SLAM day at the lake!

I've blogged before about GRIP, the organization I volunteer with. Finally some of the girls were able to come up and enjoy the lake. Michelle brought Markida, Dede, and Shavell up for the beginning of fall. We started with roasting hot dogs and brats.

Then went on a boat ride - the highlight of the day!
When we got back to the pier there were some people fishing and they graciously let the girls try - big hit!

Have a great first day of school ladies - see you at SLAM in a few weeks!!!

Ahhh Summertime

Just a few random pictures from the lake....

Davanti - part 2!

Time for another birthday celebration! What better place to go than Davanti Enoteca....sure, I'd just been a few weeks ago, but never too soon to go back.

This time the celebration was for Rachel and Melissa!
Love Davanti's decor...

And their food! Heirloom tomato salad with watermelon and avocado.
The corn, mushroom, and arugala salad.

They have a daily special on polenta....this time it was served with a veal ragu...amazing.

Pizza di prosciutto

And of course a birthday desert!

...and no birthday is complete without shots right? Davanti gave us a round on the house...but Jo and I were driving so the birthday girls double dipped!

Paddleboarding in the Lake!

Kel and I headed up to Montrose Beach to go paddleboarding - no pics of the paddleboarding because I had to keep the camera dry, but you get the idea.

It was awesome...a great night - warm, low wind. Afterwards we went to The Dock for beers and tacos!

Fancy Camera!!!!

I've been "threatening" to do it for awhile...I took the plunge and got an SLR! Woo hoo! So excited! Liz tipped me off to a great sale at PJ Camera and off I was to get a T2i Canon Rebel....but, they were out and the model discontinued....so, T3i it is! I got the 18-55mm lens and the 55-250mm - can't wait!!!

Thanks Liz, Rachel, and Kara for all the help!!!

Now time to book my digital camera bootcamp groupon @ the Chicago Photography Center!

Melissa on a Mission

Mel is getting ready to head to El Salvador for a year - check out her blog! She is going with an amazing group called Enlace which partners with local churches to enable sustainable change in communities across the country.

Of course we needed authentic El Savadorian food - Mel picked up pupusas, I made plaintains, salsa, and guac - delish!

Melissa's bday is around the corner so her mom mad Bailey's cheesecake - delicious!

Good luck Melissa - you're going to do great and I can't wait to visit!!!

Jen and I having a post party dance party.

K & D

After a really fun afternoon dress shopping with Kel the night of the engagement party was finally here! Dan's cousin Tim owns the Cedar Hotel and hosted one heck of a party!

Ready for a great night!

Kel in a Jeff sandwich.

Liz and Mike post painting disaster!

Loved seeing the Cadas!

Less than a year!

Laughing with CA and Dan.

Proudly displaying the flags designed by Rachel.
Family shot!
Vino Mezcal.
Matt was super excited to see Kel and Chelsea.
End of a great night!