Just about a year ago...

Let me start at the beginning. When the girls were younger, I needed all the advice I could get on being a parent. I often went to a popular parenting magazine's website and referenced the message boards for advice. After being a lurker for a few months, I signed up and started asking my own questions and giving a few answers when I had the same experience as the other mom. I noticed a lot of moms had the same type of questions I had. Eventually, I formed a bond with a few of the ladies who were on the boards.

We left the message boards and continued to email and call each other. Last summer we decided emails and telephone conversations weren't cutting it, we needed to meet. Luckily all our husband's were on board with this meeting, even though I am sure they all thought we were crazy going to a big city to meet people we have never before met in person!

Soooooo.....

I flew here...

To meet these ladies...

We swam in this pool...

And the entertainment highlight of the weekend was seeing this...

I will admit, I was a little nervous about meeting these "chicks" for the first time but once I got my first hugs from Kari and Lee Anne, my nerves were calmed! Then Kirsten's plane showed up and it was like we had all known each other for years!

There was never a dull moment. The first night we ate dinner at PF Changs then walked around the city for awhile. Then we went back to our rooms and chatted until we couldn't chat anymore.

The second day we did the touristy things. Went to Navy Pier, took a boat tour, shopped, went to the American Girl Doll store, swam in the roof top pool of our hotel, had dinner then went to the theater to see Wicked!

The weekend wasn't long enough. Lots of talking, laughing and getting to know each other better. We vowed to take a Chick trip every summer until we are old and grey!!! We were even going to get t-shirts made of the places we visit together!!!

This year due to all our busy schedules, we could not get together and we are all very disappointed. This means next summer's trip is going to be the best one yet!

I love my chicks and am so thankful they are in my lives!!! I know they are always there for me and I am always there for them!!!

Love you chicks!!!