Chicago Nationals

Between garden projects, fishing trips, weekends with friends, and even a girls’ weekend in Branson, there has been a lot happening.

I have been spending more time at Chris’s place, learning my way around country life, but I am also still making room for the things I have always enjoyed — friends, bowling, traveling, and exploring new places.

And now it was time for another adventure: Chicago.

Heading to Chicago

When I travel for bowling tournaments, the tournament is always only part of the adventure.

Yes, there is bowling. But there is also exploring new places, finding good food, checking out local breweries, and seeing what makes each city unique.

This year, Nationals took us to Chicago. And for the first time, Chris came along.

He wasn’t just coming for the sightseeing — he was there at the bowling alley with me, watching me compete and getting to see another part of my life.

The bowling was the reason we were there, but exploring Chicago quickly became part of the adventure.

Exploring Before Bowling

We arrived and started exploring right away.

Our first day was filled with some of my favorite kinds of stops — local places, good drinks, and things we wouldn’t find anywhere else.

We visited Wolfden Brewing and Pollyanna Brewing, checked out Lynfred Winery, and even found an old Army Jeep at a car show.

One of the best parts of traveling is that you never really know what you are going to find. Sometimes it is a big attraction. Sometimes it is just a random stop that makes you smile.

Those are usually the moments that make a trip special.

Seeing Chicago

One of the highlights of the trip was taking a river cruise through Chicago.

Seeing the city from the water was amazing. The skyline, the architecture, and just being surrounded by so much history made it one of those moments where you stop and appreciate where you are.

More Than Just Bowling

Of course, we couldn’t visit Chicago without doing some sightseeing.

We made a stop at Wrigley Field, visited Engine 78 firehouse, and explored Humboldt Park — including a stop at Jibaritos y Mas, one of my favorite Puerto Rican restaurants in Chicago.

We also made time to spend a little time at the beach.

One of the fun things about traveling with Chris is that he enjoys exploring too. We both like finding new places, trying new things, and seeing what we discover along the way.

One More Adventure Before Heading Home

Before we left Chicago, we squeezed in one more adventure. We headed to Starved Rock State Park.

After several days of city exploring, it was nice to trade the skyline for trails, trees, and river views.

We hiked, explored the overlooks, and enjoyed one more chance to be outside before heading home.

Right Now

This year has definitely looked a little different than I expected.

A few months ago, I was learning about baby goats, building a bigger garden, and spending more time in the country.

Now I was exploring Chicago, traveling for Nationals, and adding new experiences along the way.

The funny thing is, it doesn’t feel like I am replacing one life with another. It just feels like there is room for all of these things.

Friends. Bowling. Traveling. Country life. New adventures mixed with the things I have always loved.

And honestly? I am enjoying seeing where the road leads.