Two weekends in a row in Chicago!

I've been in Chicago the past two weekends. Wow! Last weekend we took in a couple Cubs v. Indians games at Wrigley... and watched the Tribe lose both times. Very depressing.

This past weekend I ignored all the baseball highlight shows, since the Indians are trying to tank their season, and Rob and I stuck to other activities. On Saturday morning, Rob had booked a massage for me after watching me keep a grueling schedule at work last week. That was awesome! Then we hit the mall, finally having the occasion to appreciate an outdoor mall in Chicago, for some overdue shopping for our house and closets. Saturday night we picked up my friend Ali and headed out to the 'burbs for pizza at Burt's. The pizza was indeed excellent and worth the trek, although not quite so amazing that I'd turn around and run right back.

Today we got up early (for us... for a Sunday) to play tennis with our friends Erin and Brian followed by a delicious pancake breakfast. We came back home in time to get our hopes up and then dashed by the US Men's National Team in their big game against Brazil. The first half was pretty exciting though! Then we ran a few errands, rented a couple movies, and settled in for the evening so I could do work while Rob folded laundry. Fun.

Nothing too exciting, but I can't even express how nice it was to just spend a weekend at home and see friends who I've missed a lot lately.

Our new niece Tess!!!

My twin sister Libby and her husband Colin welcomed their first child into the world today -- baby Tess!

Tess with Daddy.

Tess with Mommy.

Tess up close -- showing us a peek at her blue eyes.

Tess with Grandma Wendy!

Libby and Colin just before Tess was born!

Whoo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Almost)

I'm in LA... at LAX to be specific... waiting for my mom's flight to arrive. Then Colin will pick us up.

Tomorrow morning is Lib's delivery. I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Funny how strange it seems that my twin is about to be a mom. Especially since Rob's twin has been a mom for 10 years. :)

Post-Wedding Brunch

Today my Aunt Margaret and Uncle Tom (Angela's parents) threw a post-wedding brunch at their house.

My little cousin Marta enjoys some food.

My little cousin Joseph (Angela's youngest brother) frolics in the front yard.

Three of Angela's other brothers -- Nathan, Anthony and Andrew -- relax after some fierce croquet battles.

Me and Rob sit in the shade.

Angela's oldest brother Paul and his girlfriend Whitney.

Angela's Wedding

We went to my cousin Angela's wedding in Virginia this weekend. Angela looked beautiful and happy. It was nice to catch up with family and eat and drink and dance the weekend away. Tomorrow night I'm off to California because on Tuesday my new niece will arrive!!!!

Angela and Eric leaving the reception under sparklers.

Me and my cousin Anne, who was one of Angela's bridesmaids.

The happy couple making the rounds at the reception.

At the end of the ceremony, all smiles.

Championship weekend

Our nephew Daniel made the winning out this weekend in his Little League chapionship. He was at shortstop and threw out the final batter at first base.

Here's the video, which starts with the final throw already in progress.

Whoo hoo!!!!

Hellooooo

Not much time to blog these past few weeks. I know I always say I'm working like crazy, but lately it's been a whole new level.

We had a nice weekend last weekend though. My friend Rachel came through town for a wedding, so we took her out on Friday night to a Jenny Lewis concert, which was fantastic. Then Saturday night we saw (my cousin Paul's girlfriend's) Whitney's play which was really good and intriguing.

Of course I did a ton of work during the weekend. And I had to get on a plane on Sunday. Back to Chicago Monday night. But now I'm back out of town. Tomorrow back to Chicago. But then off to Virginia for my cousin Angela's wedding on Friday. Then next week I'm off to California to see Libby and hang out in the hospital waiting room with my mom while Libby and Colin's baby girl is born!

Anyway. Lately I'm still way grumpier than I should be. I think I'm just so mentally worn out from all the travel. I need to chill. So I'll just say publicly that my poor husband has had to put up with a really annoying wife lately. It only makes me love him more. I can't wait to have a travel break so I can actually spend time with him. And catch up with my friends. And sleep. And mellow the heck out.

Scooter News

No, not that kind of scooter. The actual scooter you ride around on.

Resa and Nick have a scooter. My dad got on it on Sunday and after a successful turn around the block, ended up hitting the pavement on his second turn. The end result was thankfully just a day in the ER and three lost teeth. Could have been worse! He's off to the dentist tomorrow to get some new teeth. In the mean time, he's taking painkillers and eating soup.

Never a dull moment in our family, I tell you!

PS Thanks for indulging my uber-whining last week. I'm slowly but surely catching up on sleep and getting past my funk. :)