Remember Lucy and her family?  A couple months ago Lucy’s mom invited me to come along on a Holly Trolley lights tour around downtown with her family meet-up group and I’m so glad I said yes!  Shamefully I can’t say I’ve ever done any of these touristy things or tours around the city, despite having lived here my whole life… so even being a born and raised Chicagoan it was all still new and shiny to me.  When I first met the group at Big & Little’s I was actually really nervous and so shy to introduce myself, but it didn’t take longfor me to feel so comfortable with everyone (how could you not when you’re surrounded by adorable, chubby & squishy smiling faces? see exhibit A below).

We first stopped by Michigan Avenue to see Water Tower Place and grab some hot chocolate at the Hershey’s store, then drove down Lake Shore Drive and past the Zoo’s annual Christmas display, and finishing up with a visit to the Daly Plaza & State Street.  I had no idea that Daly Plaza turned into a little European village at night during the holiday season – there were lots of European fare, hot spiced wine (of which I am absolutely planning on going back to get some with Vasili!), free pictures with Santa for the kids and people from all walks of life gathered around.   I wish that I could somehow transmit a smell through my computer screen, it was unbelievable the medley of aromas!  Anyway, here are a few of my favorites from my night with this bunch.  Thank you so much again to Lucy’s mom for inviting me to hang out with you and all of your friends, very much looking forward to the next time

If you or someone you know is having a fun group outing and don’t mind a friendly yet quiet photographer tagging along to capture the story of what’s going on, feel free to shoot me an email and if I have the time I’d love to come (and if there’s food involved I’m already there ha!)

Thanks to this family for being my muses and letting me pose them

Recognize this gorgeous mom?  Was so delightfully surprised to run into another past client of ours on the tour!

And last but not least, one of my favorite images from the night.. As we were waiting for the remaining families to get back to the trolleys I noticed one of the dad’s comforting his little one, swaying back and keeping them warm. Ahh the little things…