*In memory of Grandma Lois and in honor of Grandpa Ron*

So recently my friend Rebecca and I ran the Parkinson's 5k which raised money for the local Parkinson's foundation here in Michigan.
I wanted to get another race in this year as did Rebecca and it was for a good cause so double whammy! Parkinson's is unfortunately close to my ♥ as my Grandma Lois had the disease and my Grandpa Ron does as well.

Unfortunately race morning was FREEZING! We're talking 40 degrees with wind...on October 1st! But we did well and finished. 30:31 wasn't my best time which I was a little bummed about but oh well, motivation for next time!
Plus, who doesn't love a "free" t-shirt?! (especially when it has your loved ones names on it)

Chicago: take 2

So we had the opportunity to go back to Chicago in September with Ryan's parents. His dad had a conference there so it was the perfect meeting place. We stayed outside of the city but drove/took the train in most days. Here's some highlights:

Awesome tour of Chicago via boat. It went through the Chicago River and then through the lock and into Lake Michigan for a spectacular skyline view. Learned a lot about Chicago history and architecture. Loved this tour!









{so proud of my little camera for this picture}



Millenium Park and "The Bean"




Buckingham Fountain and gardens where we enjoyed our first Chicago dog and first Mountain Dew float :)




Checked out Northwestern University's campus which was gorgeous! What a cool setting to have those old "harry potter-esqe" buildings and the beach all on one campus?! Pretty hard to beat!


{even had a little dog beach}
{see the city peeking out of the trees?}
{awww}

Made a stop at the American Girl store and the Lego store


Supported the Detroit Tigers as they took on the Chicago White Sox






Being a subway lover we of course had to take the train in one day


Navy Pier which was just ehh, I expected more








I had to leave a day early to get back to work but Ryan and his parents drove out to the Chicago Temple

Another great trip to Chicago. I really like Chicago...maybe enough to live there one day. Guess we'll see :)