Chicago

We went to visit Phil and Kristin in Chicago for the day and spend one night with them. We had to take Toby to Stay and Obey for overnight care, which made me a little sad. Anyway, we headed out and arrived at Phil's with no problem. He got a guest parking pass for us at his building and we went to his place on the 33rd floor! Their place is really nice and has a great view down LaSalle Street to see Willis Tower. They also have a balcony and you can see the lake and Navy Pier.

For lunch we went to Mercarditos for Mexican-I thought it would be nice to try something Chicago rather than a chain. We ordered 4 different kinds of tacos, since they served 4 small ones and they were meant to be shared. They were all really good. While we were finishing eating, we noticed that people were coming in with umbrellas and looked drenched all the same. We paid and went to the door to see the rain coming down in sheets. We stood in the entry for a few minutes waiting for it to let up. Finally there was an opening and we grabbed a taxi and went to the Art Museum since our original plan of the Architecture Boat Tour would be a no go with the rain.

The art museum was nice. We wandered around for a few hours before noticing that it was sunny again outside. We walked through Millennium Park before getting a taxi to Lincoln Park Zoo. We walked through a few of the buildings, moving towards the southern part of the zoo. The zoo continues into a park and the southern most part of the park is about a block from Phil's place. Kristin made popcorn for us when we returned and we took a slight rest before going out to get some groceries for dinner.

Phil grilled a pork loin and Kristin did brussle sprouts, red potatoes, and garlic bread in the oven. While she was in the kitchen we talked about SE Asia and I got some information about Cambodia and Vietnam. Everything for dinner was delicious! We cleaned up and then they put brownies in the oven. While they baked, we looked at some of the pictures from their trip. Brownies and ice cream was a nice way to finish the night and Phil put "campfire" from a youtube video on their giant tv.

3 of the 4 tacos we got

Phil and Kristin

Mom and me

Perfect painting to show our day

They look quite enraptured 

Phil and Mom in Millennium Park

The Bean! No one is paying attention

I like the reflection of the buildings

Phil, Mom and me

The zoo!

Beautiful jaguar

Phil and Kristin with their home in the background

Delicious dinner

Awesome view

Mmmmm!

McLeans

What a wonderful feeling to wake up in my own bed. :)

We met Mrs. McLean and Madi for lunch at Caffe Tosi's downtown. I got their delicious minestrone soup and split a piece of  bread with mom. It was so great to see both of them and catch up with everyone's lives in the past year.

After lunch Mom and I got groceries and then came home to get some stuff done. I put dinner in the crockpot. We stopped at the church garden and picked some Amish peppers. We had a relaxing afternoon and ate beef stroganoff for dinner.

Madi, Mrs. McLean and me

Amish pepper

Yummy stroganoff

Cute Toby picture of the day

HOME, HOME

The morning was pretty relaxed, we waited for our call from Ruth and Mike for lunch. Before we headed over there, we all tried guessing what would be served. She made a chicken casserole with pasta and broccoli. It's one of my favorites so I was happy. :) We chatted a bit and then Mom and I had to be off to hit the road.

I drove-it was so nice to be in my car and driving again. We ran into a little bit of traffic but it wasn't bad. Then finally--home. <3 It was so good to be back at 1373. We unloaded and settled in. For dinner we had tomato soup, salad and some bread. It was great being in my own bed and in my room again.

My baby!!!

Selfie with Grandpa

True love

Another Good Day Home

Phil had to take off really early in the morning so we all rose to say goodbye and headed back to bed. I couldn't sleep right away so I went back downstairs to cuddle with Toby. We ended up falling asleep on one of the chairs for a little bit. After everyone was up, I got to skype and talk with Jacob for our 7 month.

We took Grandpa for a haircut and then went to Culvers for lunch. After lunch we went BACK to Woodman's, haha. After more groceries, we came home and relaxed. For dinner we made salmon cakes, green beans and mashed potatoes.

After dinner we played Scrabble and I won. Aunt Judy called and we talked with her. We also got a call from Martin.

Playing Scrabble

Liiiiiduvina

 Another great day! In the morning Phil and I helped Grandpa with yard work. When we finished we sat outside until Mom returned from helping Rosalie. For lunch we went to Panera. I died and went to heaven again. Even though they no longer have my favorite salad, it was still so delicious. After lunch we went back to Woodman's to get more groceries.

We came home and I baked my pudding cookies. Joel and Lilly were coming for dinner so we walked Toby before they arrived and prepped for dinner. Phil and Grandpa were manning the grill and sat outside and chatted while Mom and I prepared inside and talked. Joel and Lilly finally arrived, a little late due to her work and I got big hugs from both of them. Can't beat getting hugs from those you love. We had burgers, salad, and watermelon. It was great talking with them and catching up--Joel is a great storyteller and kept us all entertained over dinner.

After we ate, we moved to the living room to chat some more before they had to take off. We found out they'd be returning to O'hare on Friday the same day and time that I would be there before leaving for Korea, but didn't know if we would be able to meet up at all.

Panera, how I've missed you!

Two days home and I'm already baking

Love this woman so much!

Aunt Ruth

Today we met Aunt Ruth and Mike for lunch. We went to one of her favorite restaurants, Andrea's. I wasn't too hungry so I ordered strawberry crepes. They were pretty good. It was so wonderful to see Aunt Ruth again. As we parted, they reminded us that tomorrow is a Holy Day and said they'd be seeing us at church.

We went on to Woodman's so I could get started on my list of things to bring back to Korea. It was sooo wonderful to be in a grocery store I can't even begin to explain. It seems like such a simple thing, but to see all of the ingredients I want and need and all for a decent price--I felt like I was in heaven.

After groceries we relaxed at home. For dinner we went to Di Marini's for pizza. Yum-I sure missed good ole American pizza. It was a fun evening with Phil, Grandpa and Mom. We came home and finished the ice cream; chatted the rest of the night.

Mom and Aunt Ruth

The guys: Grandpa, Phil and Mike

Aunt Ruth and me

Brunch/lunch: Crepes!

Cute Toby picture of the day

Pesto Veggie pizza. mmmmm

Flight and Home Sweet Home

Whew what an incredibly long day! It was basically a 36 hour day, haha

Jacob was sweet and got up very early to meet me and take me to the airport. He helped with the bags, though I didn't need much help since I only took one suitcase mostly empty and a carry-on bag and backpack. We sat at the airport for about 30-45 minutes before we decided I should go through security. The line looked long, but it only took me about 15 minutes so I was a little disappointed knowing we could have spent a little bit more time together.

Finally it was time to board the plane and I settled into my uncomfortable middle seat. The man on my left was a father and his family were in the middle section. The girl to my left was a college aged Korean girl. The ride was uneventful and I didn't sleep much. I watched 3 or 4 movies to help pass the time. Our flight was a little bit delayed taking off because of traffic on the runway, and we did end up getting in a few minutes late.

Arriving at O'Hare I was so excited. I sped walked to get to customs as fast as I could. They have changed the system to all computerized for the main part of going through. There were about 20 kiosks and you can scan your passport, get your picture taken, answer some questions and receive a print out of all of that. You show your slip to one person and they send you on to hand the paper to some officials. I had to wait about 20 minutes for my bag-I was so antsy waiting! Then through the doors to see Mom and Phil waiting for me. :) I got big hugs and we took my stuff to my car.

We went to a Buffalo Wild Wings for lunch. Sooo delicious. Then it was on to grandpas! As it turned out, Phil planned on spending a few days at Grandpas with us so that was a nice surprise. We got to Cudahy finally and I got a big hug from my grandpa-it was a wonderful feeling. I also got to see my Toby! We had him muzzled in the beginning just in case he couldn't remember me, but he was happy and excited to see me. :) For dinner Grandpa made his chili and it was delicious. We had stopped and got some ice cream so we had that for dessert. It was just so nice to be back with family and at my grandpas.

Saying goodbye to my handsome

Can't wait!

My chariot awaits me

Almost home! Was happy to see Benton Harbor on the map!

Bdubs for my first meal home!

MY TOBY BABY!

Grandpas famous chili