The Windy City

Yes, it's been a week since you've heard from me. What can I say, I've been busy! I flew to Chicago last Thursday night to see Lonnie and her family. Lonnie and I have been friends since college, and now she is married and has two kiddos. I actually mentioned them in my blog last summer, as I had the opportunity to travel there for a race in Naperville (Subaru Women's Triathlon Series). Shortly after that, I had a business trip that took me back for another visit, so I saw them twice last year and now again this year! We've always somewhat stayed in touch since college, but there were a few years in there where it was very little to no communication, so it's been really great kinda striking up our friendship again. So, here they are pictured above - Eric, Lonnie, Olivia and Joshua...and I couldn't forget about Ginger!

I've enjoyed getting to know her family too. I actually visited Lonnie years ago when she and her husband, Eric, were just dating. So, I've known him for a long time too. They take good care of me when I'm there and we have a good time hanging out.

So, Lonnie picked me up at the airport Thursday night and brought me a chocolate rose - pretty funny, huh - well, remember it was Valentine's Day! :-) Anyway, the kids were sweet and insisted on getting me some Valentine's presents. So, Olivia picked out these cute heart-shaped candles for me, and Joshua gave me a mini snow globe, which was darling! Thanks kiddos - it was very sweet of you to think of me!

I brought a few goodies for all of them too, so we exchanged our gifts and the kids headed off to bed. We all stayed up and chatted a while and then headed to bed as well.