Free Fallin!

Well the months we call October and November have come and gone. Boy did we have some fun....here is a recap!

We kicked things off by heading to the lake for the first weekend of October. It was a beautiful crisp fall weekend and even though it was a working weekend we still enjoyed being up there. The fall colors were just gorgeous with the brighgt blue sky as the backdrop. Congrats to Kim and Steve on their new Pelican lake home. We were able to see them, the house and the hear about the new plans they are working up. I even got to get some waders on and helped with the shore station!

Dock is out, color is gorgeous and sun in shining!


Stewie says "Hey, this isn't my dock!"

The following weekend was one reserved for celebration of our first anniversary. It is hard to believe one year has already passed! We celebrated in a private suite at Lynfred Winery in Roselle IL. See previous post!

October 30 we took part in a very special celebration of our two friends...Christy and Todd! They were married at the Indian Lakes resort in Bloomingdale, IL. I was so proud to be the Matron of Honor standing up with them to witness the event. Friday before we got our nails done and got ready for the rehearsal dinner that evening. It was a intimate evening and set the tone for the rest of the wedding weekend celebrations. The ceremony music and words spoken were the perfect summary of their marriage. Christy had been planning this day since February and thought of every last detail...she was organized, calm, collected and had a radiance about her all day! We know Todd is a lucky man. The reception afterwards provided a way to party and toast to the newlyweds. We danced, drank, sung and jumped around to "Send me on my Way!" Rick rarely left the dance floor regardless of what song was on! I have said it before and will say it again....we knew Christy and we knew Todd, but knowing Christy and Todd together just seems right! Congratulations!

November is typically a month where we find ourselves preparing for the holidays and upcoming winter months. For the second year, this no longer seems to be the case. Last year we were unpacking from the wedding and preparing for our honeymoon. This year life's little celebrations continue in so many ways. It is a reason Hallmark is still in business as we do have so many blessings to be thankful for and of course cards are needed!

We started the weekends of November with a double celebration. The Sturm family gathered Saturday the 6th for an early Christmas/Thanksgiving dinner, gift opening, wine drinking, Oh-Hell playing, dessert eating party. It was fun to get in the holiday spirit early and of course see that side of the family. The ladies got together the next day to celebreate cousin Kelly's baby shower. She is expecting a little boy, Jaxson Leo, in January!

The next weekend brought Rick, Stewie and I to Springfield where my mom was visiting for a week. It also happened to be my 29th birthday on Saturday the 13th! We hung out at Grandpa's where Rick learned he can get into a Western flick. His new favorite happens to be a John Wayne classic called McLintock. My mom and I made cinnamon apples along with other kitchen creations. We helped get some bulbs in the ground before heading to Capone's for a bday celebration. It was great to see Anna and her parents, Shareen and her family, Auntie JoAnn and of course the Jeff Richardson family did not disappoint on the food and drink front. I even got a Brandy Alexander with a birthday candle in it! That Sunday we gathered to celebrate Grandpa's 87th birthday with the best chicken in town. I will give you a hint, it is fried! We jumped back in the car to head home with a tuckered dog from chasing the golf cart up and down the runway.

Anna and I!!

Mom, Rick and I at Capones - note the Brandy Alexander..mmm!

The ultimate dog run!


The next weekend gave me the opportunity to visit Michele for her baby shower. She is in her final weeks of pregnancy and is looking great!! Christy and I assisted with paint selections for the baby's room and attended the shower on Saturday the 20th. The shower was such a fun afternoon. The hostesses had plenty of food and games planned. Michele got some great gifts that she will be putting to use very soon! Christy was my co-pilot on the trip and was fresh from her honeymoon. We also had the chance to visit with Ben, Erin and Jo while we were there. We had dinner at this new Asian Bistro, watched wedding videos and just had a fun relaxing weekend together! I can hardly wait for the next visit when their house is bustling with a new baby!

I came home that Sunday and headed to Dan and Candy's to celebrate Chris's 21st birthday. Not in true 21st bday style as the boys took care of that the night before. Instead of shots, we had soup and mac n cheese and broke the big news to Chris that we were leaving for VEGAS in 3 days!!! That will be the next post. Until then....

XO,

EAT

Miners Rescued in Chile!

This is by no means an update on the life of Treats but it is certainly a story worth documenting. 69 days ago...on August 5th 2010, 700,000 tons of rock collapsed at the San Jose Mine near Copiapo Chile trapping 33 miners a half mile in the earth. The rescue teams didn't find the miners until 17 days later and began a long plan to bring the miners up safely. They delivered supplies, food and medicine to the miners through a small shaft as they began drilling a rescue shaft. The leader of the crew guided the miners through rationing their resources and setting up work, sleep and sanitary stations.

Beginning yesterday, the miners came up one by one on via a special capsule. It was truly amazing to see them come back to surface...all so unique and with their individual personal stories. One man even arose to a new baby girl named "Hope." They will be bombarded with book deals, TV appearances, free trips and other media offers as nobody has ever been trapped for so long and survived. It was awesome to see the news headlines filled with joy and triumph as they pulled these miners up over the last day. The positive news is spreading throughout! It is a personal reminder of patience. I can't imagine being trapped in my office for 69 days...with my coworkers...sharing cans of tuna. I also will think twice when I am in small spaces and feel my personal space is being invaded. But today in Chile an amazing operation took place and restored some hope in humanity across the world!

XO,
EAT

A year of TREATS!

Where does the time go? I hear people say that more and more but seriously; where does it go?! I know we have accomplished a lot in year 1 of marriage but it sure did go quickly. Rick and I celebrated our 1st year anniversary a couple of weekends ago at the cutest litlle suburban winery/bed and breakfast: Lynfred Winery in Roselle, IL. The weather was perfect with clear skies and temps in the 80's. We did wine tastings, had a private tour of the place, had dinner and breakfast delivered to our room and just enjoyed an evening maxing and relaxing in our Italian Suite. The winery closes at 7pm so once the innkeeper left we were the only room rented so we truly had the place to ourselves! The Oktoberfest wine was our favorite so we even got some bottles to take home. The staff there treated us like royalty so it will definitely be a place we will return to. Here are a few photos from our anniversary celebration!

XO,

EAT

Parents Visit IL

The last weekend of August was very special as we were lucky enough to host my parents at our home for a long weekend of action, relaxing and just perfect weather! They arrived on Thursday and met me in the city. The air was perfect temperature and the sky was bright blue (as it was all weekend) we grabbed some lunch and decided the afternoon was meant to be spent on aboat. We took the water taxi over to Michigan Avenue in time to catch one of the Chicago Architecture Foundation's river tours. I have seen it before but each time is unique to the next. Did you know that in 1900 the Sanitary Department reversed the flow of the Chicago River?! We headed back to Glen Ellyn for our usual sand volleyball game and then dinner at Aug's with Rick's parents that same evening!


Friday ended up being a chill day...the siding guy was here so we took advantage of yet another beautiful day. We walked Stewie to Lake Ellyn and roamed the neighborhoods on foot. We indulged in some beverages after our 3 hour walk, nap and lunch. Once Rick got home we hung on the deck and then began our dinner feast. It ended up being a great night in!

Saturday was a big day with non-stop action. Rick had to run into work so he handed the keys to the Jeep to my Dad. We took the top off so he could chaffeuer my Mom and I to the Farmers Market and Starbucks. We then jumped on the train and headed to the city for an afternoon and evening full of fun. First stop was to meet Rick at Navy Pier. I have NEVER seen that place so packed. The main attraction was the Tall Ships that were docked at Navy Pier. The ships were MASSIVE and pretty neat to see. We even saw the ship Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed on. After that we headed to Quartino's where we met the Christy; Michele and Karly for some dinner. It is always special when I have my husband, parents and best friends together at the same table. If only E and Lehala could have made it! The final stop of the evening was the main event...Million Dollar Quartet!! We were in the second row and could see every drop of sweat and move the actors made. This was the story of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Johnny Lee Lewis getting together at Sun Recording Studios in Memphis, TN on December 4, 1956. It was a great story with even better music. We felt like we were in the studio with them that night and to see it with my dad the music-lover; was extra cool!

We were glad my parents could make the trip out to see us and the house updates. We had a blast in all that we did and the time was certainly special to me. See you back in IL soon!

The Sunday they departed was the day of Christy's bridal shower...08.29.10. It was hosted by Christy's Aunt JoLynn and her mother in Mundelein and was a great time. She got so many great gifts for her and Todd's kitchen...even an adorable apron to cook in!

XO,

EAT

Summer Shandy

To quote Kenny Chesney..."it's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine...it's sweet summertime." Er, was summertime. We have had an incredible summer with so many celebrations and other notable activities. Here is a recap of the events since the end of June.


We had a chance to go see our friend Ashley get married just blocks away from her parents home in Springfield. It was a hot hot day but the ceremony was at Illini Country Club and was truly gorgeous. Rick and I were happy to attend, see some old friends and dance to our hearts desire. It was great to see Ashley so happy with a super nice guy. She dated my brother and was my roomie in college so I have seen her grow up since we first met many years ago. We had a blast at their wedding and even got to see the newlyweds the next morning for some brunch.







This 4th of July we took advantage of a long weekend and headed north to Pelican Lake! It was fun to get outta town for some R&R. The weather was nice although there was a little rain. Dan and Cara and Chris and Doneika were up as well so we all got to spend some time together. The fireworks were rained out but we headed to a couple of the local watering holes for some indoor fun! We also kayaked and rode the bikes around the lake. We always enjoy getting away to the north woods and especially in great company!





We spent the month of July relatively plan free but managed to keep busy with summer activities. We play sand volleyball on Thursdays and always had some finishing touches to put on the house. Downtown Glen Ellyn closes down Main Street and hosts a Jazz Fest so we decided to support the local community and check it out on a nice summer evening. I celebrated Christy's birthday during a Sunday in the city. We had some of the most authentic and yummy Mexican dinner before we headed to an outdoor festival to see her favorite band - Rusted Root. We did manage to send another camera to the graveyard during this part of the summer but luckily we have backups. We also purchased a new Canon S90 and love love love it! There is lots to learn as it is a wee more technical than our previous cameras but I am thoroughly enjoying it's capabilities. The other photo below Rusted Root is Rick and I kicking back at the drive-in where we saw Inception. We get to bring Stewie, food, drink and even Rick's homemade Jeep table which housed our citronella candles and beverages! Nothing says summer quite like a drive-in movie :)







I must note that Stewie the Goose turned 7 on August 1st 2010!! He sure acts like a 3 year old but it is hard to believe we have had him for 7 great years!




Our first event in August was a trip down to Southern Illinois for Crystal and Ab's wedding weekend! They were wed on August 7 2010 in a beautiful church ceremony. The church was so tiny but so much charm and they managed to pack all 370 guests in. The ceremony that followed was at The Hidden Lake winery which is just that. The winery is set off the country roads and just reminded me of something you see in magazines. It was fun to see our friend's Oscar and Kim and their family always makes us feel like we are one of them.





The next weekend Rick spent working at his job and at the house. I snuck away on Friday for what was known as "The Dirty 30" weekend. Cara, Christine, Kellie, Phil and James all teamed up for a joint 30th Birthday celebration at a lake house in Beverly Shores Indiana. Who knew such a place existed just on the other side of lake Michigan from Chicago. The beach was quite nice and the crew did a great job at planning it all out. The bonfire, hot tub, dancing, games, drinking, eating, dungeon of bunk beds and a great group of folks made it a fun summer night!

Weekend #3 of August was a home weekend but we did have a wedding to attend. Rick's good friend from high school Peter married his lovely wife Cara on August 21st 2010. Their ceremony was at a Greek Orthodox Church in Elmhurst, IL and then a perfect reception followed at The Danada House in Wheaton. It just so happened our home is smack dab in the middle so we did get to show some of the crew the house in-between the events. We got to see some friends from both near and far and do some catching-up during the celebration. I had never been to a Greek wedding but it was interesting to learn of some traditions and see the rich heritage they embraced on their wedding day. Rick and I are getting good at working the dance floor at this point!

Well that brings us to my parents visit and Labor Day which will be another post. I will be out of town the next couple of weekends for Christy's Bachelorette weekend in Carbondale and then a trip to Hilton Head to see Johnny and Alison get married! Cheers to a rockin summer!

XO
EAT

Honky Tonk Women

I am so very lucky to have a great group of girlfriends. Every year we pick a long weekend along with a new destination and we roam the town...girls trip style! This year we agreed to head south to a crazy lil city smack dab in the middle of Texas - Austin! We had all heard stories of the city but never had experienced it for ourselves. The single point of contact (SPOC) was Karly this year. I shall note each year we draw a new SPOC who becomes responsible for planning and coordinating. Karlos planned an action-packed weekend sprinkled with relaxation and most importantly quality time with the gals.

The stars were aligned as they usually do and we were upgraded from a hotel room at the Omni to a 2 bedroom suite with plenty o room! We all met in Austin on Friday where we ventured out for our first taste of 6th Street. This area is referred to as the entertainment district and it is easy to find on any given night. School was not in session at UT but the street was still blocked off for the thousands of bar goers and music seekers. We later learned 6th street has 2 personalities...dirty 6th and west 6th.

The girls and I enjoyed exploring the streets but Karly knew we had to get outta town and see what else there was to do. Lake Travis is a beautiful body of water about 30 miles outside of the city. Karly also knows we love to be on the water so we did it right and rented a boat for the day! We scoped out the lake before idling on over to what one could call the floating 6th street - Devils Cove. I might be out of touch with my party coves but this was like nothing I had ever seen before. Chains of boats throwing anchor together, floating dance parties, water sports, slides, yachts, beverages a plenty, speakers half the size of the boat, scantily clad people of all ages...the list goes on but it truly was "Austinacious!" The boat came with a tube so yes indeed we went tubing along the lake. On the way home we caught a beautiful sunset from this mega-bar/restuarant called Oasis. For dinner that evening? Sushi of course!








The outdoor adventures didn't stop there. The next day we got up and headed for our "surprise activity" planned by our SPOC. We rented bikes to cruise the greenspace of the city! Lunch was at Shade Grove which was the cutest outdoor venue that felt like a picnic in the park. We pedaled on over to Barton Springs which again is like nothing I have ever seen before. It is the nation's largest natural swimming pool in an urban area. One catch - it is a consistent 68 degrees! We carried on to see some of the natural trails and the city lake (which we call a river). After a dunk in the rooftop pool, we headed out for some tapas and a relaxing night. We caught a little live Blues band at Momo's on West 6th to cap off the evening. I think it has to do with my parents but there is something about live Blues music that makes me happy...relaxing yet tells a story and can still get a little funky! Which just so happens to explain this years gals trip to Austin, TX!







OH...and the official girls trip pose!



XO,
EAT

Milestones

What a week we have had here!!

It started off on Tuesday June 8th with celebrating Dad Dan's 60th birthday at one of his favorite restaurants - Vince's. It was a surprise so his face walking in was absolutely priceless! He had friends and family there to greet him and wish him a Happy Birthday. The surprise was fun but one of the best parts were the stories and memories that were shared. Each of his 6 kids got up to tell their favorite "dad" story and thank him for the love and support he has provided each one. His sisters Terry, Carol and Shirley were there to tell some of the stories from their brother Dan as well. It really was pretty special to be a part of. Happy Birthday we thoroughly enjoyed celebrating with you! (I can't make the pic rotate, turn head to the right)




I by no means claim to be a Chicago Blackhawks fan but you couldn't help to root the team on during their most recent Stanley Cup run. The city and surrounding areas went into an absolute Blackhawk frenzy when on Wednesday June 9th the team captured their first Stanley Cup in 49 years! It was pretty cool to witness the team coming home from their OT win against the Flyers to a city that otherwise has it's bouts of PSD (pro-sport depression...not a technical term). The victory parade kicked off Friday just 2 blocks from my office so we wandered down to get a glimpse of the excitement...and the coveted Cup!

Another major milestone was the completion of my first Sprint Triathlon on June 13th! I have always been intrigued by triathlons because there is such variety in the training and well...it just sounded like fun. It was much more than just fun! Michele did one last year so she was on board to do the US Womens Triathlon Series with me. We swam .46 miles, biked 14.2 miles and ran 3.1 miles through Naperville, IL. I enjoyed the training and knowledge I gained along the way. I realized I actually enjoy spinning classes at 5:30am and jumping in the indoor pool before the sun comes up on a chilly March morning. It was an awesome feeling crossing the finish line and I can't wait for the opportunity to do another one! Thank you to Michele for the tips, encouragement and agreeing to participate with me! Thank you to Rick for the support and an occasional nudge to get out of bed and get to the gym!

Here are a couple pics from the race -

XO,

EAT

MOH!

We had a girls night out on Friday and caught the latest installation of an old favorite - Sex and The City 2! We went to the Showplace Icon theatre which has a VIP lounge and you can even bring some vino into the theatre to enjoy while you watch. The movie was great but the company was better. The highlight of the evening was Christy asking me to be her Matron of Honor!!!! I am so excited to continue the planning process with her and most importantly stand up beside her the day she marries Todd. Cheers to that!!

XO,

EAT