Washington D.C. 
Yes, my job includes travel around the country. 


I love visiting Washington D.C., every time I go I am energized by the people, the history and the energy that the city has to offer. It's also funny to go back-- and realize how much has changed, and how much has stayed the same since I lived in D.C. for a summer (Note: If you want to know what it's like to do an internship in DC read this Blog Post). 

This trip was all business. But a walk through Layfayette square and a cocktail hour outside at the Occidental made it feel like I actually got to enjoy the city for what it is.  The weather was PERFECT. Could not have asked for better weather. But I have to admit, one of the highlights of the trip was seeing Steve Martin up close and personal. He was staying at our hotel so we saw him a few times---classic (sorry no photos of Steve). 

The White House.

Layfayette Park.

Historic buildings surrounding Layfayette Square.

Beautiful sight-lines to the capital on Pennsylvania.

Washington Monument.

Soaking up the Sun. 
Trying to make up for a weekend of rain. 

Chicago has had a crazy spring weather pattern. It's been hot, it's been cold, wet and then dry. Honestly, I can't keep up with it. I thought at some point it would be on a steady rise toward summer-- but it's the middle of may and foggy and rainy outside, so clearly I was wrong about that. Perhaps June will be better...

At any rate, we get blessed with a few days here and there that are wonderful. This particular Sunday afternoon was exactly that. 65 degrees and Sunny with a light breeze. Of course, Sundays are busy days for us, with 3 hours at church, and then other responsibilities like feeding the missionaries. I talked Ryan into taking our Sunday afternoon nap/reading time outside. We were so glad that we did. Disclaimer: I didn't take photos of Ryan and I in the park. I only took photos of the trees and tulips that were in full bloom.

This is a tree/bush at our little neighborhood park. I love that they finally have their leaves!!

I told you I can't get enough of them. So gorgeous.

Holiness to The Lord, House of the Lord
Date Night at The Temple.
We love going to the temple. It is our Lord's house and you can feel His presence so strong inside. You feel of His love and it's the best feeling in the whole world. This is the Temple in Chicago. We usually go in the evenings so I haven't been able to get a good picture of it. This time, it was so grey and cloudy that it might as well have been night-time. I love the flowers and blossoms on the trees, they brighten everything up. 

There aren't too many places to put your camera on self timer...

Beautiful Flowers.

Blossoms.

We found this really cool restaurant for dinner-- it an old mansion!

Gorgeous! And so much fun. I love exploring (even in the suburbs).

Find a Temple close to you and go visit. Even if you can't go inside you can feel the sweet peace and love of our Heavenly Father on the grounds. It's my favorite.

Just a walk in the park. 
SPRING in Chicago!

Seasons like to play jokes on us. So here it is, May and we are still getting confusing weather; one day will be 65, sunny with a light breeze, and the next 40's gray and rainy. I can't wait for consistent spring weather.

One of my FAVORITE things about Chicago is the TULIPS. For those of you who have not been to Chicago in the spring, the City of Chicago plants THOUSANDS of TULIPS each year which brings amazing color and life to this city which has been in a deep winter sleep. It definitely helps give us city dwellers hope for warmer weather and life. Every time I see these tulips I get entranced (just ask my husband). I honestly just can't get enough.

Last weekend we were lucky enough to get a beautiful spring Saturday (which is an even more rare occasion than getting nice weather) so we enjoyed it outside walking along Michigan Ave, State Street and Millennium Park. It was an amazing day. One of my favorites so far. Here are a few photos:

Water Tower.

I love these big open tulips!

We came across these awesome tap dancers on Michigan ave-- so cool.

Isn't this a gorgeous planter on the street in Chicago?

Millenium Park.

See the bee?

Tulips on State Street in full bloom.

The color is just gorgeous.

Action shot in Millennium Park.

And the Winner is...
No One. You all went OVER!!

Total Produce Bill: $8.06  -- Can you believe that?? The biggest reason for this low price is because I got a flat of strawberries for $.49 -- it was crazy!! I made strawberry trifle, strawberry jam and anything else I could think of with strawberries. See full breakdown below: 

Apples- $1.72

Strawberries- $.49 

Avacados- $1.96
Green Onions- $.40
Basil - $.98
Bananas- $1.63

Who want's to play The Price Is Right? 
Let's see who can guess the right price for this produce grocery list: 

8 Baskets of Strawberries
1 bundle Green Onions
2 Avacados
5 Pink Lady Apples
2 lbs Sweet peppers
1 package Basil
1 Bunch Bananas

Bonus points if you can guess how much money was spent for each item. 

Days 3 & 4 of M&D Weekend. 

Saturday was a gorgeous day. Those are few and far between in Chicago this time of year! So we took full advantage. We got up early and headed over to Lou Mitchells for breakfast, and then split up to do our favorite activities. Ryan and Dad went golfing at Jackson Park, and mom and I hit up the boutiques in Wicker Park, Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville. Yes, we hit them all!!

We reconvened that afternoon and barbequed tri-tip for dinner. YUM. Then, we headed over to The Apollo Theater to see Million Dollar Quartet. So good!

On Sunday we had a lovely Easter message shared at Church, and then walked around the gorgeous neighborhood.

Easter Picture

After church we all took a much- needed nap, and then I got cooking. While dinner was in the oven we took a brisk walk to Millenium Park to see The Cloud & Prtizker Pavillion. I was mesmerized by the flowers on the way there.

Gorgeous flower arrangement on the city streets of Chicago

LOVE the tulips on Michigan Avenue

 

Michigan Avenue

Easter Dinner: Ham, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Salad and Grandma Pixton's dinner rolls!!

Can't wait for the next visit from Mom & Dad!!