A Weekend in the Windy City....

So I decided to venture with my sister to Chicago by train. It was a relaxing train ride to the Windy City. It was nice to actually relax without being pulled in 500 different directions. The train ride was fun. We chatted, laughed, drank beer (gotta love the beer car) and watched movies on our handy dandy ipods. Thanks God for technology!


We arrived in Chicago in the evening and we took a quick cab ride over to our 'fabulous' hotel. Okay, so it wasn't fabulous, it was actually quite the opposite. We stayed at the Howard Johnson on LaSalle and this place was an unfortunate dump. If only I remembered to take pictures.... it was quite a sight! It really could hurt your eyes. OUCH.... they're burning!

Anyway... other than the hotel... everything else was GREAT! We ate, drank and SHOPPED! We strolled Michigan Avenue, ate at my favorite Cheesecake Factory and drank some tasty beverages at PJ Clarkes and Mother's Too. Just to let you know, I almost had to pull out my EASTSIDE fighting ability with the snobby women in the bathroom at PJ Clarkes.... if you want more details... you will just have to ask me! Mother's Too is located in the area of the famous Rush and Division, apparently referred to as the Viagra triangle by the locals. Apparently there are dirty 'old' men trying to pick up young girlies at the bar! Ok... isn't that just hilarious!


I also got to hang with my 'old' friend... yep, I said 'old'... not as far as age, but 'old' referring to the many years we've been friends. In talking, we figured we'd know each other over 30 years.... doesn't that just sound CRAZY! Anyway, it was great to see Brent and hang with him. I forgot what a great time I always had talking to him. You will always know who your true friends are in life and I definitely consider him as one.


All in all it was fun and I would definitely do it again... but I will definitely NOT let anyone make the decision of where I will sleep for the evening ever again. I am WAY TOO anal retentive for that...... FIVE STAR BABY! Pin It

How fast they grow!

Yesterday I got Caleb's first official school photo. I can't believe how grown up he looks (look for yourself)... and he's only in preschool. What am I in for....

And then there is Alyssa... Kindergarten... WOW.... what a little lady! Doesn't she look so old already?


Time is REALLY flying by... the parents keep telling us... time goes by quickly.... cherish the moment! And now, looking at these pictures, I REALLY can appreciate what they were saying to me and David all along.... watch them closely, because before you know it, they are all grown up! Pin It

There are bats and a butterfly in our house....

So the kids had a blast trick or treating! You couldn't ask for any better weather. The kids made out with tons of candy. Who knew so much could fit it such a small bucket. Regardless, I learned something new from my friend Jen.... trading candy for toys. Okay... so some may view this as bribery, but I say... whatever works. My first bribe or should I say trade with the kids was a sandwich bag full of candy from each for a new Backyardigans video (The Backyardigans: Escape from Fairytale Village). They both thought that this was a fair trade and were happy with their decision!

Anyway... here are a few pictures.... they were soooo cute!

Two bats and a beautiful butterfly.

'Batgirl' AKA Alyssa.

'Batman' AKA Caleb.

'Our little Butterfly' AKA Ella.

Although it was a fun evening..... I am glad it's over.... UNTIL next year! Happy Halloween 2008!

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