Totally impressed!

Busy busy busy. I've been meaning to write for a few days now. I have so much to tell you about!

First, Chicago was a wonderful little escape from everyday life, as we thought it would be. The ride there seemed quick. Maddi was fascinated by the big. Skyway bridge and couldn't believe how tall the buildings were. I let her use my digital camera, another first time fascination for her. She loved the ornamental architecture and took about 100 snapshots on one street. These will definitely become a neat addition to her scrapbook.

I found us a great deal on a hotel right on Michigan avenue. Perfect view. We could see Lake Michigan and were only a few blocks away from Millennium Park. The hotel, Congress Plaza had the original wooden doors, a king size bed and antique looking wallpaper. Maddi loved the king size bed. I was rather impressed by it as well. King size beds are HUGE!
We walked to millennium park and walked under the giant bean!
Ryan treated us to dinner. Which occured outdoors at the hotel's restaurant and included a bottle of red wine. We enjoyed a bit of people watching and drawing pictures with Maddi.

I was completely satisfied with my findings of our one night home away from home when fireworks started going off on Navy Pier! What a great surprise.

Sadly, we didn't make it to the aquarium as we'd hoped too. By morning we were ready to head home. Instead we took advantage of the rest of our day off to relax and cuddle up all together on the couch.

The car Ryan purchased is decent. He's got big plans for it atleast. It needs a few parts and touch ups. But a nice car for now.

We're in the car headed to Pentwater for my families annual gathering with my dad's clients John and Diane. It's tradition to eat really great food, see Diane's newest projects (she's an artist), have great conversation and paint, draw or just walk on the beach.
It's Ryan's first time meeting them. I'm looking forward to it all. Time with family is my number one ultimate natural high!

I'll be posting more photos of Chicago soon. Promise.

Keep Loving.

No work = mini road trip!

The bags are packed and I'm ready to go! But I'm not leaving on a jet plane. Just taking a mini road trip! Chicago bound!

It will be Maddi's very first trip to Chicago. I can't wait til she sees all the huge buildings and millennium park. Chances are we'll probably check out the aquariums too, considering Ryan's a sea life fanatic and might just be really sad if we don't check out the fishies.

Stay tuned for many great photos of our trip to the windy city.

As you probably guessed by my introduction I have a few days off! Well just 2, but it makes me very happy. Some much needed rest and time with my family.

All though there has been a drastic change in business at work I still haven't had time to catch up. We're not as busy but my co-workers and I are still so tired from the Coast Guard tornado that kicked our butts. The pace and mood at work has changed too. The up beat, go get em' vibes have been taken over by a tiredness zombie-like state. It's definitely a struggle to stay positive through an entire shift. I am thankful that the girls I work with are understanding and still nice to talk too.

In the mean time I'm trying to stay creative and keep my focus on the wedding. (Lots of smiles with that sentance.) The invites will go out soon. Like few days soon. They've been ready for awhile. Which is a good thing. Maddi and Megan have their dresses. Maddi will actually try on hers today or tomorrow. My bridesmaids/sisters have their dresses too. Now just the small stuff. Finalizing the order with the florist, finishing decorations, buying shoes, etc.

I think it will all come together just right!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday!

Keep loving.