PAWS Race

Kristen and I ran in the PAWS Run for Their Lives 8k run this morning. It was pretty rough (and my time equally unimpressive) since I haven't done any significant running since my last half marathon on August 2nd. The race was really fun, though, and for a great cause, as it supported Chicago's largest no-kill shelter, PAWS. Along with the run, they also had a 4k walk, and participants could bring their pets to walk, too. So, there were tons of adorable dogs there. In case you're wondering -- we did not bring our cats. Cats were welcome, but it would have been a total disaster! I have another race next weekend (just a little 5k), so I really need to get a move on!

Yay for Fall!

I think fall is finally here! We've had a really mild September, especially considering our unseasonably cool summer. I guess we are just gearing up for what the Farmer's Almanac has said will be one of the coldest winters in the past 100 years. Anyway, I had a little free time this weekend, so I got out all my Halloween decorations. I'm a sucker for holiday decs, and I always look forward to fall, since there are several holidays in a row (meaning lots and lots of decorations). Below are some pics of the stuff I put out today...

Weekend with Family

We spent an extended weekend in Tulsa to have an early birthday celebration (I'm 30 on the 23rd). We had a very productive weekend, seeing nearly all of our family, and still having time to hang out and enjoy Tulsa, since we don't get back there nearly enough. On Thursday night, John and I had dinner with my dad, which was nice since we hadn't seen him since Christmas. My mom, grandmother, and I had a girls night out on Friday, eating dinner at Sonoma (very yummy) and seeing Mama Mia at the PAC. John's parents were so nice to host a birthday dinner for me on Saturday night. Pancho grilled my fave beef tenderloin, and my mom ordered me an awesome cake from Wanda's bakery. Also, our friend Jim Manhart joined us for the dinner. He just returned from a six year stint in the Czech Republic and is currently living in Oklahoma City. It was so nice to see him, and we are looking forward to hanging out more now that he's stateside.

We had so much fun at home with family, but it's also nice to get back to Chicago and into our routines. Only 3 more days in my twenties...

John, Jim, and me before dinner.

One of John's special artsy shots of the table.

The fake poop that my mom wrapped in a gift (don't worry -- it was there to disguise a real present).

Best. Cake. Ever.

Kristie's 30th

Tonight was Kristie's belated 30th birthday celebration (her real bday is on September 4th). We went to a fun restaurant in the gold coast called Hub 51. It was actually really cool -- Kristie chose several items ahead of time, and we ate family style. Afterward, we headed to Fado for a little more celebrating, but we left a little early -- I turn into a pumpkin if I stay out too late. It was a fun night and wonderful to celebrate a great friend's birthday!

John and his golf buddy, Jared.

Artsy shot of the table (by John, of course!).

The Birthday Girl, Kasia, and me.

Fun Weekend Plans

We have a busy weekend planned. Tonight Sarah and I attended a "Girls Night Out" cooking class at the Chopping Block in the neighborhood. I think my biggest money wasting activity is eating out, so hopefully these quick and easy recipes we learned tonight will help me out. Tomorrow is Kristin's big birthday dinner, and Sunday I am meeting one of the partners in the office to truck away on one of the cases he and I have together. In between all of that, John is going to play some golf, I've got to squeeze in a run, and I have heaps of laundry to do. Why can't the weekends be longer?

Just a Few More Wedding Pics...

Lisa's wedding was just too beautiful, so I couldn't resist posting a few more.

First Dance

Gorgeous Flowers!

The fam (minus Lisa and Niel, of course).

Lots of California and Wedding Pics!

Keep scrolling for a photographic documentation of the weekend...

J and me before the wedding (and the sweating) began.
Lisa's florist was the best -- aren't the flowers gorgeous?!

The Aussies chilling before the big event.

John's boutonniere -- very creative! Looks like the plant in Little Shop of Horrors.

The girls before the wedding!

Stoagies and port and Blake being silly.

Yummy beef on a stick!

Blake attempting to calm the mother of the bride with his endless wit.

Australian boys, and Niel's adorable dad, Brian.

Steph and Pancho.

The Becks at Saturday night's cocktail party.

The bride-to-be and me.

Blake, John, and me at the rehearsal luncheon.

The father of the bride, John, and Paula.

Drinking yet another Mimosa, but this time a Rock Bottom.

Wedding Weekend Extravaganza!

We just returned from a fabulous weekend of celebration, revelry, and lots of mimosas. Lisa and Niel were married on Sunday, September 6th at the Orfila Vineyards outside of San Diego. Everything was beautiful and went off without a hitch! We are so tired from all of the partying (those Australians have much more stamina than we do!), and are happy to be back in our routines. Below are pics of the fun event. Cheers to the Kennedys!

Steph and me at Rock Bottom in the Gaslamp District

La Jolla - awesome.

John at Torrey Pines Golf Course

The first of many mimosas.

San Diego... Not so much.

We are currently in the San Diego area for Lisa's wedding. We spent last night in San Diego in the Gaslamp District. It was very loud -- we got literally no sleep because of all the chachi nightclubs around. So today we're getting the heck out of dodge and taking a short trip to La Jolla before heading to Escondido, where the wedding will be held and where we are spending the rest of the weekend. Pictures to come!