) enjoying a DELICIOUS YOB burger at Kuma’s Corner (Smoked Gouda, Bacon, Roasted Red Peppers, Roasted Garlic Mayo), (3 & 4) Josh and I attempt to get shots from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower that are non-silhouette-y.  No dice.

Row 2: (1) Our feet in the glass box of the Sky Deck at Willis Tower, looking down 1,353 feet, (2 & 3) Josh on the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier, (4) skyline from the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier

Row 3: (1) Josh on the Ferris Wheel again – can’t wait to hear what he was saying on the Flip camera.  I was not paying attention! (2) skyline and Lake Michigan as seen from a beachside dog park.  Sadly, Holly wasn’t with us :( (3) Lake Michigan, (4) Wrigley Field

Row 4: (1) I got so hot on the way to Wrigley Field that I broke down and bought an ice cream type substance and actually enjoyed it (yeah, I’m weird.  Don’t like ice cream.), (2&3) about to see Sue the T-Rex in 3D.  Apparently my glasses shoot lasers? (4) Running into the Chicago Theatre just before showtime to see Denis Leary live

Full wedding post to come!

Lots more to come!