Monday, July 16, 2007

More Family!


Zach's parents came to visit us this weekend before continuing on to the rest of their vacation. They arrived on Friday evening, and after unloading we went straight to get some Chicago-style deep dish pizza. On Saturday we made our way downtown to enjoy sightseeing in absolutely gorgeous weather. After stopping to get Chicago-style dogs (and a veggie burger for me), we walked through Millennium Park toward Buckingham Fountain. Then we walked along the lakefront to see the boats and the Cool Planets on our way to the museum campus. We spent the afternoon exploring dinosaurs and ancient Egyptians at the Field Museum before heading back to Hyde Park for dinner on the back porch. Sunday included brunch at the Medici (yum!), going to see Rockefeller Chapel, a walk around the University of Chicago campus, and a drive to the North Side to see Wrigley Field. Unfortunately the Cubs were playing at the time, so we didn't get the chance to park and walk around, but it gave Susie and Rick a better idea of how different the various neighborhoods in Chicago can be. Even though the visit was too short, we were very glad to have them here!

Monday, July 09, 2007

Family


Just a quick update and pictures from my parents' visit to Chicago. We were very sad to see them go, but we had a wonderful time with them. They arrived on Friday evening and we took them to Greektown for supper. On Saturday we slept in and then toured around Hyde Park, showing them where I work, 57th Street Books, and Hyde Park Produce. We also ate lunch at the Medici, then went next door for fresh bread...yum. Later we had friends Erin, JT, and Nora over for delicious homemade pizza and lots of fun! We wanted to show my parents some different areas of Chicago, so we went to the North Side for church on Sunday at Holy Trinity. Afterward we went to pick up some painting supplies for my class (yay)! We went home for lunch and a bit of rest before heading downtown on the Metra. Even though it was 94 degrees we enjoyed a free Brandi Carlile concert, then walked around the Taste of Chicago. We went home on a CTA train and bus to let them fully experience living in Chicago, and then had supper at Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop. It was a very full, but happy weekend, and I wish they could have stayed longer!

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Our busy lives...

I know every time we post (which is not often enough, I know) we say how busy we've been. But now it seems that we are busier than ever. Both of us are working full-time and trying to get out and enjoy the summer as much as possible while we can.

My work is chaotic right now because they are completely remodeling the inside of the library, and they are building a brand new dorm right next to the library (and right outside my window). My parents did bring my bicycle to Chicago on their way to Montana, so that is helpful getting to and from work. Zach has been working very hard and gaining a lot of valuable experience this summer working as a chaplain at a hospital in Berwyn, IL. While he has had to deal with some difficult situations, I think he's still enjoying his time there. Most days he carpools with a neighbor of ours that is working there, too, which has been really nice. The worst part of his job is that has to be on-call one night per week, so sometimes he leaves at 7:20am one day and doesn't come home until 5:45 the next day. I'm glad that I have Mr. Wilson for company!

Besides working, we've been looking for fun things to do in the city. So far this summer we've been to the Blues Festival with our neighbors Matt and Chris, and Zach and I went to the Shedd Aquarium during one of its free days. I went up to Evanston for my cousin Elizabeth's graduation party (she went to Northwestern), and had the best time getting to see wonderful family, including my Quaidie! Zach was working that night, but I did bring him back some stellar food. I started taking a painting class at the Hyde Park Art Center, and I'm really excited about getting back into painting again. Also, our good friend Adam came back for a weekend and we loved hanging out and going to see some fireworks with him...we'll be glad when he comes back to Chicago after the summer! We've been spending as much time as possible with our friends, grilling out and enjoying sitting out on our porches. Tuesday we had a cookout with homemade ice cream for the Fourth of July and then headed over to the lake to watch the big fireworks display from the Point. Then for the actual Fourth we both had the day off. We went to the Hyde Park parade and had lunch with friends JT, Erin, and Nora, then rested for most of the day.

In family news, our nephew Simon was baptized this past weekend, and although we couldn't be there, we celebrate with him and his parents. And I can't wait to see them all in August at my brother's wedding! Also, my parents stopped by on the way to Montana a couple of weeks ago, and now they are coming to visit us again on the way back. I am very much looking forward to a longer visit to be able to show them more of Chicago. Shortly after my parents leave, Zach's parents will be coming to visit us, as well. They have both been here, but on separate trips, so it will be wonderful to have them here together! Plus, they are bringing a bike for Zach, and we are both excited to go ride along the lakefront.

We hope that all of you are enjoying your summer so far!