John's Visit.

Dear Barbara-  We sent John home this morning.  We are sorry, but he has had his fill of Chicago deep dish and beef sandwiches... along with many handfuls of candy corn and cashews.  He also partook in some beer and cigars.  He may have lost a few dollars on the golf course, but we can't say for sure.  We sure had a good time with him.  Next time you should come.  Love, Adam and Erica

remnants of a party

Adam and I together conquered another party at our home.  It was for the team he manages, POD 3, at work.  It involved beer, hot dogs, hamburgers, and beer.  Here are the remnants, and the only picture taken the next day since boys do not take pictures.  Enjoy.

Karen's Last Day

Last week was Karen's last day at SAMC.  It was quite sad.  Happy for her and all, but of course, she is one of the best nurses I know.  She will definitely be missed.  I have already made it thru one whole week with out her, but when you have no one to run too and complain about things, it stinks.  She was my go to girl.  The one who understood, why I rolled my eyes all the time.  She's moving back home to Michigan to be with her family, and I really couldn't be happier for her.  She has a new little grand baby to spoil, and that's right where she should be. 

We had a gathering at Fridays for her, and all her favorites showed up.  It was so much fun to bid her adieu.  

We'll miss you Karen B!!!

Majda&Naureen

Marianne, Nathanial, & Bea

Corline, KarenB, & KarenD

Anita, Janet, Margaret, & Tejal

Suzie, Baby Audrey, Kathy, & Sabrina

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend was a fun one this year.  We decided to go see Katie and Dave in Cleveland.  I swithced hours with someone at work and then I was off on the Metra to meet Adam downtown.  We then headed out and made it there about 2 am early Saturday morning.  Our only stop up along the way was a horrible horrible experience at McDonald's which deserves a post all it's own....

Once we got there, we went to sleep and then woke up and went to lunch and to the Air Show downtown.  The Blue Angels were in town.  I'm ashamed to say, I have never ever seen them live.  They are in Chicago each year, and I have never made it downtown.  I can't believe I have been missing this all these years.  They were simply AMAZING.  All I could imagine was being in the plane with them.  What a rush that would be.

All of us nearly wet our pants when some of these jets flew over because they got so close you felt like you could touch them.  And they would come out of absolutely nowhere.  Your first and natural reaction is to duck, which Adam did behind me once.  Holly Molly.  And the sound was incredible.  They were passing out earplugs for anyone who wanted them.

We also got to tour a Navy ship.  Talk about extra cool, watching the Blue Angels aboard a Navy ship that just got back from Somalia.  All the men and women in uniform were out ready to answer any questions about this ship.

While everyone else asked questions, I practiced my shooting skills with this scary contraption.  As you know, I can't sit still and get educated when there are guns to play with.

Katie and I re-inacted the Titanic scene as well.

After Navy Ships, we made a stop at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  We took pictures outside, but did not go in.  Katie and Dave said there was a lot of reading, and Adam and I had a sudden freek out, we are still reeling from Italy, and trying to decipher museum artifacts.  We were glad they didn't make us actually go in.  

For dinner, we ate at Strip.  It was sooooooooo good.  I had a steak, and it was good and all... But what was really darn special were these pretzels, that were hot and salty to perfection.  On the side was peanut butter butter.  PB that is whipped or something to make it more of a creamy delight.  Oh my gosh, it's been a week and I still taste it.

And then on Sunday, what we have all been waiting for............. CEDAR POINT!!!!  What a great place.  The lines weren't all that long... the coasters were fast, tall, and thrilling.  And we just had an all around great time.  I tend to turn into a child in these places wanting to ride absolutely everything, even the baby rides.  I think Katie and Dave had it up to here, with my energy, but they were good sports.  : ) 

 A very, unflattering picture of Adam and I and the Dragster.  You start off at 0mph and reach 125mph in 4 seconds traveling up a 90 degree incline, coming down a 90 degree incline and then you are back horizontal again in a matter of 17 seconds.  That was a huge rush, and oh so much fun!!!

 Me n' Katie had such a fun weekend together.

Dragster

Needless to say Dave and Adam refused to be our hot dog children.  I don't know why... 

We had a fabulous time in Cleveland and can't wait to travel back!!!

Thank you Dave and Katie for a wonderful, wonderful weekend.

Linda's Visit

My mother in law Linda moved to Alaska.  Adam flew into North Carolina a few weekends ago and drove with her, her stuff, and her car to Illinois.  Her friend Judy took the second leg of the trip, and drove to Colorado.  After spending some time with Kaiis, Lynzee&Brenden... Brenden and Linda left for Seattle. And then finally Morgen and Linda drove the last part of the way to Alaska.  Retired for a only a few days and she made a cross country adventure!  

We celebrated her birthday and retirement at Weber Grill with Judy, Kate, and Ann.  It was fun to see them.  Linda received a lot of presents, but her favorite I think was from her children... an IPAD.  Maybe she will start a blog now!!!

See how excited she is!!!

Adam packed and repacked and packed her car to fit everything she REALLY needed... and then she was off.  Good luck Linda!!!!  Stay away from those bears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Melissa & Dan's Wedding

Melissa and Dan got married on August 24 in Buffalo Grove.  It was an outdoor wedding and the shortest wedding ceremony I have ever attended.  Seriously, the walk down the aisle, the "I DO's" and the wedding band exchange was done in less than 15 minutes.  

DONE, Let's go to the bar!

My camera has an exceptional zoom.  So while we sipped on drinks at cocktail hour, I got a few pictures of the professional snapping pics of the bride and groom.

The wedding and reception was at The Arboretum in Buffalo Grove.  We sat with Carrie and her boyfriend,  and Marie and her boyfriend.

They had props!

Melissa looked beautiful and I was able to get a picture with her right after someone gave her a Red Bull from their purse.  She was getting tired.

We had a great time representing James H. Burks, MD SC, and wish Melissa and Dan nothing but happiness in their marriage!!!