Chicago -- And Some News!

I apologize that I have been neglecting my blog, but in my defense, I have been pretty busy and I've had a very testy internet connection. We're not really getting along, but right now we are trying to work out our issues.
We've been having a good time this last month, getting used to a new place and figuring out where we want to live. We also have some news (read the 2nd and 3rd post!) Don't assume too much -- no, I'm not pregnant. I know that's what you were thinking.... ;)

Luke and I have spent a couple weekends in Chicago since we moved up there...and we readily admit it is a lot more fun than Houston. Sorry Houston. There are a billion shops, restaurants, cool architecture, festivals, shows, Navy Pier, the beach, museums -- the list goes on and on. I don't think we'll run out of things to do up there anytime soon.

The weekend after I got up there, my parents came to visit on the way home from their second cross-country motorcycle tour (9000 miles in two months!!!) and we had a ton of fun with them.
We took an architectural tour which is cool because I love buildings, rode the famous Navy Pier ferris wheel that overlooks the entire city and Lake Michigan, and caught a cool show in town.

One of the views from the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel:


At the Italian Tapas restaurant we found just off Michigan Ave that was SO good:


One of the cool art installations/fountains dotting the city:


At the end of the Pier:


The new Chicago riverwalk (apparently, they are really working to revitalize this):


Kate: This one is for you. We found a moose right downtown Chicago! ;)


We figured out how to take the train into downtown, so now we can go more often and not have to worry about paying $30 for parking every time! Yay!

A new nephew

My sister was due to have her second baby down here in Houston on July 4th. My mom was flying from Chicago (after coming to visit us for the weekend) June 30th and on a last second whim, I decided to join her. (Priceline.com -- try it!)
We came down a few days before the baby was born and got Heather ready for the big day. He is such a cute little guy and the BEST baby ever. He is so good natured, and besides have his nights and days mixed up for the first week, is a little gem to take care of.

I was planning to fly back home July 14th, but plans changed (see my next post!) and I will be sticking around until the end of the month! I miss my Luke something terribly, but it is for the best and it will only be 1 1/2 weeks more.

Yesterday, Mom and I planned an at-home-spa day to give Heather some pampering and relaxation and it was really fun! Eva loved it too -- she loved it so much that she had a hard time going down for her nap because she knew she was missing out on a party -- even though we were taking a break because we all needed a nap!

Our House

IS SOLD!!!!!

Yes, folks the crazy real estate monster did not get the best of us. We've got a contract on our home and will close on August 26.

Luke is going to fly down here on July 24th and help me move all of our stuff out and then we'll make that awful drive just one more time with the moving truck. Oh well, it will be much more fun with my best friend along for the ride. (After 16 hours in the car by yourself, you even run out of things to think about). So I'm excited that Luke is able to take a day off of work and make the drive with me.

Oh, and we are super excited to get our stuff back!!! Yay, we'll have furniture again!