We love our couch surfers!

July saw many visitors, most recently my dad came for a week and Nolan's nephew, Nick was here last week!

Dad arrived before Nolan got off the boat so we enjoyed quality father-daughter time.  We visited the Decatur area in Southern Illinois where he grew up.  We saw many of the Roney clan!  We took in a ball game at Wrigley Field and had lots of good conversation and laughter!  He played tourist a few days and was able to get to know our neighborhood.  We loved having him as a couch surfer!

Unfortunately, he was the one taking photos so I don't have to share.

Nick arrived last Monday and stayed til Friday.  Nolan greeted him at the gate and started the adventurous week long boarding around our neighborhood, eating classic Chicago cuisine - HOT DOGS!  Because I work and have school I was only able to play a few nights.  They were busy touring the Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and saw a White Sox game.  I was able to enjoy Navy Pier with them eating at Harry Carry's and riding the Ferris Wheel. 

Nolan and Nick flew back to Nevada together on Friday.  I get to join them in a few short days! 

Some photos of Nick's adventures! 

Coming Post: Another Chicago "HOW TO"

Last weekend I ran several errands that included groceries at the farmer's market (the best one I've ever been to, the crepe I had might have skewed the results), a bridesmaid dress alteration, returning a dress to Banana Republic, and a lovely trip to Joann's for some material for DIY projects I have lined up for the wedding!

I took some photos for my soon-to-be sister-in-law's curiosity and will post them in the next couple days! Ric I am always thinking of you!!! Pictures involve the Chicago transit system (my livelihood depends on this lovely metropolitan staple), the farmer's market, and fun things I saw along my route!

But to peak your interest in my wedding planning land I have been reading several blogs to keep me motivated and on the right track in building a ceremony and reception that is truly and uniquely Nolan and me! We keep, scratch that, I keep thinking of new RAD ways to entertain and awe the crowd when it comes to our event. I must say that Nolan has done a great job of keeping me grounded (popping my bubble) on more than one occasion! This in the end, has and will save us some moola! Something I am (more so in the future than now) grateful for.

To read the most recent post that has done a great job of putting things into perspective please read this post by The Offbeat Bride. She keeps you thinking of that balance we all strive for in life and in event planning, while some of the comments reiterate her truthful depiction of achieving balance of attaining those oh's and awe's everyone wants at their wedding and keeping it about what's important, your marriage and sharing it with those who matter the most to you!

This one goes out to my new sis, Ric!

A trip to Macys in most towns are easy shopping tasks. Chicago makes it a tad more difficult especially if you don't have a car!
Usually a trip downtown involves more of a plan and more preparation than any normal shopping trip to the mall. Nolan and I decided yesterday to go to Macys to look for shirts and ties for him and the groomsmen.










After walking in and out of the house twice, for forgotten scarfs and other items we were off.

We walk out of the house, down the sidewalk, down the back alley, into the Addison Red Line El Station. Total walking time: 7 mintues.













After getting the El platform we wait for the southbound train. We ride the train 6 stops and get out at State and Lake, because the red line begins as a elevated train and transfers to a subway we actually arrive at an exit that is directly into the basement floor of Macys! You can't get more convenient than that!



This Macys is the old Marshall Fields with a restaurant on the top of 7 floors!



Nolan and I spent a good 2 hours in Macys looking for shirts that would match his suit and that would look good on all the boys. We were successful at finding a shirt for him and ties for all the boys! They are awesome! $191 later, we were out the door!




The trip back is similar to the one there, we walk down to the train platform and wait for the train. On the weekends we usually wait about 10 minutes max for a train. On our northbound train, it takes 1/2 hour to get back to the Addison stop.

















Today we arrived home and left as quickly to go buy lasagna ingredients at the neighborhood grocery store, Jewel.