First, I just returned from a visit to Chicago this past weekend. I was there for work and was able to catch up with travel friends. But no visit to Chicago would be complete without visiting my "LG" Charlotte. She and her family (Dad-Lon, Mom-Amy and sister-Molly) traveled the three hours to Chicago after a stop at Lego Land on Saturday. We met for dinner at the Weber Grill. When they arrived, Charlotte came running up to give me a big hug and although it took Molly a few minutes longer, she soon gave me a hug and they both sat on each side of me at dinner. I continue to find my time with the Elske's very easy. We have much to talk about and catch up on and we just genuinely enjoy "hanging out". Charlotte has many stories to tell me about school and sports and Broadway her dog. After dinner, we walked around the city and found ourselves in the Disney "toy" store. It was so fun to watch the girls travel from shelf to rack and name the characters and snuggle toys. They are such polite and well behaved girls and it is really a joy to watch them giggle and laugh. As we walked around the city, the girls would switch hand holders so I would walk with Charlotte for a block and then Molly for a block. I just loved those moments!
Just the girls before dinner at Weber Grill
On Sunday, we met for a day at Navy Pier. The day was warm but there was so much to do. We settled on the Children's Museum and spent about 3 hours running all around. They had a fire station where the girls could dress up and fight fires. A petting station with tons of stuffed animals where Charlotte set up her own farm with horses eating grass and sick puppies visiting the vet. Molly dressed up as every animal under the sun, including a dragon! We also excavated dinosaur bones and when Charlotte found one she exclaimed, "It must be my lucky day!" After completing just about every section, we embarked on lunch and then it was time to say good-bye. But hopefully for not as long as I am hoping to find a spare weekend to visit the Madison, WI area and meet more of the family including Broadway!Piggyback Ride at Navy Pier
Selfie on the carousel. We have the same favorite carnival ride!
There are no words to describe the joy and peace a child's laughter can bring. I am blessed by the chance to have heard Charlotte's so many times this weekend and am so thankful for the opportunity to know this family. They are truly salt of the earth people who appreciate every day they have with each other and honor others with their kindness and grace. I am so thankful to be a part of their extended family. For more information on Charlotte's journey and some pictures from this weekend, you can check out her blog at: http://cjelske.wordpress.com/2013/07/14/july-14th-2013-day-856/Second, as many of you may know, my friend Jami was recently featured on the show Extreme Makeover: Weightloss Edition. If you haven't seen the episode, check it out on www.hulu.com or www.abc.com. It was a fantastic and moving journey of my friend. Jami allowed her vulnerabilities and brokenness to be displayed for the world to see and I believe God meant it to touch thousands (maybe even millions) in a way that only Jami could. She was able to overcome a broken spirit to find her courage, lose weight, get healthy in both mind and body, and visit her birth mother in Chile. I have had the privilege to walk much of this journey with Jami as a friend and a prayer partner and she continues to inspire me daily. She also is keeping a blog about her journey both past and present and you can read more about her journey here: http://www.jamiwitherell.com/.
In other news...my Mom is doing really well. We recently went on a family vacation to Grand Cayman and although she succumbed to a respiratory infection, she didn't let it keep her down. We swam with the stingrays and snorkeled with sharks and turtles and squid and even took a submarine ride to over 100 feet below the surface. It was a wonderful time of rest and relaxation and the best part was that she received news only weeks before that her PET scans were clear and she is currently cancer free! That has been a great weight lifted for our family.
Coming up in the life of Erin....my brother is getting married in less than a month and will be a Father in under 4 months. We are so excited for all these firsts for my family and even more excited that we will all be healthy and present to enjoy them.
Thank you for your love and continued support! Life really is a great gift and I'm thankful to share mine with you. Happy July!
