Happy Anniversary and Father's Day

11 years ago this very weekend we celebrated the start of our marriage along with Father's Day. My amazing dad walked me down the aisle on Saturday June 20th, 1998 - it seems like yesterday, yet it doesn't.


This year Joe took me out for our anniversary to one of our favorite local restaurants - a little calmer than last year. Last year he pulled off an amazing 10 year anniversary surprise party - he had me totally fooled. Friends and family were there with us and it was so wonderful to look around the room on that night and remember most of those same faces being at our wedding 10 years earlier!

We casually celebrated Father's Day today with bigger plans for next weekend since my dad was home for less than 24 hours in between week long business trips.


It has been a great weekend to reflect - Joe is an amazing husband, father, and friend. I thank God for joining us together and I thank my Dad for being the perfect example of what a husband and father should be. I love you both so much - thank you for both being so wonderful, compassionate, loving, protective, and amazing men.

Windy City

Lindsay, Me, Carlie, and Jana

Last weekend I headed out of town with girlfriends to the windy city of Chicago! We spent our first day shopping at the outlet mall in Aurora and had an amazing time. Carlie is our party planner extroadinare so she had reservations for us the next day at Ralph Lauren - yes, there is a restaurant next to the store! We had a wonderful lunch then headed out for more - yes, shopping.

The morning was extremely cold and rainy - but we weathered the storm and thankfully the sun and warmth were in full bloom by the afternoon. Just in time for Lindsay and myself to fit in a run on Lakeshore - no humidity and a great breeze. Oh I would run every day outside if the weather was like that here.

I was in awe of the Club Monaco window - isn't it inspiring? I adore black and white photo collages and have been wanting to start one in my home - they just stepped it up a notch by adding amazing fashion as well. How perfect?!

That evening Carlie had plans for us to eat at Hugo's Frog Bar. Good food, good friends.

Our plan was to hit the road Sunday morning to make it back by early afternoon - I did wake up that morning with the worst flu ever!!!! Don't even ask about the elevator ride down from the 23rd floor - my poor friends were trapped on there with me, but they were very supportive! It took 2 full days for me to get back to feeling 1/2 way back to normal - I was most concerned that the girls would catch it as well. Thankfully no one else got the bug - I was especially concerned about Carlie who is due with her first this September. What a way to end a trip, but we'll never forget it!

Oh What A Night!

My two best girlfriends, Kelly and Esther, took me out for an amazing evening at a local summer hot spot - and boy was it hot that night! We do anything we can to get together whenever we can.

Kelly and Me

Kelly and Esther

The gorgeous view and sunset - I love it here because I don't feel like I'm in Indiana! It feels like a vacation spot, but is a short drive from home.

I've been spoiled lately with my girl time as I just returned from Chicago with college friends from my Purdue days! We had an amazing time and I'll be posting about that later in the week. I plan on fitting it in before this weekend's Father's Day and our 11 year wedding anniversary - can that really be? I definitely owe Joe for all of the time he has been spending with the kids while I'm out gallivanting with the girls!

New Toy

We did it - a new toy and lots to learn! I'm a little overwhelmed currently with grasping all of the settings - aperture, ISO, etc. in order to capture those timeless moments. I know alot can be done in post editing, but I want to learn as much as possible to not put as much pressure on editing later.


We tried out the new camera tonight at Wyatt's soccer game. I'm happy with how they turned out considering we were just pointing and shooting - nothing fancy!


A happy boy after a great run down the field that ended with a goal! The evening light was perfect.


Amelia got used to having the camera in her face during the game - she's not shy!

So, with so much to learn and what seems like so little time - I'd love to hear of any suggestions on forums, post editing tips or great actions, classes, or anything else you can think of that a newbie like me might need to know!

Thanks and wish me luck!

Viva Las Vegas

Joe and I were able to get away for 4 days to Las Vegas with no kiddos - just the two of us! We had such a wonderful time enjoying the pool, shopping, and food. I'm not much of a gambler, but I'm happy in Las Vegas as long as I have pool time and shopping time!

We always enjoy visiting the Bellagio and walking through the gardens - so gorgeous!

I hope to visit Paris some day, but for now this will have to do.

On our last evening there we went to one of our favorite spots - Diablos which is attached to the Monte Carlo. I love Mexican food and they serve the best margaritas ever!

I can't wait till next time - it was short, but well worth it.