Okay, maybe not stupid, just struggling

Maybe I'm not totally stupid, but I swear there's something deeply wrong with me. I'm sure I could benefit from therapy or drugs or maybe both, but I'm from the old school of I can fix this myself. So far though, I'm not being very successful. <br /><br />The thing that makes me kind of nuts is how hard I work out at the gym, almost every day, then I turn right around and throw away all the hard work by overeating. To make matters worse, I eat crazy stuff. Like too many strawberries or blueberries. Or a couple bowls of oatmeal with walnuts (that was last night). It's healthy stuff, but too many calories. <br /><br />Maybe someday I'll figure it out, but for now I'm continuing the struggle, some days are harder than others. <br /><br />Tomorrow is going to be a killer day. I have to get up at 4am, be on the road by 5am and head up to catch the light rail from the airport up to Seattle and be at the Westin Inn by 7am for a fundraiser. I get roped into this thing every year and just can't seem to say no.<br /><br />It's for the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC). It's a center that provides therapy for sexually abused children and their families. It's a great organization it depends a lot on the funds raised at the fund rasiers they have throughout the year. <br /><br />I started going about six years ago when my girlfriend's daughter was five and was sexually molested by the next door neighbor's "uncle". It's a horrible story and caused a lot of trauma for the child and the family. They always go every year to the KCSARC fundraiser. The little girl is now 11 (or maybe 12) and she speaks in front of the group (1,000 people tomorrow) about her experience. It makes me cry every single time. <br /><br />So even though it's for a very good cause, I don't want to go. For lots of reasons, hearing the tear jerker story again, feeling the little girl's pain as she tells what it was like to be forced to do something against her will when she was only five years old. I know I'll cry.<br /><br />Then there's the traveling to downtown Seattle at 6am. Another girlfriend is going with me, so we're going to try to make it an adventure. Neither one of us has ever ridden the new light rail from Seatac airport to downtown. I feel like a country mouse going to the big city. I'm more a suburbia girl than a city girl. <br /><br />Of course, I'll miss my early morning workout which makes me a little uncomfortable, but I'm dealing with it. I can miss working out on a normally scheduled day, and I won't die. Trying to roll with the punches here.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Today's pictures brought to you from my walk at noon with three friends. It's was another glorious day here in Seattle.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">The trailhead - Des Moines Creek Trail, near by office at Seatac, WA</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHP0TeWJHnLgYFdUoMjX90chIAxuZewV3akGzDT0KrcX2eYRN7ISQ3E6LSOtF4JmRyJxgsaIrV7HpfDQVM54XVj1E6yU_5kIPdwKoLWP2SZ-jBBoRdaX_BJzfZ3ywbYx2YpEupM7sYAaN/s1600-h/Trailhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHP0TeWJHnLgYFdUoMjX90chIAxuZewV3akGzDT0KrcX2eYRN7ISQ3E6LSOtF4JmRyJxgsaIrV7HpfDQVM54XVj1E6yU_5kIPdwKoLWP2SZ-jBBoRdaX_BJzfZ3ywbYx2YpEupM7sYAaN/s640/Trailhead.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Des Moines Creek runs next to the trail</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNcibCyZWZrgCbf5Od3-rHesf6l7xK1PoIbSeme7bhQ4jEtc34Uw2QdHE82TMTFdBve_7T5zpEOlTP6Zd4enZQ3gxsfeQp2vSGc9t2IGl269FddCkcKKrEKDgkF9ahYpKZHmY3DP3NNW3/s1600-h/Des+Moines+Creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNcibCyZWZrgCbf5Od3-rHesf6l7xK1PoIbSeme7bhQ4jEtc34Uw2QdHE82TMTFdBve_7T5zpEOlTP6Zd4enZQ3gxsfeQp2vSGc9t2IGl269FddCkcKKrEKDgkF9ahYpKZHmY3DP3NNW3/s640/Des+Moines+Creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Ferns on the hill next to the trail</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nr2xkcd4NEWxRx7k_1VU-9ZAjY2aBuFJRlS6UpJEA8G2cgf4i9lcqxB5bj35DV4Xc8YxQdgn_COnH0UpxMBPapiTk0Rr6nuiC2KeDilytGJ1yc079aaQCl45LwRSIQomT7-8Zo9LbQgh/s1600-h/ferns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nr2xkcd4NEWxRx7k_1VU-9ZAjY2aBuFJRlS6UpJEA8G2cgf4i9lcqxB5bj35DV4Xc8YxQdgn_COnH0UpxMBPapiTk0Rr6nuiC2KeDilytGJ1yc079aaQCl45LwRSIQomT7-8Zo9LbQgh/s640/ferns.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friends decided not to wait for me as I as taking so many pictures. I had to keep running to catch  up with them. Talk about interval training!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95APc-cI9JmH1-LPw8IZs66SuxYFWnZOlgZN3h_dKgMDeOppkiQR7qBnou_nVMqQPzNd52lrNzVnh4b9GmEonIRauezMqxC6CPA7e2GdlJ5FQxIpILzr4rIVdrf1V9WLfbtbax3tfaOVC/s1600-h/my+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95APc-cI9JmH1-LPw8IZs66SuxYFWnZOlgZN3h_dKgMDeOppkiQR7qBnou_nVMqQPzNd52lrNzVnh4b9GmEonIRauezMqxC6CPA7e2GdlJ5FQxIpILzr4rIVdrf1V9WLfbtbax3tfaOVC/s640/my+friends.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The dog guy. Every time I walk this trail at noon I see this guy. He has three of the sweetest, friendliest dogs you've ever met. They know me now and always run up to greet me, with tails wagging.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aN1nCAe9Z9tBJaiI7AtsXd05IkjcHrkXDVfiIs1joK7Cqzch8vaHyQTzj_OAX65jDcY8roSVafbcvEgZcu5Q2zLE_zWMWRWpshJI1UWtk7sh9osL_BNPo7UrnCdEto8-OZ_aiZZtqimd/s1600-h/the+dog+guy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aN1nCAe9Z9tBJaiI7AtsXd05IkjcHrkXDVfiIs1joK7Cqzch8vaHyQTzj_OAX65jDcY8roSVafbcvEgZcu5Q2zLE_zWMWRWpshJI1UWtk7sh9osL_BNPo7UrnCdEto8-OZ_aiZZtqimd/s640/the+dog+guy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dog guy's dogs. The one on the left is 15 and had cancer two years ago until Mrs. Dog Guy starting making dog food for the dog. His cancer disappeared and now he acts like a pup (the dog, not the guy :).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4d04ws0qGJ9qn0BJwEiPUtKw9wJH-_3e4lNKNA12UP8iNDUrVbsKyTtYdkOM2GXFZiSd81Ul2bf9KF_3-n1oRG_NWt8stKevbGGHqOtKkEFpOCQCdfOqVZhvyNOKJhdhDRDRxqwy-JgG/s1600-h/dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4d04ws0qGJ9qn0BJwEiPUtKw9wJH-_3e4lNKNA12UP8iNDUrVbsKyTtYdkOM2GXFZiSd81Ul2bf9KF_3-n1oRG_NWt8stKevbGGHqOtKkEFpOCQCdfOqVZhvyNOKJhdhDRDRxqwy-JgG/s640/dogs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These white flowered trees were all along the beginning of the trail. No idea what type of tree, but really pretty. Looked like snow (but it was 58 degrees today).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMdAsLUSr5_JZ3GXa7Nr5lNSV6Dt072WtCSZn-sRjI9ju-O451vBeCAC-SE-jq1IiL9Yox47vh0z1Qw1J8wYDjAe1x0vGwm4mrcVRtgQa2NAM5572dNajfUemAL2Qqqmm_VVikEz9_Y20/s1600-h/White+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMdAsLUSr5_JZ3GXa7Nr5lNSV6Dt072WtCSZn-sRjI9ju-O451vBeCAC-SE-jq1IiL9Yox47vh0z1Qw1J8wYDjAe1x0vGwm4mrcVRtgQa2NAM5572dNajfUemAL2Qqqmm_VVikEz9_Y20/s400/White+trees.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>

Okay, maybe not stupid, just struggling

Maybe I'm not totally stupid, but I swear there's something deeply wrong with me. I'm sure I could benefit from therapy or drugs or maybe both, but I'm from the old school of I can fix this myself. So far though, I'm not being very successful. The th…

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I refuse to get sick!

<p>Hope everyone had a great Monday! Mine was just ho-hum. Nothing too horrible, but nothing fantastic either. In case you missed it, make sure to check out my weekend in Chicago <a href="vhttp://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/weekend-chicago-trip.html">here</a>. </p> <p>I got up without hitting the snooze button and did a few things around the house. Before I knew it it was after 6:15 and I need to <em>rush</em> to gym, otherwise I wasn’t going to get any workout in at all!</p> <p>I had just enough time to get in a <strong>20 minute interval run</strong>. I love that after 20 minutes I am sweating like I just worked out for twice that amount of time!</p> <p>It felt wonderful to make my <strong>wonderful oatmeal</strong> this morning. It was the usual mix of <strong>chocolate PB2</strong> and a <strong>small banana</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qjzrx9IFTRe376CPRtsHpLEypie-MGSoR5yMm0LbYrn_jvVbPo-W-HdfKA0Jm11nDBbLWINhoziLJZ8vtf3q0dc-PvH2jTZAHoZ6Uk-gkujgibCAfz9YOWX7Ed3s22ObFvorTpB5sqPY/s1600-h/DSC06159%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06159" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrj3-cSpa89A3iRTxlibEgUVtbGUVF1vXlS0xWL8Sfz3v0ayemaPBrCkhtiKuUZ-H5Nh_zMkqw3fAD2EgScwct1nMd18dWKDwvz1sfQLdfy-75dKrVxK-iNfJ7L1iIUG6VnO2QQ3qpuHe/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC06159" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>I spent my morning catching up from being gone on Friday. The only bummer about being gone from work! I mixed up my favorite combination of <strong>strawberries, 1/4c </strong><a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/few-updates.html"><strong>homemade granola</strong></a>, and <strong>ww yogurt</strong> for<strong> 3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmGRwecQac1O9nga2UPik5985nECqqJWi3o-0lRI-Ji1WEPXGJYKZFkwqGu4WFhpdnSmJTFN51Go7mfcww-oFLckcXSBN1ALsyquJr0gP3KdhjHjU5mnqa85lm_DGn_HWeRVdrsnIz4kE/s1600-h/DSC06160%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06160" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyMHTCg2PqroPr32FGY6rF_m9OjTBQEpdFjXXogUYAnBuKWslYZUjZJAx4s9X77GHhNM8efOJ3gVU8V1Ys2KE4x_J5rtBWP_cJcCnxPjIoCAv-c5IXCOujunno8zSRffibhgXJ6a-0v6-/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC06160" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>I had a <u>simple</u>, yet <u>filling</u> lunch. My plate consisted of <strong>baby carrots</strong>, a <strong>turkey & cheese flat out</strong>, and 1<strong>/2c cottage cheese</strong> w/<strong>pineapple</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Tgv_SqS6DwxR5yiCKi3ND281mFxhgL2tpZuo70MDUauyPZgRwIWz43bHJCbGrtost6pWwzvyIUJmaaZp6ShOBGrylJT4fmewYMxlSV63qm3l_EPhmY-_bymv2nsDIsyPFVi1cZ9ZdL49/s1600-h/DSC06161%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06161" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbd2TtDgWcivNCB5S5yZk1DxCGyqYI9mGULI2Udy6cznTIN5VdM_enkU-KVkpVziyt5otejyfDeALUnOwhULdSkxT3LcwDPyX2TeuiUak9pFwJOW3qq82ZFTcDrTZ63JZSKMwZgACb53E/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC06161" width="404" /></a>  </p> <p>I had a new try for my afternoon snack. All Kellogg’s products were<strong> 50% off</strong> at the grocery store so I picked up a few boxes of these. They come out to<strong> 2 points</strong> each. It was good and satisfied my sweet tooth, but was much smaller than fiber one bars. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P9u_M6vSyLAJOFuDPCK2riyYTM1WoIJR1CvylFc43-2chdZS7L9aYys_iyDEEcBXBFXrrr5Z1PZLsGq-gZX1OkHtHwnHO8VCLBB-4nTJDbGtU3Bxe6VoXw3oEoCkpaKt3PabLCyI6ISf/s1600-h/DSC06163%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06163" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqNYBhNdT3Xg2GdPsIwqg6-duy3fwxwZBaRTRCbMKs61BvBEFiKpkTuWbAeKzAd1_ozrRiDyeqSuqr_1No_zDRPspyjHzdlz1CelUsaSgHvXDc6OHFZj4wbfrAJspO7SBvRU5087Do427/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC06163" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Notice the giant 8% in the background? Yep I have that taped to my monitor because I HAVE to win the <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2009/12/sister-challenge-is-on.html">sister challenge</a>! I’m only 4lbs away!</p> <p>I think I’m coming down with a <strong>cold</strong>. My throat is hurting & my head is pounding. But I am refusing to accept it though. I came home after work and took a few <strong>Tylenol</strong> and gargled with<strong> hot salt water</strong>, a home remedy my Mom always had us do while growing up!</p> <p>Supper was delicious tonight! I had a <strong>chicken teriyaki sandwich</strong> with <strong>cheese</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomWSOCkUm3MVgDvZdEw8GZ1RMKsibY1dmHYCygdLYwwed9NaU56sRekBfava1Xy4anezjw2IcBKx3DS9YYwm6xVkN0GorhgeFqS9U1EWRRRCPsmRP233uIIAXjEGyzr9a4pBHcdnWUN6e/s1600-h/DSC06164%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06164" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8njqSt4ajzDQGNy4QE9oSwHsavt4Vvu4shsh5Ejd3BJEpqWEw_94nPP1KfAPnaxtOSCyF8hEqijyvZejWOCYyoHxX_fpmwbNRwcj1PmcVtYV8qMxvSYBiCCaAVDdhKchDsmq_eyufY9l/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC06164" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I had some broccoli on the side. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZOHOET6sPITR6yyoZ4UPRprwYd0-NHiDfYOM-uHEGu9Tp8pd3QVwDffp7-AyHn3-QB-73hUUCR2kTSDeN5DIDnisOvUM8NezYcinxMe58R36RucJFFLZeOwL-SP7dF5h3A41V1UCchuq/s1600-h/DSC06165%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06165" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EaGX7JrQTrmVPzruNAoUuA4w7PBHXw-FSWsf6ecUt_sVUR2amW3YSAC_T1aS_9OFC5Jt950ykNJgg-AOSr0Pc-YtQKM7iLi9ZNRIQPXMTReNN1x4HZnWxneHlDqn_vP1qlGdxWJOw572/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC06165" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>And also an <strong>orange</strong> (<strong>1 point</strong>) for some <u>vitamin C</u> to fight off whatever is trying to come on to me. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hFDf2nbR2_R_k7llguEbleESw2NjCXHoRkU_c3SZW9BMaiR8O_QyNHUak8alfv9ZTeJM37LI_Vt8zEheR7P0szw1vXOSJFe_jJrH1l9SxSeXErH9XRaiOvyN_MHwo3SyUxYEUa5YZCiO/s1600-h/DSC06166%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06166" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8Yj0qbPf-kYPbJGsJCmm7kUoDI8AchcJkbEHLLeY4NglGkkIMRV701_o7sS0PvXE8wpZLglGoCLiFa3b_SwzkXuCFaeueC3uSXdInjlVnldCQHxvx2IMqlFolO-uwqK4s7hV5xA3aL6S/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC06166" width="404" /></a></p> <p><strong>MONDAYS STATS</strong> <br />POINTS = 21/23 <br />WATER =  120 oz <br />EXERCISE = 20 min interval run</p> <p>So I mentioned earlier that I gargled with hot salt water for my sore throat.<strong> </strong>I don’t have any other symptoms besides a scratchy throat & headache….but you just never know when those other nasty ones will pop up.I would love to hear from you guys. <strong><em>Do you have any home remedies that helps fight off a cold quickly?</em></strong></p>

I refuse to get sick!

Hope everyone had a great Monday! Mine was just ho-hum. Nothing too horrible, but nothing fantastic either. In case you missed it, make sure to check out my weekend in Chicago here. I got up without hitting the snooze button and did a few things ar…

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Weekend Chicago Trip

<p>Hey everyone!! Kyle and I made it home from Chicago on Sunday! We had a great weekend seeing the sights, shopping, and spending time with family! </p> <p><strong><u><em>Warning</em></u></strong>: this is a picture heavy post! </p> <p>We drove to Chicago Thursday after a short work day. We got to Steve & Melanie’s (Melanie is Kyle’s sister and Steve is her husband) house and chatted into the wee hours of the morning!</p> <p>Friday morning Mel was a wonderful host and made us blueberry pancakes before venturing out into the city!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aFKZ-0bk_dRjC_8su8ZXUfdtHc2tqhcp5Wh927uUL5I_GE2GioPTuWhW5xfFNKvs518auVjHQBFAaHHve6lOt2gYYHXup0_mU_PZE_ngaPIFHt4RvhUgMIgzyatUZRR9xlP4ywVfl8V5/s1600-h/DSC06079%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06079" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aUNteAgGCrHfUY-RzNyL1b1kPu4X-T_p23xuQP2kYYrPZVbqH13MXsNO3WYoJYb4IeThjZbCBTkyrdrMGCHUgrpric6amPbBSuT8cGkcZYKTHgVKeL0TLlQa62rq17MT7o4YIruwG6PJ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06079" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>We headed downtown to the John Hancock building. We decided not to do the Signature Room for lunch since it was still early and just enjoyed the views from the 95th floor!</p> <p>Lake Michigan & <a href="http://www.navypier.com/">Navy Pier</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfRH0lxuDByCUPJgM8Pnot2WC9zzWgIDNFhIk-GMfqv3q4foAz9n_GYaRYh6s5sinDbehY8PG_u8T0NxJvMCqBCovY-yt2CEFG93y_JBGWNrv6gY3pi1H3J70zTWLYnOuNTBrFkXrojIB/s1600-h/DSC06081%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06081" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRi4J7itjcEZmsJ9cexeYNniPzTyxlpGV8OGVuZ-bIB8DkCgz3iaQjq4cgRZGDugDvoa-BJQVGzYrPURbJpHGcq858of7ujjwgtmVtPA3veh56JIHF37HuaX81xu7r7QFIWCMJjiOr34r/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06081" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Lake Shore Drive along Lake Michigan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyucVMOcfRNqjMGtQMLPvkRxHMTdK06kMniK1txMNTqiiqztekg9M3Zkb-vqcDRYQ7quoYPjchZdIVHtf1hXhAQHRroERV-aepHs0LzHksdTHHqbry_nqs9qV30cFGIgtVGeyZQStHwUI/s1600-h/DSC06083%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06083" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeTkf7CYEsIwUnZzOsUjdtFP-JwN2tguCxgNbkMhNdJ1HB_TuIWUmRmj4-n9yrM5350GMSUnRsjvMpyOhyphenhyphenUDevQmrRXOgMYQR-WID3v4nulQ1tgXES6oTG8dpHESB6jANS3FbzRy_LElI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06083" width="404" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zGjya_JMu81x-nNOyBKuD-g6GkB24pPgyIrL4G5gZc5cVnoghhcMkeQpzYkBPQquSHVSIwVhonXV3tydqEGQQ5pXfD7GIcmEW2D5qBaaXcJ9wRhiVrsWHjqMZZusJNRCA5sfeuOnbYUD/s1600-h/DSC06084%5B3%5D.jpg"><u><font color="#c94093"></font></u><img alt="DSC06084" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgowi_CFXxeFzOvyCompGBQUhOhTd5R7QD13ELudOXY3wFTpZzYBO5-VHsb4OFuSYiN1SFXNEnk16ZpDbTXLzWK1Jm70rG_2hECnrtBXZOJhUbKi2u13H4rt3tCJLXoRavDmBY6TcSL05/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06084" width="404" /></a>  </p> <p>More views of the city!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwKok7jkouChnZXvrNkY4lCXYp1wW_XPdxYeQzHxPKaEnsxJK2CC_LGTNSCvZBmAisYhqA0olaDqchid51clJoCL0iXxmVev-51mk9JcJRrmLDVDDKgd08AuykOq03jN6MNehQfV_xxsh/s1600-h/DSC06091%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06091" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQE0KA02ZWixTYpNkyPCzzd_fmHlmh9kZ5QGG6EYbJ4XpUfdG93zGHAVDOGUSwADajjvQmsgKjXvtZN6V6mADglEFQUcgcmxl5-UBTZkluPSThLAymGhIQMLO-QzOvZLEFyT5efU_fbwuL/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06091" width="404" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFicHSZ0B_36-ufi7yA3Qm_K0siBFXYlGDRTY4PWTSoHnTVHqNE8NQ_vb_f4UXNEU6UGWLtxljK4YR2VW95wWwRnAs7hsMfsBl3rbYhgQvaqwPHKL-63cLhRwC93bVMuidQzAunOiJ-rPI/s1600-h/DSC06092%5B3%5D.jpg"><u><font color="#c94093"></font></u><img alt="DSC06092" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUo8Di8Hq0L6xwRV3gZez9TJm0cKYpuZuV2ohaCSyB8x0DElcxXJfX3k2y4vj5_UDpozeARRfpt9NwIsrBiU29TKvK0-CoPwy6ypeD-RvUgEi8dHP-XFyGutzmtUAf13IcgixjfwB_hnY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06092" width="354" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.willistower.com/">Sears Tower</a> & the new <a href="Trump Tower">Trump Tower</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeWI8yY4_PYtMv-w7i2MfU9CSpq_x9OMIG9GO35RLIoICE-wZ450CYV6rm-KIFHGm88ihQqXXWTuvKnj1Vfn1ZGUBegs664_mEdH4wwHYyDU8YyoKVABrxs-gHriIaYTxiGXOIPpck142/s1600-h/DSC06094%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06094" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9s16cOKwPnXNF41ZhTNy_9JYJvLy5B936fv0uhyphenhyphenQcqnOJyngYvqK_1OeDvGFPkqqhlzjk4Jk3L8_I5ytdKgXET2hKBYmR-yyzmyG3iI0QA3AGPnZ5nOuBky0NiHX5x8Hsv1uHFM70F0YT/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06094" width="404" /></a>  </p> <p>A view from the ground looking up!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfBX6ilKcUN_vn7EFnQl8AFTb5JIP-O1l4Q7-F3IzBG1077Ox-yBAUCSkfrjsXSk5blnOE87DZNpABSWzIc_Ty5f0gGLh1ZeM-r2BlNMSLjBk71froLivLePMBNXLPswpuXr8tEJbaX7W/s1600-h/DSC06106%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06106" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRd2q7SRzEMCSQCMsR3zeOBqODObA1LLgCBY1EYdlikN0g5Qy66-CETrPjyVgwESczuw4GRDGPGdcUuEgy0vD3YxpwgJYrpOcTnFatI8p9wkwLH5HmhVc6DYOOoIt7qfcKUbZs7yiYnpk_/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06106" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>These signs were all over downtown! Luckily we didn’t get nailed with any falling ice! :p<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdiXMrWuJCwQd9Yq7Uqe-wwk37uOitQRODlbSWUe14Lb2iM6YQfiOTc34oktvMd-6jjwmZQLskCyDWnMNcTs0K61AP-gQ_x8toaKLGX5qdpAc7hT862fDYoOBo5WvYGLPa1M59fG4iTQF/s1600-h/DSC06107%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06107" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswyJeZxSgzFgdXpK-6sKNSGFXOw7XjDb7WHUj4tnnurSpJul07mLSOJ2vr345ug3ziokRLZEUUG5eZGI26IUtn2TCWhRJOCK1kL5sE8vGFImrcG5ppuO3IhTDOaqq9hLsqwjKCZOFR4CN/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06107" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>After the John Hancock building we walked a few blocks down to Nike Town! I was a good girl and only got 3 new head bands! I really wanted some of the new shorts they have out now! They are in fun colors and patterns!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZCexZIT71_6VQAkLPMbn8nm-e48soPtX8r5003Ll5y6E7Jt4IsGrzSlT-g3UHmZuTCXP45qKEvEGZ456wDELhQUYJyZ9dtD0OlPeUHXFI99xUkKe5G36eEzxOGZ_AzSCUZ5CdHuzvzBv/s1600-h/DSC06108%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06108" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyCPE7go7jVeAKPI7sTcebB-jlKoYmqj6Ps5frEz6K4fpqnWAEveQS9oLdM6FkKILvA-cvPDpLi_hQPuaumPWoSp78XJdz-jyiujW8qAHDN0o5w-knDthE44t1aLK1DGzwz8O1oUvP7iy/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06108" width="404" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>After Nike Town we shopped at Water Tower Place. Kyle found a few major scores…American Eagle jeans for $15!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-LrfL9E4ebvz2AQ5JEK4BEWxuuSZ25fl4D0l57Deu5LPNaWU_NDvOaFdK98g-1nvpvvdOr6g8NFWWHcljD5PeEs5Ark6YfSarO3xNjTyBdwGY8Iy3i8M-bFEniN8JYCfGeySokolpXLC/s1600-h/DSC06110%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06110" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdk98mntep4BZLQ34X2093bkLGVfj-sJ_3JYa8LfWDUwpA6AKgU0wheIXbj0PCHJDrtCzf5LpTk2WDsp3pcmF5dhr8Uj9R_pgXNVO2LxsB752EgJErZO3-yfuqKHfUqcc6-4j7RTllEua/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06110" width="354" /></a>  </p> <p>My  husband is a baseball fan as are Steve & Melanie so we did a drive by of Wrigley Field! The bleacher seats on top of the houses across the street were so cool! I had no idea there was anything like that!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMXH4F89uInZXPZyGgLbzRu8DF79dR505GZ2F3BOBef8CARzFQqEHw4ou-ar5WpeZ9uCJc_GLlu0BXS9CF1BR6bwJRHF52hGxp8bresbC9ZKx5OLiV97xHJkzu7H5faN4hXzKD8isihH_/s1600-h/DSC06115%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06115" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q6ov90Ev3faCx_sCLZRq3eaTqaGTKD25HSEOerz_eSe41GXLxmUmDzCexvmT-KnotnH7JPB2RW9d0MMV81RI4pmBJUJc3JYJ609MQmkDAVSoD5cC7DzLquBFuW8jygP4ACCM9NL0W0e5/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06115" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>We headed out of the city for a late lunch. <a href="http://www.portillos.com/portillos/">Portillos</a>! I guess it’s a Chicago thing to do!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEU99IxM-eS1ZYSQzfDJbRBfAG_0tA973Z6n9675XNAtO4kZWdUKXaBcOYdTBbjD3bDWMymfZkfkHfIIEvMcL5UX34dhT7xFXMtce52q0kyqih0DlTNfHCcbK2xSIP6Za2VPGQYtKxc8ED/s1600-h/DSC06116%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06116" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaqXqoWElZPvccnBqqChUXOcfQiVEMQmkYbQ4638PpQGQ9Pxqi13o3AG06AQIp4FAJza3wZFhZMQ-B7dFEOwYENnMDr98jlEm5tAYGqprX2ETLM13EtVhG3hK04_yBTBcqaXUc4FaNc90/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06116" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>I was boring and ordered a chicken sandwich. But Kyle got their famous Italian beef sandwich & a hot dog! I didn’t get a picture of the Italian beef…but here’s the hot dog!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuoSTvbZotBxhyYLAEGNJFcG1GKlhwci4iLGmnlVKKrLoIk9PVAPusNf2vOCXlSFqJr4CnRm-NEZsInHaOcKm0ZLl0udrjtBaP2npXBFiKLf3Bm1B7TVcQAUIX5G6J8KsXkK6WlSdnRL4/s1600-h/DSC06117%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06117" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEvRYYbvyk4fuX0mUnzScJYuYAZuaVHSP0bmUMPyO3aWZzkRTfg8FR0eXsaRjYtbkK5bHUwy95Zd16I0LYt6oGQYXcD5GLdNoyOXb7PwoPeerlYUTMB8dl7AvdUjIpYXQhyphenhyphencegSmKziNk/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06117" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>He goes in for the try…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieXqV7uIn7sT8heh17MWlE0jJFexAVmv1KL07qsXWIkfsB65t-6OTrRehyTn46ab4Cu1zrwnzpDVTJB-3KiL7Kf6FaktIS_iAw-ZUF1yN4lBQVjAG1_8uLMuH_0YhyphenhyphenQCfGcxkCvDmS_xA/s1600-h/DSC06118%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06118" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AtzjE_-CHfWzu4fpYxNGGqj9xODej7Jzn4at8uCFeryKIXZm18ip6WHFRHaqGrVaPEL-Qi66CvoINaGl6DL8mybK9GoFJhSWYGENFnJYzb2JJ3Uh2mrp8BP6UQCqHw4OXeRoUllV-HQt/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06118" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Thumbs up!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZC-iKP4ZBwCqGUp1z6yKdyYOSiuAUzxQULUwLa8IxtCyDXGb1JEZOAWfPWbYfoCgjGNTg4H_p1-qOcA6tdkbUVcmLsrYxYO5F_uUcKmgKFfOEgNzi910ajLftvMNGmKSyHAiEn3SJ-VP/s1600-h/DSC06121%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06121" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfK3ML0dHzgahJSM4oYvdZ3y3mcnNJUIpAGLuQ5UIC_QgdKqtfFiQKfXkvAk3srx2ujlf4xBbOSw5gV-pvdR0bm4lH2MfA2wBXCEWC_QuMWcFM8aFmBArl-uuYfxkhplRdDWsiWv23pLWd/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06121" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Melanie & I stuck with the chocolate cake!! This cake was SUPER moist & amazing!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzdNyKfO0jRpNLI0PC6dJKEmjujV-7qGIXHQ1fnUdUXjcjCCgoflWjM-lfA4rGRNvArvZywlqFefWssHnUHKKtzTWOkDGKIris0DDhZZ-MoAn-6aS28ISq42lCFiK93ECjxxgYkFNb1pX/s1600-h/DSC06122%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06122" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZnwDPmD4qUvhyB7BhCdFhXezqZnWx0ZEs8i2KPDD_3wm2t-hF9TGSJoqy-9W3etNBln9kE6ENACI9D9Aa0hlO35ptaVJuiwNUNNZSByWbIyGrHCDVhWCgVEqcu4zBgK2aL-3N1HuJats/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06122" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>We enjoyed our new try!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsldWcrnkx3ylikGL7xs7wU29-OTz2OouqMSttR_7n6KcYobnUOTomrKOshayk1z069jXHWbsA071P1eilSpu_qvp7Gc1d5hepoTSC5xpZS-bgVN0rPzocYvcaXfYIj708NfWYaxYTfhlt/s1600-h/DSC06124%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06124" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2dhsPETP87yBDp_9_i5HqRIVrv4uOCP1oLcveaYFQo0PYWYKkYVRsdAlEp9M6TNYJ6Q9KG7XytI33AfJh3qcKtmb8EYsqVJss1z_aT0gyEp4eWbTfipdAIJjT1WABrObfabtFAN4syxT/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06124" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>We headed backed to their place and took a walk. Kyle thought he could wear my coat! Silly boy!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVITCoe4f_2KsxCcDnTZY2cIlxL4jxzilPImcVjEaeXB3IxOrkj8whOtcX9Sqx_aJAruX3onFru5Dc1u9MAsquCnjpotApv133j2axoCV8ZC8XCU2FiiNqhyDBuude4q3M9Ok94B75mVR/s1600-h/DSC06131%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06131" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUuV_79EGluhxx5J6CJtJzEzcNf3qBqzbkXBWKp5_QGoZi1twsGiTKluLI8g25VsijTuzsvvmBQpcRcwANtwXX988emX4lnnSy6C1fYs22v8eBeGZ5p4u9zghuQ4ZqxtwGACcwVis6eXQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06131" width="354" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Sister-in-laws!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7WE842wzBV6vXUliA6WsGEgDO26zR6gZ-aKM_Gl-EarzryxYqOyTTxcI7L2OOhanDRKFPhQyhBK6Sri20hVw4QgCQlnP9zjxuFi-INDOsWGT0j0KIFlm9Lg9h4WmN3WCAPiM1s1YoRt4/s1600-h/DSC06132%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06132" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuejif-tFYQPMdlRG1iwDUjv_0W6ZTlUrmLLKYgdVPazi-oVF1QgCRGSRUJ_iYDxBZoJryBWO2-7FkuUM3-S4Hl68dYayi_1rhPEe5LmCvzwZUmsjiz5YAq1Bk8SHiiL7d2tvE1iBBXmC/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06132" width="354" /></a>  </p> <p>We spent the evening playing at Game Works!! Too much fun! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUjywXKcfRJKUngPR6zCwLFSlzg1felsMKMghtERLREZMLbbnjdQ1LUyqVSe_ks_jC09VSn85pDybMppTstynAXaP9p1XraFB_bkNgXRWH4iHO_po1xNWVxeTXO2vgodd1o9FTodaCfkn/s1600-h/DSC06136%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06136" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ehsur9cG9KcfBUtGrWT-wSn8pZ0daBR4KAxlIS6cZzGQrdxfI_GQwEUZpyynxh5BRjJak1QF7Vl8YbBFt9aY7J94Nn78DwY9LLPMLvXgoOiBSaP7cz-DfTzAz44BkGtpb0MXnkAIM5_i/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06136" width="404" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRb864VWkhhr6DxZ5K_7iyYadb8Hf-trXvwdyKELv35mDXPsKVuzuK6ya8UM5u1sdoVk88sgpZVebgz_-fnVa2ymPEu_YNa4JSvgyLcyoCJY38NUL5_mp9lf9oH6yJT1uVxFUqrHuiRCp/s1600-h/DSC06133%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06133" border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dwItI1ySzx52GW-0SJu6Th4ANyF6_5r9SddkBcbIhN5mpr1VkDhyphenhyphenlW8iXrhaxGGfyE8WxJaB6Cwyv7Oo8FNjjTvG_a1Ezemaz7YLVBdypRSd7eGD9R4gA6j_7jNPpUOa3gIjafmudUYi/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06133" width="354" /></a>  </p> <p>This is Kyle’s saying!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8LohQspw8STpMhVlk9q11KJySnJCubvkeBMn1aZra0CCiL00FquybcIu_3-KmkvYqgx19eMdGSJz15rMFAAvV2bAaRQ9rCoabJVzy4DBuCT8VP6HazS319AwJWwKOpWBultOrtj30bkH/s1600-h/DSC06138%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06138" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6dZkm8T9JtHqHgrt_FYUdY3s0Cev53clH2DEQNlaWBp2EAdwed4aHIIzRGw2rc6_XZfcGud05QaIWVcwbmUOtlDDqr3EJW9Q0sdOJeI693KDrGTNWjhXZMREWotFjdfv79AmTUR8_lh8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06138" width="354" /></a> </p> <p>The next morning we had breakfast at a cute little diner that seemed quite famous!! Kyle ordered the strawberry pancakes & LOVED all the whip cream that came with it! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpEeWwfhxGCIWLskZaE69wugdSRWXpTRGiL6YIILBPWqp5B9Vze1Rw1bKkMSrhSRqXuDD5c4ZeQ3_sXGW4t-w1y4D_MDIp57_QmQHxuonNIacpWFzo_jsPIVfkc2w326s8WT1pRgYZKMe/s1600-h/DSC06140%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06140" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpGzaj0pQ5DZ6zitV-mvUSrHpnCs1SoPxxgS6dPq2DIB17zIzjhBbEJtT9kQfZPngzvgxHRaF9mmXWkCenQxUsYEfx2J0uDxoKuMnnOMUvSwmWM6hGtACYinokqOKo_EANIFINg6Rd_tE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06140" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>The rest of the day we pretty much just shopped! Which was super fun!! I will take a picture of my look to post later! We also fit in an afternoon siesta before going out for supper.</p> <p>We wanted to do another Chicago thing….so we went for pizza at <a href="http://www.giordanos.com/">Giordanos</a>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQFQpwEAa3EoZLw3_jrBBREuXVNKbkIJCvFY-RmL5m2FqhYCUb5L0wzrZEhpN9yYTt4dSrd2uQS2Ti-nKdtIzijP_YtuCclp6MoXzSAzaooBk23nnOPVhLGuCKleQVO0qPlU8NnZkTFSy/s1600-h/DSC06142%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06142" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxl-ER2nD8DdK8UGKHnqBDhva_-g-_9K5RKZw96PzDwk-U38o4g-oxJd_bdmCC1yq1wSJUaG9F0QmOnE0vfreaqtzkPhsy1V624Zy0Jf5Bz9o_iUsXpX02OcPJ0YayUv0BBpNX2o79ClW/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06142" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Pure amazing-ness!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpiQnft6vHfaQ8MgRPxD35OjuM-O6-HxveMw-gF-At4KBXi3c5NOIQbsBGilYnJ2VVB_6vrJwy2ACsYfNWpIKyvavXtpC1uRKdYCu1UrhUkWl1qQtKdVJl6bNJPgoGhImP4QQNSKK3i1m/s1600-h/DSC06143%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06143" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUJ4W1hB6cyPkTjIZXuth52yDslnBgkS5GhL7ug8nzHNvchvLJ2cJ4R_UNlcbz1YG15ORC2uTkNkBLL1vGxQi5QUvvVm3GbIoW0YiciWDPAi3vZOE7KK4L-fKAAnWW0j2vX8Pjw6HhEXx/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06143" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>We ordered Hawaiin and they got canadian bacon…look at all that cheesy goodness!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsg7VgnCxzGMl7D6WLrYrZ_DErRItarZdIEA3P5upL_EE4KNgeTW4SwVVI0XAd1tEyqXkEsYDZNS7N7bnlwJGx3Y3dyLuV3E-tvCDpU3pi3WG8BnBCIFU6cvhrz0Ke6B1LdhEp3G0T6QbL/s1600-h/DSC06144%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06144" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbR7EEbXNnOaC8CcLhaOwiNx0YTaj_mtQjdzO3TA7nASVPIgkTcRK9rH1OLqX6tLqnoMCTvkqRgEQY1UImxRux-dn0i_y_kOf9jUzWMTXt1jCv-IvKABM8wqZW-Cu8Fnel7NAnqZxTnnr/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06144" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>This was our first time trying Chicago style pizza!! SO good!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi-5hbh0Dk-iZiuJgjJ6H1X2sN3DSwOCsF31aPlHr12pDXUd1xj4ruxgsaLhFgTp8ACYH90GCaDCYgDXLJMO5UN41hUk3RdgHsy1RmMOFiGDM0UJLwUvbx1NlxE8o4wcr8-4-Q9DE3-6h/s1600-h/DSC06145%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06145" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaFOni_cPO78H8wopPB6z5H97ytT-wwE6mAfwKdJBiyYCuPkoYkJVVLSeim9UixScHeuIA7ojupnofh8pQNkrGeDSpT1c8gQ1flcfdE4UW_mcGV0IGc9JY4ZK0WPHoPx75jle2SpB2_dC/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06145" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Afterwards we hit up my FAVORITE place…Coldstone!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ0hXWsZR4yOQYs2jeTbnXPncu8GaMR4HQF3LkHYVKbZNgJBBNllFy-g38CKU0_fSwyqvCsGxJuCWoq9j25vzalcA7wVWtLIkqeFRDfho9cMaTkLydep-D91yWPbEtaG-C83VpmiL7ajb/s1600-h/DSC06148%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06148" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBmfkzoGazipycMscJTi3_9ZwqEHMbOpcIcKAJsYwq60Mh3etkQjbG-mgeaFVUhoBkXma_xRtN4aklrU9BVADuvOwE_LBZ4l-uobD3a-TR6hoe2oAjAg9YHlVRYuPAl8MwbGf3sV9D3tu/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06148" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>We went the economical route and just bought a pint! Mmmm!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvkqIH__alzhkkYx6YPjdo2oIvq5O8ohySr3fTsqROy9JkMpV75eKEYAkyM61u3IQHQfodIRIsFPdkgn3SrBUT74gDaM-qQ9IXqq5XZqzCondbsWTCjoMzY1KNrgIehEl_C1QUSbrp0C_/s1600-h/DSC06156%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06156" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOsaHI2wshBtzo3zOEhlgiuFCqPkQr95_wUAE3QScovST0___zaumPigXLsNdXNOhy0asJ_NwbDm6zlOBIjh32vpwrE5xPsr88C8oMeKt45KdY3mjD_zlOveXH26yutR1n5hGPFNy9QFe/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06156" width="404" /></a>  </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> Sunday was pretty much just a driving day. Thanks Mel & Steve for a fun weekend and being great hosts! Can’t wait for our next visit.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0TrCuprEa0k5ZNntL-KvdSA8rQnp-cVOjbCRGFt_q-gaXLJx4_qXN0M4y0Cd5FhJYIBTWd2mDUGGePk5pXZwzo7-TyJNVJtO-b8TJYJrTYtT71CNVOE9SEy4-Zw6rL0b2PTY46y-EIf4/s1600-h/DSC06147%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06147" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPg_JETmGv5GaYNOe7QFloqEiiflQNhf3tzI3St3VZDcn3xR9qdAWIedVp3Ud8rFUHsXk1Mf2tixv8fvWE6eTN65LcVpU8NnYZZb2QyApyXXWShueOvaAQWSoekUnvptz6g-0iD6HRFGu/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC06147" width="404" /></a> <p>Food wise I was NOT a good girl. But I enjoyed myself and am now happy to be back in my regular routine! See you all later tonight, I’ll be back to my regular blogging!</p>

Weekend Chicago Trip

Hey everyone!! Kyle and I made it home from Chicago on Sunday! We had a great weekend seeing the sights, shopping, and spending time with family! Warning: this is a picture heavy post! We drove to Chicago Thursday after a short work day. We got t…

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