Chicago

Last weekend we headed to Chicago for the wedding of Carolyn Pichert, a dear friend from Princeton with whom I spent a summer working for Vida Joven DR many years ago.  It was a bit of a shock to get off the plane and immediately feel like winter had arrived, but we heard the East Coast also had a cold front go through while we were there. 

We arrived a day early so that Andrew could do some stuff for work, and while he had a meeting on Friday, Samantha and I spent some time in the Evanston public library.

And I had some lunch with this thoughtful little one.

After Daddy's meetings we spent a few moments walking around millennium park and the loop. Too bad it was too cold to go farther!

On Friday night we had deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's with Greg and Jeanette and their son Jeremy.  Andrew and Greg have spent a lot of time together (in person and on the phone) as part of Manna's board, but we had yet to meet Jeanette or Jeremy, who was born in August.  It was great to hang out with the whole Lee family!

On Saturday, Kerri and Eric drove in from South Bend to watch Samantha while we went to Carolyn's wedding.  They stayed busy looking at the fish in the lobby at our Embassy Suites.

And eating lunch at Chick-fil-a with this proper little lady.  (Side note- I'm so pleased with Chick-fil-a's accommodations for little ones- they had a kids meal that had little pieces of grilled chicken and fruit and stick on placemats so that kids can eat off the table while using their high chairs- way to go Chick-fil-a!)

While Samantha was in good hands we headed off to Chicago for Carolyn and Blaine's ceremony at their church.  The ceremony was absolutely beautiful- we sang two or my favorite hymns and Dr. Timothy Keller, basically our favorite deliverer of sermons ever and Carolyn's uncle, gave a profound and thoughtful homily.  And of course there was the gorgeous bride at the center of it all!

The reception was at City Winery.  Because it was a brunch reception on a very cold day, Carolyn and Blaine planned donuts and cider for the cocktail hour- so perfect!  We loved catching up with some Princeton people we hadn't seen in a while. Here I am with Natalie and Emily.

And with my handsome husband :)

And as part of the reception, Hahna's extremely talented husband, Wendell, played some music for everyone to enjoy.  Take a listen!

And a shot with the gorgeous bride!  Love you, Pichert! (Can I call you that still?) Can't wait to spend more time with you and Blaine soon!