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