Chicago weekend

All I can say is WOW - what a weekend that was! We had such a fun time getting away and being around our great friends! We were very lucky to have the best hosts in the world - Jim and Andy! They were so kind to us and made us feel right at home in their house! I especially enjoyed their new addition - Buster! I really loved Chicago - it sure is a beautiful city with so much to see and do! We started off our trip with a Cubs vs. Giants game. We splurged and got some really great seats! The Cubs are Sarah and Jason's favorite team with the Giants beings Sam's. The Giants got beat but that was okay because Sarah got to listen to the song the Cubs play after they win a game. She was so excited!!

After the game we went out to a nice dinner with our hosts and had a great time! Then on Saturday we set out early for some sightseeing. The weather was not cooperating at all for us so we were unable to go to the top of the Sears Tower - who wants to pay $17 to see clouds?? We all were a bit bummed about that but we treaked on to see the Millennium Park and the Bean! Then we did some shopping on Michigan Ave and ended with a fantastic lunch at Geradinos's with a great big deep dish pizza!!! Yumm is all I say for that! I tried not to eat a whole bunch knowing I would be running the next day, but I could not help it and ate 2 1/2 pieces!!! We also braved the long line to get into the Shedd Aquarium - which ended up being an hour wait in the horrific wind and rain. Then on Sunday we woke up early for the run to the same nasty weather. Since we flew all the way there and prepared many weeks for this run - we ran in it anyways. I would have to say we all were totally crazy! At times I was running sideways or would feel myself being moved by the wind - I even lost my hat 2 times to the wind. All I can say is that I am glad I finished and 4 minutes faster than my last half - so hopefully with good weather on my next one I will be able to accomplish my goal of finishing in 2:10. I am so glad we were able to go on this trip and run in the race. I had such a fun time with some great memories I will never forget! We all can’t wait to go back next year!