one of my dearest friends from juilliard is getting married this weekend in chicago! so the littles and i have been here since tuesday to get this party started and spend time with old friends who also flew in early! we’re kind of counting it as our 5 year juilliard reunion too, because it is that time of year. ;)  we have been having the greatest time catching up and spending time together. i was a little nervous to make the trip on my own with the kiddos (josh doesn’t fly in until friday), but they have been such great sports and even slept the entire flight out.  of course it doesn’t hurt to have so many helping hands around here, people who eleanor and samson just adore. as i am growing older i am noticing how many friends tend to come and go, even friends who you once thought would always be there. makes me extra thankful to still have these good people in my life. i feel like we’re bonded in some weird way after all we’ve been through during our time at juilliard together.  i am just really proud of them and the things they are accomplishing. really good people.

^^^can’t wait to explore this city more over the weekend with josh. my parents are from here, and i was born here! but haven’t been back since i was little so there is much to see and do. can’t wait!^^^

^^^a whole bunch of beautiful faces.^^^

^^^it began as a cute game of sticking his finger into sister’s mouth and laughing really hard. it was cute and we laughed along with him until sister bit it. and can you believe it, i totally got a photo of it happening!  i don’t have a photo of the tears that followed, however. but there were many. and i know, i know, as a mama i should have seen that coming.^^^

^^^at the bean!^^^

^^^weird distorted angles and reflections at the bean.^^^

^^^samson likes the bean. and chicago. and now, wedding time! :)^^^