Chicago and Meeting Bloggy Friends

We had a great opportunity to go on a business trip with Andy, to Chicago, this past week. I spent the first five years of my life in the same city where we were traveling. It was quite surreal to be back in a place I vaguely remembered. But it was also amazing how much I did remember. We drove by my old house. I got to see the old field I played in, as a child. And the circle, at the end of the court, where I spent hours riding my bike-- with training wheels. It was amazing to have all of those happy feelings rush back into my heart. Here's a few photos of the house and neighborhood:

The house. It's a different color now, but it looks exactly as I remember it.

 This is the circle I went around so many times! The field we ran in and flew kites in.

This isn't anything fancy now, but I remember going to this mall as a kid. The Fox Valley Mall. I remember playing in the play area, getting Icees from the food court, and playing chase with my older sister.

Some of my fondest memories come from living in that area. I am so glad I was able to take my babies there, and show them where mommy grew up! :)

ALSO- while in the area, I was able to meet one of my Bloggy Friends! Brad, Jody, Sammy, and Hannah were gracious enough to welcome us into their family and show us around town! You might know Brad from the Egel Nest & that's where I first met him.  Now we stalk follow each other over on Facebook. I was also blessed to become friends with his Mama, Linda, and I consider her to be one of my Moms! And the kids hit it off RIGHT away! It was so neat to see Adam and Matty become instant friends with Sammy! Anyway- here are some pictures from our visit. It was a great time, with great friends! 

So there we are! :) We've been mighty busy! Hopefully once the lazy days of summer hit, I'll have more time to blog. Hopefully! :)