Texas

A few weeks ago I visited the great land of Texas. Brooke and I loaded up and made our 12 hour trip!! It was so good to see family, friends, Chicken Express, and Leal's. I didn't get near enough pictures...but I DID get these. And they are AWESOME!

My first stop in Texas was at my grandpa's in Breckenridge. I walked around the corner to find him putting on his newly bought shoes....haha! I was so amazed...and I made sure he knew he was the hippest 95 year old man I've ever met. He simply wanted lighter shoes than his boots...but he has no idea!





We also just happened to be visiting the week of Tulia's (my hometown) picnic and reunions. (basically town's anniversary) This summer was my 5th year reunion from HS!!! I know for some of you that seems like nothing...but HOLY COW I can't believe I've already been out 5 years. I felt so old seeing the kids that are in HS now. It also meant I got to hang out/go to our annual ranch rodeo with one of my very best friends, Elizabeth. She is one of those very special people I didn't spend enough time with when I lived there.

Chicago

A couple of weeks ago Kyle and I had some very special friends of ours, Nate & Laci Bridges, fly up and hang out at our new home and make a quick trip to Chicago with us. It was so good to spend time with them! There is a ton to do in Chicago but here is my pictures list of some of our favorites, firsts, and fun times!

1. Beginning our first journey with Amtrak.

2. Our first time walking in the rain like dumb tourists for hours.

3. Eating Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza at Giadorno’s

4. Seeing Chicago from the John Hancock building.

5. Eating at Ed Debevic’s and laughing at their mock sarcasm.

6. Walking through Millenium Park and the silver bean.

7. MJ.

8. All the cool water life at Shedd Aquarium.

9. Hanging out at Navy Pier & riding the ferris wheel and swings.

10. Seeing Chicago at night.

Vegas & Cruise...Finally!!

I'm finally blogging about our recent trip to Vegas and our cruise. Here's a simple list of what I enjoyed most and great memories made! (in no particular order)

1. Spending time with amazing people. (Kyle's family and LifePoint pastors & wives)
2. Access to ice cream and cheese + fries 24 hours.
3. Eating at the top of the stratosphere. (BEST STEAK EVER)
4. Watching an awesome Cirque de Soleil show.
5. Picking up a green marble. (aka jellyfish)
6. Surviving Kyle's driving in a 2-seater speedboat in the ocean.
7. Room craziness....Dan & Carolyn walking into an unmade bed....someone else having a key to our cruise room and walking in.
8. Laying out in the silence.
9. Finding great deals at the outlets in Vegas.
10. Did I mention hanging out with awesome people?
11. Being blessed with 2 amazing vacations.

Stained Glass

So...this weekend our adventure was to Waco for Kyle to be in a wedding for Brandon Burrows. Through this experience I have decided to take a stand. (this is what happens to me when I sit for an hour at a rehearsal) A stand against "Jesus" stained glass. The chapel where they were married was beautiful...except it had "Jesus" stained glass. As you can see below, the front had potential to be awesome with the organ pipes. Organs are old-fashioned...but they are able to keep their cool factor with the arrangements of their pipes. I like the mosaic idea that can come along with stained glass. That is awesome. But, the Bible stories churches attempt to portray...well...they just freak me out. I don't think of beauty. It makes me want to run out the door. Their attempt to portray Jesus and other Bible characters is disturbing to me. They have weird expressions and pointy chins. And it scares me. The idea is sweet...but I'd rather just hear about the stories. Maybe even have them acted out. But, I am against the stained glass. The pic below doesn't portray the pointy chins as much as the other stained glass did. One wall was full of it...I just failed to take a picture. I personally apologize to Nate. The pointy chins I have spoken of resemble those of your Jesus candles. But, I just had to get it off my chest...express my fears.


AND....this is for Bob.....if and when we get a new building for LifePoint...I will have to resign as the youth minister's wife if you or any other leader decides that we need to have "Jesus" stained glass. I just can't take it.

Maryland

I'm finally posting again! We were gone for 5 days over this past weekend to Bowie, Maryland. One of Kyle's cousins got married so we flew up and spent a few days hanging out with the family and seeing the sites. (Chesapeake Bay, Naval Academy, DC) Anyway, everything is beautiful in Maryland and the surrounding areas....there are a lot of trees. But, I just don't think I would want to live there. Maybe I am just focused on moving to Illinois. But, there were too many trees. When I have visited Illinois it has been perfect. There are trees...and hills...but not too many. It just feels like home. And I am excited to move there! :) Which reminds me that I should be going through things...getting ready to pack....moving time will be here soon!