Where's India?

Hey, did you all know that Chicago winters are pretty cold?!? India spends much of her day curled up asleep - these are some of her top winter spots! One thing is for sure, she likes to be warm & cozy!

My favorite chair and India's favorite too! India has never liked this chair until this apartment - it is right next to the window, sunshine and heater!

This is hardly ever allowed, but I had to get one picture! She likes to get up there after I've taken the tea kettle off the burner, a little scary!

Sitting on the swim towels in the Linen closet. She often gets shut in here accidentally!

The DVD player is India's great love!

Closing!

We officially closed on our first home today!

The feeling of home ownership is both exciting and a little scary! This weekend we are going to paint and make an IKEA run for new kitchen cabinets! We are doing a few renovations and are waiting to move in until after the New Year.

I think this is the biggest birthday gift Brad has ever received!

Happy Birthday, Brad

Obama Rally

This post is pretty late in coming, but we wanted to share some pictures from the Obama Rally.

On Election Day, we were fortunate enough to get tickets for the Obama Rally at Grant Park. It was an amazing evening, in regards to the weather (perfect fall weather), the size of the crowd (over 250,000) and the history that was made.

Ever since we went to Chile, I've realized how lucky I am to be from the USA. I'm thankful for all the opportunities, freedom and blessings we have here, but, most of all, that we really do live in the melting pot of the world! I remember talking to so many people in Chile and one Argentinian border guard in particular, that kept saying the United States would never elect a black man to be president - they thought it was ridiculous. We kept saying to those people that the U.S. could have a black president. Looking around us on Election Day, I saw people of all different colors, backgrounds and ages and was so grateful!

I don't know how an Obama presidency will go, so many things are unpredictable, but Election night was probably one of the most memorable nights of my life (I know that sounds dramatic, sorry)!

The buildings around Chicago were all dressed up for the occasion!

The Main Stage at Grant Park!

The huge crowd with the skyline in the background

Kailey & Amy waving their flags, waiting for the Big News!

If you would like to see more pictures please visit our flickr account

Happy Thanksgiving & Goodbye Fall

The weather is turning colder, the farmer's markets have all left the city squares and evergreens and tulip bulbs are replacing the cabbages and mums in the flower beds. Ready or not, here comes winter!

Pie Night!!!

On Saturday, we had our First Annual Pie Night! This is an idea borrowed from the Kirkland clan and we are doing our part to make it a National Holiday!

We had lots of people and 10 Pies!

Pumpkin
Peanut Butter Chocolate
Jack Daniels Chocolate Pecan
Raisin Cream
Toll House
Key Lime
Banana Cream
Apple
Cherry Cheesecake
Bananas Foster

Family Visit!

My family came to visit us last week! Brad & I both love having people visit and we had a fun time showing everyone around Chicago! A huge thank you to my family for making the long drive with 5 adults, 1 toddler & 1 baby!

A delicious Korean BBQ place up in the North side of the city.
Sorry for the smoky picture, the meat was cooking at our table!
Bob (stepfather), Brad, Harmony (Cindy's mother), Baby Jack (in stroller), Corey (my brother), Mom, Cindy (sister-in-law), & Luke (nephew)

Luke is not big on naps, but he was worn out by the end of the second day!

Joys of the Trump!

We live right next to the brand new Trump Tower and have enjoyed watching all the activity that is taking place there. The building is almost complete & in a few weeks, the top portion will be added (supposedly by helicopter - stay tuned) that will make it the 2nd tallest building in Chicago!

One of the cranes lowers and raises numerous items right outside our window. However, we were surprised to see these going up......

and being lowered later on in the week! It makes a lot of sense, but, man, I hope nothing falls on the way down! Gross!