A Ridiculously Amazing Weekend

I am hesitant to even talk about the pure bliss that we were able to experience last weekend, mostly for free, due to the generosity of one of the vendors Scott uses for his work.  They put us (and 250 of their other favorite independent financial advisors) up at the Peninsula Hotel for two nights.    

This was the same firm that I had worked for, years ago, as an inside wholesaler.  I was so young and obnoxious, full of blond, bubble-headed giddiness, that it made me slightly reticent to show my face as Scott's "guest."  Thankfully, everyone I ran into was nothing but gracious, and that made me realize how awesome those early years out of school really were, for many reasons.

The pool area on the 20th floor is one of the best spots in the city to nap, read a magazine, zone out, whatever.  Incredible views!

Friday morning Scott had meetings from 8:00am-2:15pm, so after joining him just for kicks for the first hour, I took the opportunity to spend time with a friend I don't see enough of, starting with a great breakfast at Pierrot Gourmet in the bottom of the hotel.  Besides the unparalleled lattes, it is a wonderful spot to pretend that you are in Paris, lolling the day away on their sidewalk cafe, chic black sunglasses come in handy.  I didn't have any, so they didn't let us sit outside.

Just kidding.  It's also a good stop for a bowl of homemade soup and good bread in the winter, really warm and cozy.  The almond croissant I tried left much to be desired, so I'd save your food calories for something else.  Or walk to Fox and Obel and get one of theirs instead.

One of the highlights of our time there was Scott's midday text to me, "I am eating lunch 8 feet from Tom Hanks.  Come to the lobby."

He took this grainy picture with his phone, under the guise of checking email, and caught poor Mr. Hanks eating something that looks delicious.  Steven Spielberg was sitting next to him, curly grey hair, wire rim glasses and a fedora on his head.  We thought they were in town to do publicity for the Larry Crowne release that weekend.

But perhaps my favorite moment of the weekend was walking to a spur of the moment dinner at Frontera Grill, just me and my best friend, a gorgeous night downtown in my favorite city.

Thanks for letting me be your "guest," honey.

Best. Prank. Ever.

I am laughing and there are tears all over my face.  Can't stop laughing.

"It's not coming!!!"  The poor kid.

Enjoy your day.

Life Right Now

Filmed back in early May, here's a picture of what happens at our house after dinner--we are cleaning up the dishes and the kids are playing and roaming.  Especially amusing is the look of fear/terror in Charlotte's eyes as Sam hugs her around the neck...around the 50 second mark.  She is a resilient child.

"Chhheeeesse!"

Summertime

Well, praise the Lord, summertime has finally hit the Chicago area.  And with it, the pace of life I adore.  The pools officially opened last Saturday, and we have gone three times already.  Walks after dinner to the ice cream shop=once.  Playing outside in the backyard with sand/hose/water toys=23 times.  Sand in the dryer=5 times.  Cozy thunderstorms=3.  Broken hose=one.  Broken hose sprayer=two.  Going potty in the yard ("Can I go 'in emergency' Mom??")=nine times.  He has a special corner way in the back, by the fence.  Just like a dog.    

Charlotte and the red swing are BFF's.  She will sit in it for an hour, and Sam will push her for me while I read a book on the back deck, lemonade in hand.  Just kidding.

This position is known in our family as "the shield."  She sucks on her first two fingers and "shields" it or "guards" with her arm.  Hilarious.  It's like she doesn't want anyone to see.

Love from Big Brother.  And a nice push.  Thanks Buddy.

Spiderman.  We've moved our undying love from Superman already.

And the sandbox.  I have a love/hate relationship with it.

So does Charlotte.

"Wait, what did he just put down my back?!"

"Mmmm, that looks yummy."

Busy, fun days ahead.  I have a hard time taking pictures, it is impossible at the pool unless there are two other adults with me.  :)  Thanks to Sophie for taking these while babysitting one day!