Longest Day Ever, but Fun!!!

This Saturday we headed up north to see the Kenny Chesney Poets & Pirates Tour!! The concert had 5 opening singers before he ever stepped on stage. Tony and I drove up to the O'Hare Westin checked in and then took a shuttle to take the Blue Line EL train. Let me tell you that was an experience (not quite like Adventures in Babysitting, but close enough for me). The train ride itself takes about 45 minutes from O'Hare, of course a little detour needed to be made on account of track construction. The highlight (or actually low light) of the trip was a homeless guy who was strung out on lord knows what getting onto the train and his multiple attempts at getting off. To make the long story short, three guys including Tony had to help this guy with zero muscle function get off the train without killing himself (and I am not exaggerating). He was laying on the side of the platform when the train pulled away close enough that if he rolled the wrong way he would end up in the headline news, "Incapacitated man dies on El tacks".

So we get off at Jackson Avenue and catch a bus to Soldier's Field where the concert took place. We walked around the stadium to check things out, bought our concert gear and headed to our seats. They were pretty decent considering the size of the stadium. Again a little drama with a couple sitting next to us. They went to the Cubs/Six game prior to the concert and had been drinking. Well, sun and drinking don't mix well if you know what I mean.

We ended up moving a few sections over for Keith Urban and Kenny's portion of the show. Keith had the crowd sing happy birthday to his wife who turned 41 on Friday. That was cool, they even had her come on stage for that and she blew us all a kiss. AWwww!!

There was a ton of music and it was all good. Some of the lesser known acts were very entertaining. If you ever have the opportunity to see Kenny, go- it is worth the money!!!

After the concert we were herded like cattle out of the stadium and walked a few miles to the Hilton & Towers on Michigan Avenue. For those familiar with downtown Chicago that shouldn't have been that long of a walk, but it turned into one. Then we had to wait over 30 minutes for a cab. We ended up in front of a group of women who happened to be staying at a hotel on the same street we were and they were kind enough to offer to split the cab with us so we wouldn't have to wait any longer for a cab. 5 passengers in one cab is a bit cramped for a 45 minute drive. But we made it in one piece, dragged our bodies up to the room, and passed out!!!

Long post, long day, forever memories.

Until the next adventure!!

Spring Birthday's Complete

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All in one day, we have the official last day of school (after two full weeks of movies) and the last of our spring birthdays! Yep, everyone's a year older and no more birthday's til next year!! :o)

Ok, maybe one more... maybe.

Anyway, here's to no school, fun summer day's and a few shots of last night's birthday boy...

Schools out!!!

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Well, effectively so anyway. The last week of 4th, 1st, and KG are not high stress environments.

Part of the end of the year at Hoose is a Picnic for each grade. I was very touched when Jillian gave me a special invite to her picnic. I slipped away from work for the chance to push a merry-go-round, swing, and tire swing through the mid-day. What a great break from work!!



One other note, CONGRATS to Chris & Liz on the updated version of their blog from it's old home, & Austin Makes Four, to the new and improved site, & Then There Were Five. Check out both for some amazing pictures of their new addition - Taylor.

Hibachi Grill and Children, 6 of them!!!!

Ok, last night we met a friend of ours and her three children at Kobe restaurant for dinner. So picture 3 adults and six kids ages 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, & 10 all at one table!! It was kids eat free night, but in actuality not so much. But that is another story.

The kids had a blast!! Between the onion volcano, the flaming smilely face grill, and the baby saki (water) they were thoroughly entertained. It was fun watching Jackson and Austin squeal in delight every time the chef did something.

Between trying to catch a piece of broccoli in our mouths to the chef squirting baby saki (water in a squirt bottle) in the kids mouths a good time was had by all.

The kids want to go again soon, we'll have to see.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!

Well another year has past, only this weekend it was my birthday. For all you who are wondering I turned 29 for the eighth time :-)

Tony and I took a half day Friday and headed up to the suburbs. We stayed at the Marriott where our reception was and had a fantastic weekend!!! We kept Friday night low key (well actually both nights). Near the hotel there is a new upscale shopping center that we walked to and checked out what they had. We ended up eating dinner at Cooper's Hawk restaurant. I'm sure the meal was good as well as the wine, but my sinuses were so clogged that I couldn't taste a thing. Tony ordered a flight of sparkling wines (Almond, Raspberry, and a Blanc de Blanc) I couldn't tell the difference between any of them. For those of you who know me that was a huge disappointment. So off to the store for sinus medicine for me. We ended the night just relaxing in the room watching TV.

The next morning we got up ate breakfast and then walked the shopping center again, this time buying along the way. After a few purchases we then walked to Lifetime Fitness where we both got hour long massages!!! They were wonderful, I was so relaxed I didn't want to do anything, but a call from my brother asking where we were watching the Stars/Red Wings game along with the score got us motivated quickly!! We quick showered and met up with him to watch the third period. It was a great game with a much needed win. Tony was thrilled to see Turco get an assist in the game (btw-he is the GOALIE). We then left "Q" and headed towards Redstone.

This restaurant is known for its pineapple martinis, affectionately known as stoli dolis. These go down so easy that I could have slurpped at least three of them down, but on an empty stomach that would not have been so good. So I stopped myself at one and we split an order of buffalo shrimp, yummy!!!! I decided that tonight dinner would be progressive, so next we headed to Braxton's for an amazing seafood dinner. We were supposed to go to Wildfire for dessert, but we were both tired and so full that dessert did not sound appealing!!

We went back to our room got comfortable and watched Hitch on the TV. This is one of my favorite movies, I laugh like an idiot throughout most of it. I am not sure if Tony was more amused by the movie or me hooting next to him :-)

Sunday came all too quickly and we got up, packed up, and then went back to my mother's house to go out to lunch with her. After lunch we loaded the Bobo and headed back down to Bloomington.

It was a much needed relaxing weekend for both Tony and I, but we were very happy to get the kids back last night.

This year's birthday was amazing and bittersweet. I couldn't help but think of my father at times. My birthday marked the four month anniversary of his passing and I find that I miss him more than words can say. He had a tradition of buying me a birthday suit/s from Nordstrom's every year and this was the first year without. My mother did follow in his foot steps and bought me my birthday suit and my husband was very generous with me at Ann Taylor Loft!!! The weekend was filled with little reminders of my Dad, but I could take comfort in knowing that he is happy and no longer in pain. On the off chance that he has developed computer skills up in heaven, "I love you Dad!"