Leaving on a Jet Train

After nearly four years of marriage, Joshua and I took our first-ever vacation the past three days. Oh, sure, we've visited family over the years, but a true vacation? Never!

Thursday morning, we drove to Bloomington to catch the train up to Chicago. It turns out that parking there is terrible, and our trip was about cancelled before it even got started. Joshua's luck came through, though, and we found a spot to put the car. Here we are jumping on the train. What a luxurious way to travel. We even bought doughnut holes and beer in the cafe car!

After arriving in the windy city, we walked to the Wyndham to drop our luggage and then quickly over to Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steak house, all-you-can-eat meat extravaganza. I was pleasantly surprised, especially by the fried polenta. I even tried lamb, quite surprising for me.

After eating a huge lunch, we wandered around the city for a while. I enjoyed seeing all of the lovely planters, freshly filled with annuals. There were plenty of ranunculus - so pretty!

We braved Navy Pier, despite the cold weather.

Yep, that's us in a fun house mirror. I don't think we've ever looked better!

Friday, the weather was even worse, cold temperatures in the upper forties and rain all day. We made it to the bean, another delightful mirror picture. I think I look just like a character from Fiddler on the Roof, but the scarf was a real necessity with the rain and cold.

Friday afternoon, we used some VIP tickets to bypass the 2 hour line at Shedd Aquarium. That's Joshua smiling with the long line going way into the background. Joshua's favorite animal was the penguins, and I liked the otter.

We took a bus back to the hotel after the aquarium. I did enjoy the ride. Soon after taking this picture, the bus filled up, and we had a couple of friendly people to help us back to the hotel.

Friday night's dinner was the fanciest I've ever been to in my life. The Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building was highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. Unfortunately we weren't able to enjoy the view due to thick clouds/fog, but we still had a nice time. Delicious food and live piano music were lovely. We would definitely go back. Joshua wouldn't let me be tacky enough to take a picture while in the restaurant, so here he is in the elevator after dinner going back down.

This morning we jumped on our return train and made it home by 2:00. It was a quick, but fun vacation. Maybe we'll go on a vacation again some time.

I'll Take the Henny Penny Chicken

During my undergraduate time at Augustana, I lived about two blocks from Mulkey's restaurant but never tried it. The outside looks a bit unappealing, and the giant sign advertising Henny Penny chicken wasn't enough to draw me in. Mistake! Dad, Mom, and I went there yesterday for dinner and had a lovely time at this old timey diner. I did indeed try the Henny Penny fried chicken and enjoyed it thoroughly, along with some of the crispiest, tastiest fries every. Two thumbs up for Mulkey's restaurant in Rock Island.

Dessert was Whitey's new flavor, Salted Caramel, which put up some serious competition for my favorite-of-all-time ice cream, Cedar Crest's Caramel Collision. I think Caramel Collision still takes the prize, but considering I only get it once a year while in Wisconsin, Whitey's will be a nice substitute when visiting the Quad Cities.

Hope you all had a nice weekend!

Half a Century

Dad turned 50 on December 26. Unfortunately, with all the Christmas activities, there wasn't time in the schedule for a proper party. Poor Christmas babies; they never get enough celebration. Last night, we finally gathered for a party at the Cellar in Geneseo. Dinner was delicious (including no less than three types of cheese), and afterwards, we had cake and ice cream at Aunt Kathy's. Happy Birthday Dad!

A Happy Birthday while Sporting Leggings

Monday marked my 26th birthday. The celebration began on Friday with a date night to Johnny's. It's one of our favorites going back to college days. After finding fantastic boots a few weeks ago, I decided that I'm not getting any younger - it was time to wear leggings. I must say, I was looking pretty darn good.

Saturday, Shaun and I made some gluten free southwest egg rolls for Mom, which we forgot to give to her on Monday, of course.

Sunday, we called Grandma Norma and Grandpa Joe last minute and met them at the Jubilee Cafe. It's always fun to see those two. I think they had a nice time, too.

Dad and Mom drove on down for dinner on Monday. We went to Panera, one of my favorites. I finally tried their mac and cheese, delicious. A lovely present from Mom that made the day more special was a Christmas elf/troll, a nod to a family joke. Other tokens included two adorable donkey cards. Friends, I am NOT a donkey person (but I kind of am!), so please do not buy any donkey items more permanent than birthday cards.

A very nice 26th birthday, and I'm looking for a delightful year to come.

Weekend Visitors

Yesterday Joshua's mom, step dad, and kids came for a visit. We had a relaxing afternoon of Wii, Pizza Hut, and Yahtzee. Other entertainment was provided by my favorite niece baby. Little Ava is getting so big - holding her head up and smiling.

Jack and Jenny are changing quickly as well. I suppose kids do grow up. Joshua and I have been together for seven years now, so they are little kids no more, but rather teenagers with personalities and opinions. Jenny was busy talking about basketball camp this summer, and Jack is excited about chess and scholastic bowl. Time keeps moving right along.

Hello March. So Glad You Decided to Stop By!

Over the weekend, I scooted up to Orion to watch Mother Dear play with the bell choir in church. It was a lovely performance. After a delightful lunch with Dad, Mom and I got to work on a spring arrangement for my front door.

I like to keep things seasonal here at my casita, and Jon G.'s skills are fantastic. My idea came to life in a short time. Things you should know about me: I LOVE ranunculus; I have always loved letters, and moss is my latest obsession. Could this arrangement get any better?

Oh YES it could! A happy, sunny March day to hang it up.

Even the ridiculous furnace repair bill I paid today can't keep me down. Spring is coming.

Getting Through February

Oh, February. Each year it's a struggle to find positive things to say about this horrible, cold, depressing month. There have been a few bright spots this past week.

I finally finished my scarf knitting project, which I started lasted August. No pictures because I'm over it completely. Instead, I've been knitting several dishcloths, a much faster and rewarding experience than a scarf. Here is a picture of me, happy as can be, beginning a new dishcloth, watching Lawrence Welk (I love that show!), and wearing new black boots that I've been searching for for at least four years, found on clearance at Bergner's. (They're so close to actually fitting my silly, skinny, chicken legs!) Yes indeed, a fun Friday night at my house.

Also this week, we celebrated Wes' birthday. Shaun and I like to make a big deal out of birthdays; it's how we do it in our family, but Wes wasn't really having it. We made nachos for dinner, our new favorite thing - chips, cheese, black beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and pulled pork, with apple pie for dessert. So delicious.

Ready for March. Age 26, here I come!