Hangin' out with the Halls

Guess how far I biked on Saturday morning?

25 miles.

My cousin Chelsea and her family live in Chicago. We usually get together every other month and always have a fun time! Chelsea's in-laws, Bill and Cathy Hall, live in Batavia - a suburb about 1 hour west of Chicago. They've been inviting me to their house for about a year now and I was finally able to go! Jonathan, Chelsea's husband, is the stake Young Men's President and the youth were spending Friday evening at the Hall's home. The Friday night activities included a BBQ, bonfire, ice cream party and fireside.

Saturday morning, Bill mentioned to me that we could go for a bike ride. I've know that he is a hard core biker, but I didn't realize how dedicated he really is to the sport. He even let me borrow some of his biking gear. Please note: Yes, I am wearing biker shorts!! Ha ha.. they really

are comfortable and needed after being on the bike for several hours :)

Last Minute Road Trip

Alex, Bryan and Lincoln all live in Denver.

Lincoln was headed home from the hospital last Thursday in Denver.

My mom called on Thursday and was headed to Denver.

I wanted to go to Denver!! So I did.

It was a fun, last minute road trip that was so worth it.

Couldn't get enough of this little guy...

Love my fam.

Oh the Cubs!

The Chicago Cubs played the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday night. This was the second time I've gone to a Cubs game and I have to admit that baseball is better live compared to watching it on TV.

Even though the Cubs lost this game, we all had fun eating, chatting and enjoying the atmosphere.

Go Cubs Go!

Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon

My company participated on Saturday in the 2010 Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon, which is the largest community service event in Chicago. This year there were more than 6,000 volunteers who spruced up over 40 Chicago schools! After the registration and opening ceremonies, we all loaded the buses that lined Soldier Field - home of the Chicago Bears.



Our team spent all day painting Shield Elementary School, a school located in the South Side of Chicago that accommodates over 850 students.






On the bus ride home, we all felt exhausted, but we talked about wanting to participate next year!

And, I'm read this quote the other day and thought about the impact several teachers have made in my life:

"A master can tell you what he expects of you. A teacher, though, awakens your own expectations."

Patricia Neal, American actress.

My Weekend Review

Friday night -

My friends and I enjoyed an evening of eating sushi at RA Sushi-Bar-Restaurant. We then had dessert outside at The Cheese Cake Factory. Thanks, Fortna's for the invite!

Saturday night -

I've read in numerous tourist books that Chicago is know for its jazz. I was finally able to go this weekend to Andy's Jazz Club. The group Corey Wilkes Quintet performed and it was an entertaining show. The tourist books don't lie.

P.S. Did you know the Blackhawks are playing Wednesday night for a chance to win the Stanley Cup? All I have to say is....

(Hint: look at the message on the building!)

Kansas

There's no place like home - I'm from Kansas so I feel that it's only appropriate that I begin this post with that phrase!

I enjoyed a lovely Memorial Day weekend with my parents; they are so fun and energetic.

The highlights:

Pedicures

Shopping

Movies

Dance Parties

Church - always fun to see the families from my home ward

Ice Cream

Biscuits and Gravy

Applebees - Virgin Frozen Margaritas

Laying out

Reading

Tractor ride

Walk

BBQ

Trips to Wichita (I was suppose to fly out Monday night so I could go to work on Tuesday. When we got to the airport, my flight was canceled and rescheduled for Tuesday morning. I enjoyed an extra unplanned day at home! Thanks, United Airlines. Even though I had to call into work and use another vacation day, it was worth it.)

My mom and dad definitely spoiled me! I love them. And, I missed my siblings tons and can't wait to all be together later this summer. :)