Friday, December 30, 2011

Proud Big Sister Moment

Since dance is on a holiday hiatus... I can't update that aspect of my life. However, I can share a proud big sister moment with you! My brother, whom I've mentioned before, has had some huge things happen in the last month. HUGE. For example, he's been working his butt off in school for the past year+, all that hard work paid off when he was offered a job even before he graduated! Hooray!! Sadly... it will take him all the way to Texas... but I suppose that won't deter me (much) from visiting him. The second HUGE news... is really the biggest of all. Baby brother graduated!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS BUD!!!! With Top Honors, nonetheless. 4.0 for my kid bro. Nice.
Andy's small group (AET guys)
Mom and Bro
Getting his diploma!
Gradumucated!!

Top Honors!!


Friday, December 16, 2011

Sharing a bit of home

So... once again, its been awhile (again) since I have posted. Its a tough time of the year.. with all the holidays and such.  BUT.. I wanted to share a little trip that Jay and I took last week. We headed to IL for a  vacation in my stomping grounds. Chicago!  Jay had been there before... but this time we did the whole, "thats my high school" "thats where I did ____" "thats where I used to live" "thats where...." and so much more.
We started the trip with dinner at Portillo's. Yumm..... Portillo's.  Best known for some seriously yummy Italian Beef.

drool drool
 The next day, we headed downtown for some time at the German Market, dinner at Miller's Pub and the symphony!



The next day, Jay and I headed back downtown for a day at the aquarium.  I loved going there as a kid, so it was fun to share that excitement with Jay!

Jellies!


Jay and I
 The last full day we had in IL, we headed back downtown again to spend time with Miss Claire. She calls Chicago home now... so it was great to catch up with her!!  We spent the day wandering around the city... and finished the trip off with a dinner at Gino's East (yum pizza!) with Miss Fujii! Drinks followed with Miss Eileen. It was a great trip!!