Moments 02 26 :: Week 02

These two! Sometimes you just need to put down what you are doing and give them the attention they need. Could they be any cuter?

Took this little chunky monkey, Bella, out on a field trip on Monday. She's so affectionate, and loved our day out. 

We took a long walk along the lakefront, which was so pretty. Just look at this.

Hit a big PR this week -- a 320# deadlift. I have bad math to thank for it since I was going for something a little less. My last 1 rep max deadlift PR was 305#, 3 years ago. After almost 12 years of CrossFitting, PRs don't happen much anymore, but sure feel good when they do. 

Moments 02 26 :: Week 01

It's been awhile since we walked all the way down to the lakefront to walk along the beach. It was still brutal cold, but the sun was shining and lured us down.

The nice thing about winter, is the edge of the lake is frozen, so we can walk along an area that is normally not accessible because its covered by water. It was a beautiful walk.

I took this guy, Max, out on a field trip on Monday. He's so stinking cute, and only 1.5 years old. Unfortunately, he ended up getting a cold in the shelter -- super common this time of year -- so he's been moved to a different location that has more open kennels, and he hasn't been put back up for adoption yet. He was so good and quite calm, but has one quirk -- my guy is a bit mouthy. He wasn't aggressive, but I had to tether him far in the back since he was relentless about wanting to chew my hat and coat, while I was driving. He just needs to be taught that is not ok. He really is a sweet guy. 

Look at this guy! It's happening, and we couldn't be more excited for him. 

Speaking of Hudson, look who took the jump seat to come visit us for a few hours. I could get used to this. 

We had lunch -- and pie to go -- at Honey Pie.

Then we stopped home so he could say hi to the dogs. They were so confused but very happy. 

What a treat!

Moments 01 26 :: Week 05

We had our gym anniversary party last Friday night. Such a fun group of people. A few had already left by this point, but it was a fun time. Even if it was -8 degrees outside. 

Gretel in her favorite spot. 

We weren't able to go out for a few days, but braved it after awhile. It's been so cold this week, but this guy wanted to get out. Even if he isn't a fan of his cold weather gear. 

Hudson has been in Phoenix training the past couple of weeks. Last weekend, Natalie flew in to see him. He still had to study a lot, but they were able to get out a bit, including some fun hikes. 

Brian and I finally got to meet our great nieces, Maeve and Evie. This is what they did the entire time. They are beautiful, and such sweet babies, and Mackenzie and Patryck are naturals, and really great parents. 

It's like riding a bike. 

This guy and his chickens. 

I had bought a couple extras last time I found them, and had them hidden in a closet. When Cole was home and we were gone, he found them and gave them all to Van. Now they are are everywhere.

We had our staff dinner for CrossFit last night and went to Cloud Red. It's always so good, and was so much fun getting to sit down and spend some time with the team. 

Moments 01 26 :: Week 04

Mackenzie + Patryck had their babies! Here's Grandma Pam with Evie (L) and Maeve (R), born 16. January.

Quick photo when we dropped Hudson off at the airport after his surprise visit. He's in Phoenix training the next couple of weeks. Lucky guy. I know the training is grueling, but he's escaping the extreme cold front we are experiencing right now. 

I got to see Hamilton and it was fantastic. I had seen the movie version, and it was good -- but seeing this production live is next level. 

A number of people were sick after the wedding -- including poor Leif, who's ticket I got last minute. Sorry for Leif, but I was thrilled. Just look at these seats too. It was so good. 

Emma + Toby got to see some of their wedding photos. There are so many good ones, but here's one of my favorites. Stunning. 

E+T Wedding Weekend :: Days 03 + 04

Time for the big day! Mel is fortunate to have some incredibly creative friends. From the flowers to the stage the ceremony was going to be held on, to the draperies around the room to the graphics on the tables and entire army of friends were there to make this day special for everyone. It was incredible. I helped with the table settings, which were something I've never seen. Mel had resourced all the antique plates (some of us even had specially picked out ones), the flowers were stunning, and their friend Sue designed the cards that Emma and Toby wrote personalized letters on talking about what that guest meant to them. They did this for every single person -- I've never seen anything like it. What a special touch. Afterwards, I headed back, Brian ordered falafel and chicken shawarma, and we got to rest a bit before getting ready for the big day. Hudson was supposed to fly in that morning, but woke up devastated to have gotten food poisoning and needing to cancel. We were all heartbroken, but it was nothing he could have controlled. He and Cole had roles in the wedding, so Cole stepped up and took over Hudson's usher job, and guest book responsibilities. Finn was the officiant. He was funny and sincere. He did such great job. At the end of the ceremony a second line band came to escort Emma and Toby to cocktail hour. The Bomb Squad (what the high school friend group calls themselves) was there, as well as the Bubble (the Oak Park group). Other friends of our from Oak Park were there -- even someone I used to work with that Toby's family is friends with but our friend group didn't know. I also got to spend time with Ed, who is a mutual friend of Leif and Mel's but someone I've known since high school, making him the person I've known longest in the room,. That's so crazy. We had a great BBQ dinner, and afterwards, danced the entire night. Seriously, I personally didn't sit down once. It was amazing. What a fun party. 

The following day, Hudson had to pass through Chicago on his way to training in Phoenix, and he was feeling well enough to catch an early flight and come to the brunch Toby's parents hosted. Such a great surprise for everyone! I hate that he missed out the night before, but so glad he was able to see most everyone. I also got to take a couple photos I missed the night before -- with Ed, and one with the bride a groom. The funny thing is, as we were getting ready to leave for the brunch, I put in the directions and it ended up that our rental was on the same block as Toby's parents. So that was convenient. Anyhow, we are back home now. It was great to see Hudson for a couple of hours, but now he's busy training for the next couple of weeks. Cole left this morning for Minneapolis after a really fun month together, and just let us know he arrived safe and sound. I'm feeling a little sad, missing our kids and my friends -- but also beyond grateful. We are so lucky to have such incredible people in our lives. Other people comment on it all the time, and truly it is something unique and very special. Emma is one of our favorite people. The first of the Bubble kids to tie the knot. We couldn't be happier for them. What an incredible weekend. 

E+T Wedding Weekend :: Days 01 + 02

We've been looking forward to Emma + Toby's wedding for awhile, and can't believe it's actually over. Seriously, it was the most amazing time from start to finish. We are exhausted, but also, never wanted it to end. Since almost everyone was traveling from other places, the weekend was jam packed with celebrations. Cole and I drove up Thursday morning. He dropped me off in Chinatown for Emma's dim sum bridal shower, then drove into the city to visit Zoe. Emma and Toby live in NYC, so don't have a ton of space. In lieu of gifts, we all made flowers to represent Emma. I've known her since the minute she was born, so dug through my archives for photos over the years and made a rose. The entire bouquet turned out terrific. Such a clever idea, and I think Emma was very touched. Afterwards, I went to Penny's house, my home base for the night. We relaxed a bit, then went over to Leif and Mel's apartment to give them a gift our group had made them -- a vinyl record that we also put together for Emma and Toby as a surprise. We had some snacks and ate their leftover pizza. Having a few quiet moments with them was perfect. While we were there, the kids were all celebrating with a bachelor/bachelorette party. Cole was also staying at Chris + Penny's. It was funny hearing him and Mia coming home from their night, giggling away. The next morning, Mia, Penny and I went to Core Yoga, then picked up pastries, while Cole left to visit his North Central friends. In the afternoon, Brian came to the house, then it was time for us to check in to our rental. We stayed near the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. After living in a different area of Oak Park for years, it was kind of fun being in a new area. We got to walk around a bit, then Chris + Penny came over and we went out for dinner at Amerikas, a perfect choice. It was so delicious. Can you believe all we've done, and the big day isn't even here yet? So much fun.