Chicago - St. Patty's Style

We decided to spend our St. Patty's weekend in Chicago!
Landed on Friday, March 13 in the morning (6 am flight!) and went straight into sight-seeing. First stop, Sears Tower.
Great views from the observation deck. Can you see the Hancock Building?

Chicago River.

Such tourists...

Another view - the icy coast of Lake Michigan.

Sears Tower - straight up.
Chris had to get some work done at the Mid-America Club, where we also had lunch.

Aon Building - Home of the Mid-America Club.

Went for drinks with my friend, Tracey, at Smith & Wollensky.

After dinner at Cafe Spiaggia, we did some late night sight-seeing.

So pretty.

Biggest grill I've ever seen!

Saturday - the main event. Kayakers in the Chicago River getting ready for a race. They then turn the river green.

Waiting...

Trump's latest creation.

So festive...

There goes the boat with the dye.

GREEN...

So GREEEEEEN!

Not green.

People watching in Millenium Park.

Waiting for my pizza...

Green beer. It doesn't turn your insides or your teeth green.

Our suite at the Union League Club.

I wear my t-shirt with pride. The only green I own.

On Sunday, we went to Lou Mitchell's for breakfast. Best diner. Loved this place. We had to stand outside to wait for a seat, but worth it. Plus, they passed out hot donut holes to everyone.

It's a hot spot. The line wrapped outside and people's luggage sat by the front door.

Union Station.

Chicago Board of Trade.

... till next time. Love this city!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Baby Logan

I will be getting my very first nephew today.
Brian and Jenny will be heading to the hospital this afternoon to have Baby Logan!

http://thearthfamily.blogspot.com/

So excited for them!

Happy Halloween - Friday, October 31, 2008

I know I should be posting wedding pictures, however, in the spirit of today's Halloween fun, we dressed up at work.

Blair really got in the mood this year and it was contagious. She did a great job with the decorations for our cubicles and the Walk of Fame on the floor.
And to the dismay of many (including myself) I donned a Tony Romo Cowboys jersey for my costume of Jessica Simpson. Blair is, of course, dressed as my sister - the very pregnant Ashlee Simpson-Wentz.

My darling new husband was bullied into participating with his department, which themed out the area for Indiana Jones.

The Mummy in the middle is mine.
A good wife helps when needed, no matter what. Can't have him tripping over his wrappings.

The Pretty Princess should be arriving here soon at the office with her Frog Prince.

Catch-up Time - Beach, Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party

Where did the summer go??? It flew by but was so much fun...
This will be brief in words and pics...

Girls Trip to Galveston - July 25
Long before Hurricane Ike hit, Jayden, Jackie, Audrey & I spent a quick weekend at the beach. Lots of time in the car, but worth it.


Bridal Shower - Brookhaven Country Club - August 16
A group of ladies from the office had a lovely shower for me. Loads of fun, good food, gracious guests, and precious moments.
Yummy - The cake was a hit!

Huge thanks to the hostesses: Colleen DeGarmo, Jackie Cotropia, Danielle Robertson, Blair Clark, Eileen Chatterton and Monica Bruner.

Bachelorette Party - September 20

Started the evening at Cru wine bar with Becky Lowe, Danielle Robertson, Jackie Cotropia, Kim Kenney and Ashley Kyler.

These girls had tricks up their sleeves, which included a scavenger hunt for me, as well as Mad Libs.Other than a fantastic night out, I won my prize at the end of the evening!
The wedding is just around the corner...

4th of July - San Antonio

We had such a wonderful 4th of July with Audrey! We picked her up on Thursday afternoon and drove on to San Antonio. We spent Friday at Six Flags and rode all of the rides. Even got the Flash Pass so we didn't have to wait in line - I'll never wait in line at an amusement park again. Just wish I could use Flash Pass in every day life. Sure would make things easier!

Saturday we spent in downtown San Antonio. Here's Audrey at the Alamo. No, we didn't visit the basement; it's under repair according to one of the travel books.

Sometimes I'm not sure which of them is more mature...


Awww - aren't we cute???
We took a bus tour around the city and saw a couple of the missions - absolutely beautiful.
Great shot of the Riverwalk

These two just loved their Sno-Cones!

Saturday evening, we trotted on down to the Market, however, the shops were closed, but plenty of people watching and street vendors.
Another fun time had by all!

Weekend in Pittsburgh - Dad's Retirement and My Bridal Luncheon

June 28-30, 2008
My Dad

Before Retirement:After Retirement:

See what all those years of work will do to a person!

What a fun evening for my father. He's been with his company for many, many years and enjoyed his retirement party immensely. They had a funny slideshow of pics from over the years, as well as a touching speech by my Uncle Chuck and my father. Truly a lovely evening.

I got to spend lots of time with all the sweet nieces over the weekend too. Not sure if Zoe ate that bread or just used it for a toy. Natalie is all smiles!

Hugs for everyone!

Eric & Zoe chilling on the stairs. Emily's getting in on the bread act.

Zoe & Natalie sure were happy to see each other!Absolutely beautiful babies!

This was actually taken Saturday morning upon my arrival - dove right in and made the girls some lunch.

After I went for a nice long run through Mt. Lebanon on Sunday morning (just like back in the day when I lived there - ah, the memories), we all proceeded to get ready for a luncheon at my favorite, Max & Erma's.

Me and the Girls

Me & Mom

A very nice luncheon for the ladies - thank you all for coming!

L-R: Jessica (sis-in-law - mother of the crazy, fun Zoe & Emily), Amy (sweet, dear old friend - met back in our Interstate days! - 5 months preggers and looks amazing), Donna (another good friend, used to work her at Rivers Club - can't wait to hear about her new job), me holding sweet Baby A.J., and Emily (oldest, bestest friend in the whole wide world)

We made a mess of the joint, but it was all about the fun!

Emily got to show off Sweet Baby A.J. The girls were very attentive to the sleeping baby boy.

Best part of the day???
Yum!