Cheers!!

Tuesday began with many details including family pictures. Wow, now I get what they say about shooting with animals and children. Except our animals (children) were fine. It was me! I was trying to just keep them from being overheated (by the heat of course) and in view of the photographer. He (Bob Milkovich) is a sports photog I met through a Komen breast cancer event this past summer. He asked to take shots of me trying on hats at the Arlington event. I discovered he was Mayor Daley's main man to take pictures for when Chicago was up for the 2016 Olympics. Oh Brazil!! So it was fantastic to meet him and then work with him. He just shot the newest Cubs' cookbook which just came out to raise funds for Ryan Dempster's foundation for DiGeorge syndrome which his daughter endures. Way to go Bob! What a thrill to see it in stores and to shoot with him. I figured if he could shoot the Bears,Blackhawks and Bulls...he could capture a couple of young ones (the kids of course.) And he did-very well!

Then we flew OUT of the door in time to meet for dinner with the Aceto's at The Clubhouse. We had the chance to go over details and just have some fun. 31/2 hours of fun!! I am so fortunate to have Joe, Marcie, Julie and Joe (and Bebe) lead me through the year...and the server brought about a surprise dessert! They are all very good things!

Later That Day.....

My fabulous friends who I adore, stopped by for the afternoon. This was a great way to celebrate as we can all just hang out and catch up. Deanna, Andy and Carter (Rocky)swung by before heading home to Maryland. Thank you sooo much Deanna for all the gifts! Rona and Michelle came over before heading to the airport and Jennifer was able to drive over. We hit Cheesecake Factory, which is fatal I know, but so hard to resist. An eighth deadly sin? It was almost (ok, not nearly) as much fun as the company! Then I returned home to many flowers ( known still as 'fluffies,' by Ali) which all smell incredible. Thank you!!!

The day capped off with my husband who spent time figuring out dates for Arizona (Mrs. America)and talking with the hotel and airlines. He had it all worked out in under 24 hours! He proclaimed himself the head of the,"Illinois Delegation," which includes several other states at this point.
1)Deanna, me(& Ali), Rona and Michelle.
2) The CAKES
3)The fluffies.

Next.....

The staff and contestants arrived at 8am to get the day underway. After a briefing, we had rehearsals. That is when I spotted the dreaded (cue horror film music) stairs. There were 13 of them and this year we were all heading down them under the glare of the spotlight. Say what??? Dear God, please allow me to survive with heels in tact. The teens who were part of Illinois All-American just flew down them. They must not grasp that were are all mere mortals. The rest of us tried feverishly to figure out a way to create a state costume too big to handle the stairway entrance. I spent the better half of the morning going up and down and up and down those stairs. For a laugh, I almost called my mom to let her know. She will tell you about my relationship with stairs. "You can balance on a 4" beam, be captain of the cheer squad, but you cannot get down a set of stairs;)" Ha!But we were kept too busy to phone home. Interviews were...unexpected. We were grilled. I was asked about the BP spill, another was questioned about the "No Child Left Behind Act," and another delegate was asked about about foreign investments. So it was no surprise that I swear there was sweat dripping as I "calmly," walked out of the panel interview in search of a mop. The directors kept us well fed and busy until the prelims and finals. It was showtime!!!

Heading to Bolingbrook

The week that wasn't. Well, almost. We thought we safely survived John's camp counselor's bout with strep the week before. Then our sitter, "Gladys," showed up Monday with all the signs to confirm we had a problem. She went home and rested for the next few days. And we prayed ALOT that the rest of us would be spared. Why,such hypochondriacs? I was about to compete at Mrs. Illinois America at the end of the week. So, no sick babies and I was already losing my voice. We reorganized and cancelled fittings and nails ect. By Thursday we were full force again and I luckily was able to make it to court for my CASA family. Friday was spent catching up at a mock 2 pace for everyone. It explains why my gown was later a bit big in the butt. Not alot of time to sit about;)

I was completely surprised by these signs from the kiddos, with the help of our beloved "Gladys," who is like a little sister to me. AND she is getting married on our anniversary! With the truck packed to the brim and the tank full, I was finally on my way smelling a bit like sunless tanner. Yum! The trip to Bolingbrook normally takes just under an hour, but severe weather blew in from the West. Somehow,the storms seemed to part over the highway so we drivers were spared torrential downpours. 2.5 hours later, I made it to Bolingbrook to find a double rainbow! It was a great omen and a wonderful way to kick off an even more hectic weekend.

1&2) My going away gifts
3) It doesn't look like it from this picture, but this is the double rainbow.

Happy Birthday America!

Another year older and wiser? Let's hope. Thank you to the men who composed and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. They crafted a guide to help ensure our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness which should not be taken lightly.

This 4th, we walked in our village parade as we have for the last three years. Johnny was the dutiful driver this time and Ali was the co-pilot who waved to all. We were able to swim and have a cookout with our neighbors who we love and then the kids were able to stay up late enough to watch the fireworks. Ali kept singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," during the show which was a departure from her everyday "Happy Birthday to You," that she sign to EVERYONE and I do mean everyone. Hope you had a great holiday weekend. Can you believe it is July already?