Chicago Anniversary

Earlier this week, Dan and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary early in Chicago. There is so much I could say about how much we've both grown and changed, but that would make you cry. Instead, I'll share my pictures so you can be happy for us that we did something fun. Without KIDS!!!

Everyone kept asking about our plans. Honestly, our plans were to relax and have fun together. We simply needed space. Space to eat an entire meal, to sleep, shower and maybe finish a conversation without interruptions. It was glorious.

The only planned event was visiting the Art Institute of Chicago. What a beautiful beautiful sight!

On our way to the museum, we saw the Bean.

We walked and walked and walked. We shopped in dozens of vintage and used clothing stores (don't worry, you'll see it all in upcoming WIWW posts) and Dan even browsed through some books (that's how you know I love him). The food. Oh, the food. I never used to want to spend money on food. I felt it was so frivolous  such a fleeting thing to "invest" in. Now, I'm a changed woman. Eating good food is all about the experience and conversation surrounding it. Good food is a very important part of vacation.

Today is our official anniversary. Seven years ago, I could not have imagined I would be here, right now with a husband who loves God and two amazing little boys I am privileged to call sons. My life is full and I am thankful.

The Color Run (check it off the list!)

Two friends and I participated in the Color Run today. I was surprised at how short the run actually felt. I guess the people watching and clouds of color being thrown at me helped pass the time.

Before

During

After

Likes:

- The run benefits Autism.

- Lots of music and dancing

- It was easy to sign up and participate.

- The color stations made it easy to push through when I got tired.

- Running downtown was really fun!

Dislikes:

- SO. MANY. WALKERS! I was not expecting this at a RUN.

- A little confusing at first. No one really knew what to do or where to go.

Hooray for me! Not only did I run my first 5K, but I also get to check something off of my 30 before 30 list!!  I can't wait to run another 5K soon!! I think I'll do 3 or 4 a year, just to keep motivating me to run.

30 Before 30

I don't know what it is about turning 30, but everyone seems to think it's a big deal. I have been looking forward to it for quite some time now. I'm looking forward to having more life experience under my belt and to say goodbye to those fickle and conflicted years of my 20s. Turning 30 is something I plan on celebrating with joy and gladness. BUT, before that monumental day comes, there are a few things I'd like to do first. I started this list a few months ago, and am thrilled to say I can check off a few already. Some of these include my hubby, so we'll see how that goes ;)

30 before 30

1. learn to sew something with elastic.

2. drop 5 lbs.

3. finish elijah's baby scrapbook. (i've been so bad about it, i just did lazzy's with snapfish!)

4. go horseback riding again. it's been 3 years and i really don't want to lose that skill!

5. learn how to properly cook pork.

6. not sweep my floors for an entire week. i'm actually not sure i can physically do this, but i'm gonna try!

7. go on a hot air balloon ride.

8. find my perfect shade of lip stick.

9. run a 5k. (DID that!!)

10. go running on a beach (like, actually run)

11. a night away with dan but without the kids. (Chicago!!)

12. pay for someone's meal behind me at a drive through

13. go vegetarian for 1 month

14. ride a roller coaster with dan (he hates them but i love them!)

15. get another tattoo (baobab tree?)

16. really learn to play the banjo.

17. have a professional family photo taken and hang it in the house (done!)

18. do something with that gigantic canvas in our basement

20. unplug for 3 days straight. in america!

21. make chicken pot pie (i should already know how to do that)

22. go to a movie theater with my husband. buy tickets to a chick flick. watch the entire movie. go home happy. (yeah. it's never happened. this is my only chance!)
23. be the primary doula for a homebirth (woo hoo!! did that!)
24. learn to say the alphabet backwards
25. make 200 sales in my Etsy shop (thanks for helping me!!!)
26. attend the free yoga class at tower grove park
27. go rock climbing with my sister abby
28. make a statement necklace out of fabric buttons
29. grow out my hair so i can do a fish tail braid
30. design t-shirts for my boys (perhaps a project for the entire family!)

I'll try to blog about each one as I check it off my list. My 30th birthday is November 10th, 2013, so I've got 15 months. Now, wish me luck!