Couch Potato

Alright, I admit it. I've been a complete couch potato every night this week and I'm not so proud of it.

All of my favorite shows started the fall season this week and I've gotten nothing else done.

So far, I'm pretty happy with what I saw.

Dancing With The Stars:
Way too many nights of this for the first week. 3 nights in a row, but of course I sat through and watched them all. I love Misty May Treanor---not the best or most elegant looking, but man can she play Volleyball! Her partner, Max is nice to watch as well. Also love Lance Bass and Warren Sapp!

Lipstick Jungle:
Does anyone else watch this? I really like it and am looking forward to a full season. Love to see women in charge of powerful companies!

Survivor Gabon:
Jon and I have watched every season of Survivor and it never gets old! This is number 17. When are these people going to figure out that they are getting dropped in a remote place for the next 39 days? Why don't they show up in more approprate attire, like a sports bra & tennis shoes rather than skimpy bras, dresses & business suits?

ER (Final season):
Was anyone else sobbing during this whole show? I won't ruin it for anyone that has it on TIVO and hasn't watched yet. I will be sad when this final season is over.

Now just looking forward to Desperate Housewives on Sunday night.

Little Climber

I've been lucky that neither of my kids learned to climb OUT of the crib.

However, lately Austin has been climbing INTO his crib. It delights him so much!

I'm sure we'll be introducing the toddler bed in the not too distant future.

What's Going On?

As you all know, I love to keep up to date with my celebrity news (gossip, I suppose).

I saw this picture today and I'm stumped.

What has happened to Katie Holmes?

I really do think she and Tom make a cute couple, their daughter is beautiful and I hate that people are always pickin' on them.

But lately, everytime I see a picture of her, her hair gets shorter and shorter. Now, it's got the same feathered look as Tom's hair. Or is that really Tom in the picture?

I'll give her the benefit of the doubt that it might just be a bad hair day, or bad photo angle or something.

When It Rains It Pours

I work with 16 hotels all throughout the Midwest.

Right now, the economy isn't so great...people aren't traveling as much...companies are cutting back on their spending...families aren't vacationing like they used to.

Three of my hotels are actually performing exceptionally well this year! They are on their way to record setting numbers, hotel of the year awards, etc.

Then it started raining:




And raining, and raining, and more raining. The river crested and now our parking lot looks a lot like Lake Michigan.

The city mandated that the hotels be evacuated, the power shut off, associates sent home. This is not good for Guest Satisfaction Scores or Revenue Generation.

Hopefully the sun will be shining brightly in the very near future!

**Update-many have asked about the whereabouts of these hotels. They are located in Hammond, IN (Northwest IN) and are in no better condition 3 days later-we're hoping to be able to get back in by early next week. What a mess**

40 Years and Counting

Happy Anniversary to my dear Mother and Father in-law!



40 years...what a milestone and a wonderful example to all of us.

Thanks for being wonderful parents and grandparents to our family.

Must See Movies

I don't get out much. To see movies, that is.

There are two coming out that I would love to see. *NOTE-probably don't watch these trailers with your kids within earshot*

I love George Clooney and Brad Pitt together!! Big Ocean's 11, 12, 13...fan.
This looks hilarious.
BURN AFTER READING


Let's say we get a bunch of us gals together and go see this chick flick. I love all the ladies in the film and the music is great too!

THE WOMEN


The next several weekends are shaping up to be pretty busy, so maybe I won't get to them until they are out on DVD. In any case, can't wait to watch them.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Our baby is turning 5 today!

What a sweet big sister and loving little girl.

We can't wait to see what the next 5 years brings.

We love you!

BARBIE-Q

Over the weekend, we hosted a Barbie-Q in honor of Avery's 5th birthday.

Good food, Great friends & family, and Gorgeous weather.





We now have many more little tiny Barbie pieces to keep track of, and many more wonderful girly things! I think I'm just as excited about the girly toys as she is. I loved my Barbie's when I was little--I'm so glad she enjoys them too.



Don't all the kids look like they are having a ball? :) It's so hard to get everyone smiling at the same time.

Thanks to our family and friends that were able to come...we love and appreciate all of you!

I'm Ready...Are You?

I love this time of year!

I remember on fall Saturday mornings being awakened to the sound of the Boilermaker Special coming down Northwestern Avenue blowing it's horn.

I remember many tailgates on Slater Hill over the last 20 years listening to the band's pre-game show.

I can recite the "I AM AN AMERICAN" speech played in Ross Aide Stadium before every home football game.

I love the atmosphere surrounding College Football.

Team pride, fall weather, tailgating, fight songs, the band, the team running out onto the field...

Tomorrow, the Boilers kick off their first game of the season.

Our flag will be flying. BOILER UP!!

My Kind of Town...

Chicago-what a great city. We live so close, but just don't enjoy much that the city has to offer. Well, we checked a few more things off of our list over the past weekend. Enjoy some of the highlights:


The kids' first train ride on the South Shore


What an easy way to travel to Chicago


Hotel Shenanigans...you'd think I'd know better since I work in one!


The view of Lake Michigan from our hotel room.


Navy Pier. We had dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.


Look at that skyline!


The Runners...Nike+ Human Race 10K. Way to go guys!


The Grandkids w/their Grandpa and Grammie


The lost flip flop--found 3 blocks from the hotel 12 hours after it was first reported lost.