Elkhart County Fair and STYX

We definately packed a lot of excited into this past weekend! After spending a full day on Friday in Chicago, Bob and I and Kelli spent Saturday enjoying the Elkhart County Fair.

We walked through the livestock barns, watched 4-H kids show their sheep, ate waaaaay too much unhealthy carnival food, and sat back and watched as Kelli rode rides that would have Bob and I puking.

Kelli went thinking it was simply a day at the fair, but her father and I had an ulterior motive. Thanks to Bob's classic rock influence, all of our kids have grown up enjoying that style of music. One of our favorite groups from the 70's and 80's is Styx and trust me, Kelli can sing every Styx song imagineable. She also loves to remind us frequently, that she's the ONLY one in the family who hasn't seen them in concert. Well, on Saturday night - that all changed.

We had purchased tickets and surprised Kelli with front row seats. (We were well on the side of the stage, but they were still FRONT ROW). So there she was, at the age of 13 - with her newly purchased Styx t-shirt dancing and singing right alongside her mother. According to today's paper, there was an estimated 10,000 people in attendance - not bad for a band that hasn't had a number 1 song in 30 years - but let me tell you - they can still rock the house!!!

Kelli's favorite: "Too Much Time on My Hands"
My favorite: "Crystal Ball"
Bob's favorite: "I Don't Need No Doctor"




The showstopper was definately "Come Sail Away" - complete with 10,000 Styx fans singing every word - and lighters twinkling in the night sky. A perfect end to an awesome concert!!

My Kind of Town...Chicago

Friday, July 22nd was a great day to spend enjoying the sights and sounds of Chicago. Kevin and Kelli and I had decided weeks ago to pick a Friday and ride the train into Chicago for the day. At the last minute, Carrie decided to join us with Nolan and Grace - especially since she had ALL the help in the world! We left South Bend at 8:00 in the morning and arrived on Randolph Street about 10:30. Let the adventure begin!

First stop - the Sears Tower. This was the only thing Kevin wanted to do. We bought our tickets and in a few short minutes, we were HIGH in the sky - overlooking the city of Chicago and Lake Michigan. It was an overcast morning - which helped keep the heat index down, but didn't do much for the view. Kevin was satisfied and that was all that mattered.

Next on our list was Navy Pier and lunch at
Bubba Gumps- so we hopped aboard the Shoreline Water Taxi and took the scenic route along the Chicago River. Twenty minutes later, we disembarked at Navy Pier ready for lunch. Bubba Gumps was a delight - a fun waiter who played Forrest Gump trivia with several tables.

After stuffing ourself with shrimp and hush puppies, we made the rounds on Navy Pier - including a stop at the Thomas the Train store (much to Nolan's delight). Of course, we had to give Grace equal time at the Build a Bear Workshop.

And, what would a day at Navy Pier be without a ride on the giant Ferris Wheel? By now, the clouds had cleared and the sun was out in full force - making for a beautiful view from high above Navy Pier.

Before heading back to the Randolph Street Station, we decided to do a little shopping on Michigan Avenue - and NIKETOWN was at the top of the list for the kids. Only Kevin would shop in Chicago, and buy a St. Louis Cardinal jersey!

After 8 hours in the city, this weiry bunch was ready to board the train for home. We packed a lot of sightseeing, food and MONEY into one day!!!

New Buffalo, Michigan

Hot summer days and the beach go hand in hand. My daughters and I took to the beach today to soak up the sun and enjoy each other's company. The thermometer may say 90, but the waters of Lake Michigan are still a little chilly.

Here's Colleen, Kelli and Chrissie timidly working their way out into the water. I think it's time to SPLASH them!!!

After a couple hours of sun and sand, and in my case - a Nora Roberts novel, it was time to pack it all up and try and remember where we parked the car.

Of course, we timed our day perfectly for a late lunch at our favorite Michigan dining establishment -
Redamak's. Burgers and cheese fries - sinful, but worth every bite!!!!

A great day spent with my girls!